Gooey Hawaiian Roll Sandwiches

This hearty ham and cheese slider recipe has been my family's favorite for game day parties. The combination of savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and that irresistible poppyseed butter sauce creates the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears within minutes at every gathering.

I first discovered this recipe when hosting a Super Bowl party five years ago. My guests demolished the entire tray before halftime, and now these sliders have become my signature contribution to every potluck and sports gathering.

Ingredients

• Hawaiian dinner rolls Their soft, slightly sweet texture creates the perfect foundation for these sliders. The connected rolls make preparation incredibly simple.
• Mayonnaise Creates a moisture barrier that prevents the bread from getting soggy while adding richness.
• Deli ham Choose a good quality ham for the best flavor. Leftover holiday ham works wonderfully too if you have it.
• Swiss cheese The mild, nutty flavor complements the ham perfectly. Look for cheese that melts well.
• Butter Forms the base of our delicious sauce. Use real butter for the best flavor results.
• Dijon mustard Adds a tangy kick that balances the richness. French Dijon provides the most authentic flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce Just a touch adds incredible depth and umami that transforms these simple sliders.
• Onion powder Infuses the butter sauce with savory onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions.
• Poppy seeds Provide a delightful textural contrast and visual appeal to the buttery tops.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a 9x13" baking dish generously to prevent sticking. Using a large bread knife, carefully slice the connected Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping them intact. This technique ensures your sliders stay together and makes assembly incredibly efficient. Place the bottom section in your prepared baking dish and set the top section aside.

Create the Base

Spread mayonnaise evenly across both cut sides of the rolls. This layer acts as a protective barrier preventing the bread from becoming soggy while adding a creamy richness. The mayo should be applied in a thin, even layer reaching all the way to the edges.

Layer the Fillings

Arrange ham slices across the bottom rolls, slightly overlapping to ensure every bite contains meat. Layer the Swiss cheese evenly over the ham. For best results, ensure the cheese reaches the edges of the rolls for maximum meltiness throughout each slider.

Prepare the Magic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and poppy seeds until fully combined. The sauce should be smooth and aromatic. For extra gooey sliders, use the full 6 tablespoons of butter. This signature sauce transforms ordinary sandwiches into extraordinary sliders.

Complete Assembly and Bake

Pour the butter sauce evenly over the assembled sliders, making sure to coat every roll. Allow them to rest for 10 minutes so the rolls can absorb the flavorful sauce. Cover with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is fully melted. Remove foil and bake 2 more minutes to achieve golden brown tops with a slight crispness.

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The poppyseed butter sauce is truly what makes these sliders exceptional. I once tried making them without it to save time, and my son immediately noticed the difference. He now helps me whisk the sauce, carefully counting each ingredient to ensure we never miss this crucial step again.

Make-Ahead Instructions

These sliders are perfect for preparing in advance. Simply assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking. You may need to add 3-5 minutes to the baking time if starting from a chilled state.

Variation Ideas

While the classic ham and Swiss combination is beloved, these sliders welcome creative variations. Try turkey and provolone for a lighter option, or go indulgent with roast beef and cheddar. Vegetarian guests will appreciate a spinach, mushroom, and gruyere filling. The poppyseed butter sauce works beautifully with all these combinations.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders pair perfectly with a simple green salad to balance the richness. For a complete game day spread, serve alongside crunchy vegetable platters, chips with homemade dip, and fresh fruit. For an elevated dinner party, present them as a hearty appetizer alongside a soup course.

Storage Information

Leftover sliders retain their deliciousness remarkably well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through, or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge for a quick lunch option. They also freeze beautifully when wrapped individually in foil and stored in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

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Common Questions

→ Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare them completely but wait to add the butter sauce until right before baking. Keep assembled sliders covered in the refrigerator, then add the sauce and bake when ready to serve.

→ What sides pair well with these ham and cheese sliders?

These sliders pair wonderfully with potato chips, a simple green salad, vegetable platters, pasta salad, or fruit salad. For game day gatherings, serve alongside other finger foods like wings, nachos, or spinach dip.

→ Can I use different cheeses or meats?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese complements ham beautifully, you can substitute cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack. For meats, try turkey, roast beef, or even a combination. The poppyseed butter sauce works well with many flavor combinations.

→ What makes Hawaiian rolls special for these sliders?

Hawaiian rolls have a subtle sweetness that creates a perfect contrast with the savory ham and cheese. Their soft texture also absorbs the butter sauce beautifully. If unavailable, any soft dinner roll will work, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

→ How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, don't let the assembled sliders sit with the butter sauce for more than 10-15 minutes before baking. Also, make sure to uncover them for the last few minutes of baking to allow the tops to crisp up nicely.

→ Can these sliders be frozen?

Yes! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap individually in foil and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F oven until warmed through.