This is my go-to appetizer for using up leftover ham. These brown sugar ham and cheese sliders are built on soft Hawaiian rolls and finished with a buttery brown sugar–Dijon glaze. They come together quickly, are perfect for holidays, potlucks, and game day, and the combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors never disappoints.
I love a simple ham-and-carb pairing: from ham and cheese croissants to classic French sandwiches, there’s something comforting about salty ham with melty cheese and buttered bread. Around the holidays you often end up with extra honey-baked or glazed ham, and these sliders are an easy, crowd-pleasing way to use it.
Traditional versions can be overly sweet or greasy, so this recipe keeps the topping balanced — less butter, a touch of brown sugar, extra seasoning, and a hint of fresh chives. The result is rich and cozy without being cloying. Serve the sliders with simple sides like chips, a light salad, or fresh fruit for a quick lunch, or offer them as an appetizer at gatherings.
If you still have ham leftovers, these sliders are a great option. They’re also easy to tweak: swap the cheese or adjust the glaze to taste.
We’re using Hawaiian rolls
The base for these sliders is classic Hawaiian rolls (12 per package). You can also use any soft dinner roll or savory butter roll. For the filling choose either leftover holiday ham or freshly shaved deli ham — black forest or other smoked hams work wonderfully.
Other components to have on hand: mayonnaise, unsalted butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and onion powders, poppy seeds, and fresh chives. For cheese, thinly sliced havarti, Swiss, or sharp white cheddar are excellent choices — slice fresh for best melting and texture.
Layer and bake
Stacking the ham and cheese into two layers helps the filling stay put as the cheese melts, making the sliders easier to slice and serve.
Make-ahead instructions
You can assemble these sliders the night before. Layer the rolls with ham and cheese in the pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Store the brown sugar topping in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to bake, warm the topping briefly to loosen it, brush or pour it over the rolls, cover with foil, and bake as directed.
Storing and reheating
Store leftovers covered in foil or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual sliders in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or reheat a larger batch in a covered pan at 350°F (177°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through. Tent with foil if the tops are browning too quickly to keep them soft.
Double the recipe for a crowd
This recipe yields 12 sliders, feeding about 4–6 people depending on appetite. To make more, simply arrange an additional set of rolls side-by-side in the same 9×13 pan and proceed the same way. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time so the center warms through.
If you make this recipe, please leave a rating and a short note about how it turned out — feedback is always appreciated.
Easy Brown Sugar Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 package Hawaiian rolls (12 rolls)
- 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise (about 30 g)
- 1 pound freshly-shaved black forest ham or leftover ham (454 g)
- 1/2 pound freshly-sliced havarti, Swiss, or white cheddar (228 g)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (60 g)
- 1 Tablespoon packed brown sugar (14 g)
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard (14 g)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 Tablespoon freshly-minced chives for sprinkling (about 6 g)
Equipment
- Bread knife
- 9×13 pan
- Foil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 pan.
- Using a sharp bread knife, slice the rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact. Place the bottom half in the pan and spread with mayonnaise.
- Layer half of the ham evenly over the mayo, then half of the cheese. Add another layer of ham and cheese so there are two layers total. Place the top half of the rolls over the filling.
- Whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, Dijon, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, and poppy seeds until smooth. Brush the mixture over the tops of the rolls, working it into seams and edges. Pour any leftover sauce around the sliders.
- Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 5–10 more minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden-brown. If the tops brown too fast, tent with foil.
- Sprinkle with fresh chives, slice the sliders, and serve warm.
Notes
Stack ham and cheese in two layers so the melted cheese helps hold the filling together. If you want softer tops, cover again after removing from the oven for a few minutes. To double the recipe, place two sets of rolls side-by-side in the same 9×13 pan and add a few extra minutes of bake time if needed.
Course: Appetizer |
Author: Sara Lynn Hunt Broka
Calories: 305 kcal,
Carbohydrates: 17 g,
Protein: 16 g,
Fat: 19 g,
Sodium: 712 mg