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, lightly sweet Dijon glaze. They come together quickly, are crowd-pleasers for holidays, potlucks, or game day, and are easy enough to prep ahead.
I have a soft spot for ham and bread—everything from ham and cheese croissants to classic French sandwiches. When the holidays roll around and you often end up with a pan of roasted or honey-baked ham, these sliders are an easy and delicious way to transform leftovers into something special.
The filling here is simple: ham and a semi-soft cheese, layered so the melting cheese helps hold everything together. The topping is where these sliders stand out—a browned butter and brown sugar glaze brightened with Dijon and a touch of Worcestershire, plus poppy seeds and fresh chives for texture and flavor. I scale back the butter and sugar compared with many versions so the sliders stay flavorful without being too sweet or soggy.
Make them as an appetizer or serve them for casual lunch—paired with chips, a light salad, or fruit, they’re always a hit.
We’re using Hawaiian rolls
Start with one package of soft Hawaiian rolls (12 rolls). You can substitute other soft dinner rolls if you prefer. For the meat, use about a pound of thinly sliced ham—leftover cooked ham or freshly shaved deli ham works great; black forest is a tasty option. For cheese, choose sliced Havarti, Swiss, or sharp white cheddar—freshly sliced gives the best melt and texture.
Other ingredients include mayonnaise, melted unsalted butter, a small amount of packed brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds, and freshly minced chives to sprinkle on top.
Layer & bake
Stacking the ham and cheese in two layers helps the filling stay together once the cheese melts.
Make-ahead instructions
You can assemble these sliders the night before. Layer the rolls with ham and cheese in the baking pan and cover tightly. Store the prepared glaze separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, warm the glaze briefly if needed, brush it over the rolls, and bake as directed.
Storing & reheating
Store leftovers covered with foil or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual sliders in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or rewarm a full pan in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10–15 minutes, covered, until heated through.
Double the recipe
The recipe yields 12 sliders, enough for about 4–6 people as an appetizer. To serve a larger crowd, you can make two batches in one 9×13 pan by placing the rolls side-by-side. You may need to add about 5 extra minutes to the bake time to ensure everything warms evenly.
If you make this recipe, please consider leaving a rating or review—feedback is always appreciated and helps others find recipes they’ll love.
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 thinly-shaved ham or leftover ham (454 g)
- 1/2 pound 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 garnish (about 6 g)
Equipment
- Bread knife
- 9×13 pan
- Tin foil
- Pastry brush (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13 pan with cooking spray or a little neutral oil.
- Slice the rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom connected as a sheet. Place the bottom half in the prepared pan and spread evenly with mayonnaise.
- Layer half of the ham over the mayonnaise, then add half of the sliced cheese. Repeat with a second layer of ham and cheese so there are two layers total, then place the top half of the rolls over the filling.
- Whisk the melted butter with brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, and poppy seeds until smooth. Brush the mixture over the tops of the rolls, making sure to get into the seams. Pour any remaining glaze around the sliders.
- Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melty and the tops are golden-brown. If the tops brown too quickly, re-cover loosely with foil.
- Sprinkle with minced chives, slice into individual sliders, and serve warm.
Notes
Stacking the ham and cheese in two layers helps the filling stay together as the cheese melts. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar slightly. To make ahead, assemble the sliders in the pan and refrigerate covered; store the glaze separately and brush it on before baking. Feel free to double the recipe and arrange rolls side-by-side in a 9×13 pan.
Per slider (approx): Calories 305 kcal; Carbohydrates 17 g; Protein 16 g; Fat 19 g; Saturated Fat 9 g; Sodium 712 mg.