Savory Ham Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls: Party Appetizer Recipe

Looking for an easy appetizer? These Hawaiian roll ham sliders are piled with ham, two cheeses, and finished with a garlicky herb butter.

These Hawaiian roll ham sliders with garlic butter are irresistible. The balance of sweet and savory is addictive: lightly crisp tops, warm fluffy interiors, sweet rolls, smoky ham, gooey cheese, and herbaceous garlic butter that ties everything together.

Hawaiian Roll Ham Sliders

Why You’ll Love These Hawaiian Roll Ham Sliders

  • Sweet and savory flavor – The slightly sweet rolls paired with smoky ham, two melting cheeses, and herby garlic butter create a satisfying flavor contrast.
  • Simple to prepare – A few straightforward steps and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing appetizer ready to bake.
  • Great for entertaining – Make ahead and refrigerate, then pop in the oven when guests arrive for an easy hot bite.
  • Tasty leftovers – Sliders make convenient lunches or snacks—enjoy them cold or reheat.

Ingredients Notes

To make these sliders you’ll need:

  • Hawaiian sweet rolls: A 12-count package (King’s Hawaiian or similar). You can also bake enriched rolls from scratch if preferred.
  • Deli ham: Choose thinly sliced, good-quality deli ham. Smoked ham works especially well for depth of flavor.
  • Cheese: A blend of smoked provolone for smokiness and cheddar for classic flavor. Both melt nicely.
  • Garlic butter: Melted butter combined with garlic and herbs, poured over the assembled sliders to infuse flavor and promote golden browning.
Making Hawaiian Roll Sliders

A complete ingredient list with amounts is included in the recipe card below.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll Ham Sliders

  1. Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Assemble the sliders: Horizontally slice the connected Hawaiian rolls, keeping tops attached if possible. Place the bottom half in a 9×13-inch pan, layer half the ham, add cheese, then top with the remaining ham and the roll tops.
  3. Make the garlic-herb butter: Melt butter in a small saucepan, stir in minced garlic and your herbs, and remove from heat.
  4. Pour over sliders: Slowly pour the hot butter mixture over the assembled sandwiches so it soaks into the bread.
  5. Bake: Cover the pan with foil and bake until the cheese melts (about 15 minutes). Uncover and bake 5–7 more minutes until the tops are golden.
  6. Serve: Cut into individual sliders and serve warm.

Variations, Substitutions, and Tips

Spice it up – Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne to the butter for heat. Mustard adds tang; a touch of honey or brown sugar can emphasize sweetness.

Cheese swaps – Swiss, all cheddar, or any good melting cheese works if you prefer alternatives.

Finishings – Sprinkle poppy or sesame seeds on top for extra texture and visual appeal.

Baked Hawaiian Roll Ham Sliders

What Are Hawaiian Sweet Rolls?

Hawaiian sweet rolls are soft, enriched dinner rolls made with flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and sometimes pineapple juice. They’re inspired by Portuguese pao doce and are known for a tender, slightly sweet crumb. King’s Hawaiian is a well-known brand, though many bakeries and supermarkets offer similar rolls.

Storage and Freezer Tips

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator or keep them in the baking pan covered tightly with foil. Freezing isn’t recommended because the delicate texture and minimal cooking make them less suited to freezing.

How to Reheat

Reheat sliders in the microwave in 15-second intervals until warm and the cheese softens. For better texture, reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 7–10 minutes on a baking sheet or in the original pan until heated through.

Hawaiian Roll Ham Sliders

Hawaiian Roll Ham Sliders

Yield: 12 Sliders
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian sweet rolls
  • 12 ounces deli ham, thinly sliced
  • 8 ounces smoked provolone cheese, thinly sliced
  • 4 ounces freshly grated cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Use a serrated knife to slice the connected rolls horizontally into tops and bottoms.
  3. Place the bottom half in the pan, layer half the ham, then add cheese and the remaining ham.
  4. Top with the roll tops.
  5. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  6. Add the garlic and cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
  8. Slowly pour the hot butter mixture over the sandwiches, cover with foil, and bake.
  9. Bake 15 minutes or until cheese melts, then uncover and bake 5–7 minutes until golden.
  10. Slice into individual sliders and serve warm.
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:

Calories: 288 • Total Fat: 19g • Saturated Fat: 11g • Cholesterol: 57mg • Sodium: 797mg • Carbohydrates: 14g • Fiber: 1g • Sugar: 1g • Protein: 15g

© Monique McArthur
Cuisine: American / Category: Appetizers

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