Hawaiian Roll Sandwiches

These Hawaiian roll sandwiches, also known as mini ham and cheese sliders, are a party favorite that flies off the platter at every get-together. The concept is simple: little ham and cheese sandwiches on soft Hawaiian buns, topped with seasoned butter that soaks in as they bake. The first time I made a batch, I separated all the rolls individually before filling them and it took forever and left them uneven. Slicing the whole sheet of rolls in half at once is the trick that makes it quick.

What I love is that end result, a gooey, buttery, pillowy-soft ham sandwich with a crispy bottom. Kids and adults alike adore them, and they’re always the first thing to disappear. You’ll definitely want to eat more than one. They come together fast, which makes them perfect for parties and potlucks.

Here’s the kitchen tip for slicing the rolls. Keep the rolls connected and cut the whole sheet in half horizontally at once. Place the entire loaf on a cutting board and run a large serrated knife straight through the middle. It’s so much easier than separating and slicing each roll one by one, and you can pull them apart afterward, which is simpler when they aren’t piping hot.

And give the butter mixture a good stir right before you pour it, which makes sure every sandwich gets seasoned. The Dijon and onion powder settle to the bottom, so a quick stir keeps them evenly distributed instead of pooling on just a few rolls. Some butter will pool at the bottom of the pan, and that’s okay, since it crisps up those bottoms. You’ll smell that buttery, savory thing as they bake. Serve them warm while the cheese is still gooey.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

They’re a party favorite. Gooey, buttery sliders that disappear fast at any get-together.

They’re easy to make. Assemble, pour on the butter, and bake, no fuss involved.

The texture is perfect. Pillowy-soft rolls with melty cheese and a crispy buttered bottom.

They’re customizable. Swap the meat, cheese, or seasonings to suit your crowd.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 24 Hawaiian rolls
• 24 slices deli ham (about 1 lb)
• 12 slices Swiss cheese (about 3/4 lb)
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (or onion flakes)
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

How to Make Hawaiian Roll Sandwiches

1. Slice the Rolls

Heat the oven to 350. Keep the rolls connected and use a serrated knife to slice the whole sheet in half horizontally, then pull them apart.

2. Prep the Pans

Place the bottom halves of the rolls into two 13×9-inch pans. Cut the Swiss cheese slices into quarters.

3. Fill the Sandwiches

Top each roll bottom with a slice of ham, folded to fit, and two quarter-pieces of cheese. Place the top halves of the rolls back on.

4. Make the Butter

Stir together the melted butter, Dijon, worcestershire sauce, and onion powder. Give it a good stir right before pouring so the seasonings distribute evenly.

5. Pour and Top

Pour the butter mixture evenly over the sandwiches, letting some pool at the bottom. Sprinkle with the poppy seeds.

6. Bake

Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes, then uncover and bake 5 minutes more, until lightly golden on top. Serve warm.

Expert Tips

Slice the whole sheet at once. Cutting the connected rolls in half is faster than separating each one.

Stir the butter before pouring. It keeps the Dijon and seasonings evenly distributed.

Let some butter pool at the bottom. It crisps up the bottoms of the sliders.

Fold the ham to fit. It stacks neatly under the top roll.

Serve them warm. The cheese is gooey and the rolls are soft right out of the oven.

Recipe Variations and Add-ins

You can swap turkey or roast beef for the ham.

Use Colby Jack, cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack in place of the Swiss.

You can use onion flakes in place of the onion powder.

Sub soy sauce plus a pinch of sugar for the worcestershire.

You can add extra ham and cheese for a heartier slider.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Serve them with a leafy green salad. The fresh salad balances the rich sliders. The two make a meal.

Pair them with a bowl of soup or chili. The warm soup rounds it out. It’s a cozy combo.

Set them out on an appetizer buffet. The sliders are easy to grab. They fit a party spread.

How to Store This Recipe

Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The sliders keep for a few days.

To reheat, warm them in a 350 oven covered with foil for 5 to 8 minutes, until heated through. The foil keeps them from drying out and helps the cheese get melty again.