Easy Ham and Swiss Sliders

These irresistible ham and Swiss sliders transform ordinary ingredients into a crowd-pleasing treat that disappears within minutes at any gathering. The combination of savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and sweet Hawaiian rolls creates the perfect balance of flavors that keeps everyone coming back for more.

I first made these sliders for a Sunday football gathering and they vanished before halftime. Now they're requested at every family gathering and potluck I attend, becoming my signature contribution that never disappoints.

Ingredients

• Hawaiian sweet rolls The pillow soft texture and subtle sweetness creates the perfect foundation for these sliders
• Deli ham Choose quality ham for the best flavor, I prefer black forest or honey ham for extra dimension
• Swiss cheese Look for aged Swiss with small holes for optimal melting properties
• Mayonnaise Use real mayonnaise rather than light versions for richness
• Fresh garlic Adds bright flavor to the mayo spread, always mince it fresh rather than using pre-minced
• Butter European style butter with higher fat content creates a more luxurious glaze
• Honey Local wildflower honey adds complex sweetness to the butter glaze
• Worcestershire sauce Adds umami depth that elevates the entire sandwich
• Yellow mustard Provides tanginess that cuts through the richness
• Fresh parsley Brightens the flavor profile and adds visual appeal
• Spices Garlic powder, onion powder and paprika create layers of flavor in the glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the oven

Heat your oven to 375°F to ensure it reaches proper temperature while you assemble the sliders. Position your rack in the middle of the oven for even heating.

Slice the rolls

Keep the entire package of Hawaiian rolls intact and use a large serrated knife to slice horizontally through the middle, creating one large top piece and one large bottom piece. This technique ensures uniform sliders and speeds up assembly dramatically.

Prepare the base

Place the bottom half of the rolls in a lightly greased 9x13 baking dish, making sure the cut side faces up to hold all the delicious fillings.

Create the garlic mayo

Mix minced fresh garlic with mayonnaise in a small bowl until well combined, then spread this mixture evenly across the bottom layer of rolls. This creates a flavor barrier that prevents the bread from becoming soggy.

Layer the proteins

First arrange the ham slices evenly across the bread, folding each piece to create height and texture. Then layer the Swiss cheese on top, slightly overlapping the slices to ensure every bite contains cheese.

Add the top

Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese layer, pressing down gently to secure everything in place.

Make the honey butter glaze

Combine softened butter, honey, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, parsley, and spices in a small bowl, mixing until completely incorporated. Spread this mixture evenly across the tops of the rolls, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor and beautiful browning.

Initial bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. This steams the sandwiches, allowing the cheese to melt completely while keeping the rolls soft.

Final browning

Remove the foil and continue baking for 5 to 10 minutes more, watching carefully until the tops turn golden brown and slightly crisp. This creates textural contrast with the soft interior.

Serve immediately

Use a sharp knife to cut along the natural divisions of the rolls to separate the sliders, and serve while hot and cheese is still melty for the best experience.

Save

The magic of these sliders truly lies in the honey butter glaze. I discovered this combination by accident when I ran out of my usual topping ingredients during a snowstorm. My family declared it was the best version I had ever made, proving that sometimes kitchen emergencies lead to the most delicious discoveries.

Make Ahead Tips

These sliders are perfect for entertaining because they can be completely assembled up to a day in advance. Simply prepare everything through the honey butter glaze step, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding about 5 extra minutes to the covered baking time to ensure the center gets hot.

Ingredient Substitutions

While Hawaiian rolls provide the signature sweetness for these sliders, you can use other dinner rolls in a pinch. For the cheese, provolone, Gruyère, or Havarti make excellent alternatives to Swiss. Turkey, roast beef, or even leftover holiday ham can replace deli ham. For a vegetarian option, substitute thinly sliced roasted vegetables and add an extra layer of cheese for substance.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders pair beautifully with light sides that balance their richness. Try serving alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing, a bowl of tomato soup, or sweet potato fries. For casual entertaining, arrange them on a platter surrounded by pickle spears, cherry tomatoes, and potato chips. They make an excellent addition to a brunch spread or game day buffet.

The History Behind The Slider

The term "slider" originated in the Navy, where greasy mini burgers would slide across the galley grill as ships moved through rough waters. While traditional sliders were small hamburgers, the concept evolved to include any miniature sandwich served on a small roll. These Hawaiian roll sliders gained immense popularity in the early 2000s as party food and have become a staple at American gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners for their convenience and crowd-pleasing nature.

Save

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the sliders completely, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply follow the baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time since they'll be starting cold.

→ What can I serve with these ham and Swiss sliders?

These sliders pair wonderfully with simple sides like potato chips, a light green salad, coleslaw, or fresh fruit. For heartier meals, serve alongside potato salad, macaroni salad, or a cup of tomato soup.

→ Can I use different cheeses or meats?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese complements ham beautifully, you can substitute with provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack. For meats, try turkey, roast beef, or even a combination. Just maintain similar quantities to ensure proper cooking.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual sliders for 20-30 seconds, though the bread may not be as crisp.

→ Can I make these sliders without the honey butter topping?

While the honey butter topping adds wonderful flavor and helps the rolls brown beautifully, you can simplify by just using melted butter with a pinch of salt. However, the combination of sweet, savory, and aromatic elements in the full topping really makes these sliders special.

→ Are there any dietary adaptations I can make?

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and ham, and light mayonnaise. For gluten-sensitive individuals, try gluten-free dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly with substitutions.