There’s something undeniably comforting about warm, melty sandwiches, and these Ham and Swiss Sliders take that comfort to a whole new level. These little handheld delights strike the perfect balance between casual and special—simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve at your next gathering.
What makes these sliders truly magical is the buttery, savory topping that creates an irresistible golden crust on the soft dinner rolls. As they bake, your kitchen will fill with an aroma so enticing that everyone will be hovering around the oven, asking when they’ll be ready!
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick prep time of just 15 minutes, with the oven doing most of the work
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or having delicious leftovers for lunch the next day
- Customizable with different meats, cheeses, and seasonings to suit your taste
- Great make-ahead option—assemble earlier in the day and bake when needed
- Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults to thoroughly enjoy
Ingredients
- 1 package Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 count)
- 18 slices thin deli ham
- 12 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature will allow the sliders to heat through evenly while still giving the tops a nice golden finish.
- Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure to cover the sides as well. The foil makes cleanup much easier and helps prevent the butter sauce from sticking to the pan. Lightly coat the foil with cooking spray to prevent the sliders from sticking.
- Remove the entire package of Hawaiian sweet rolls from the package, keeping them connected as one unit. Using a large serrated knife, carefully slice through the middle of all rolls horizontally, creating one connected top slab and one connected bottom slab. This technique keeps all the rolls together, making assembly much easier and ensures even distribution of fillings.
- Place the bottom slab of rolls in the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the ham slices evenly over the bottom slab, covering all the rolls. Next, arrange the Swiss cheese slices over the ham, slightly overlapping if necessary to cover the entire surface. Top with the remaining ham slices, creating even layers throughout.
- Place the top slab of rolls over the layered ham and cheese, reconstructing the rolls into their original form but now with the delicious fillings inside. Press down gently to compress the sliders slightly.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave in 20-30 second intervals until completely melted. Add the yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried minced onion, salt, and pepper to the melted butter. Whisk together until well combined. This flavorful butter sauce will infuse the sliders with savory goodness as they bake.
- Pour the butter sauce evenly over the tops of the rolls, allowing it to drip down the sides and between the sliders. Make sure all the rolls get some of the sauce for maximum flavor. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let the sliders sit for 5-10 minutes, allowing the rolls to absorb some of the butter sauce before baking.
- Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. The foil cover helps trap steam, warming the sliders throughout and melting the cheese while preventing the tops from browning too quickly.
- After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil cover and return the sliders to the oven. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy. This uncovered baking time allows the tops to get a nice finish and helps any excess butter to be absorbed.
- If desired, sprinkle the hot sliders with grated Parmesan cheese and dried parsley for extra flavor and a pop of color. Using a sharp knife, cut along the seams of the rolls to separate them into individual sliders. Serve immediately while they’re warm and the cheese is still melty. These sliders are perfect as an appetizer, for game day, or even as a main course with a side salad.
Tips & Variations
- Try different cheese varieties like provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack for a flavor twist
- Add a layer of caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for extra depth of flavor
- For a Cuban-inspired version, add sliced pickles and use mustard instead of the butter mixture
- Make it heartier by adding a second layer of meat—turkey and ham is a delicious combination
- For a sweeter version, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the butter mixture
- If you don’t have poppy seeds, sesame seeds make a great substitute
Serving Suggestions
These Ham and Swiss Sliders pair perfectly with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sandwiches. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a bowl of tomato soup or some crispy potato chips.
If you’re serving these at a party, consider setting up a slider bar with additional toppings like sliced pickles, different mustards, and mayonnaise so guests can customize their sliders to their liking.
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- The butter mixture can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator—just warm slightly before using.
- For best results, use fresh bakery rolls rather than packaged ones for a more authentic taste.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator, and add the butter mixture just before baking.
Can I freeze these sliders?
While you can freeze them, the texture of the rolls may change slightly. If freezing, do so before baking, then thaw completely in the refrigerator before adding the butter mixture and baking.
What if I don’t have dinner rolls?
Any small, soft rolls will work. Hawaiian sweet rolls are particularly delicious in this recipe, adding a subtle sweetness that complements the savory ham and cheese.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ham with grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or portobello mushrooms. You could also use plant-based deli slices if preferred.
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