Irresistible Ham and Cheese Sliders: The Ultimate King’s Hawaiian Roll Recipe for Parties & Tailgates
Prepare to delight your taste buds and impress your guests with these incredible Ham and Swiss Cheese Sliders. Loaded onto fluffy King’s Hawaiian rolls, slathered with a savory Dijon butter sauce, and baked to golden perfection, these sliders are more than just a snack – they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, gearing up for a lively tailgate, or simply looking for an easy yet satisfying meal, this recipe consistently earns rave reviews. They are simple to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and disappear astonishingly fast!
The culinary world is brimming with delicious recipes, and it’s easy for true gems to get lost in the shuffle. Over the years, I’ve encountered countless variations of the classic ham and cheese slider, each promising deliciousness. Like many home cooks, I’m a connoisseur of post-it notes in cookbooks and an avid pinner on Pinterest, always intending to revisit those exciting finds. However, life often intervenes, and those brilliant ideas sometimes fade into the digital ether or get buried under a mountain of new culinary aspirations. It seems to be a common experience as we navigate the vast landscape of online recipes – a delightful challenge that ensures there’s always something new to try.
My journey to truly embracing this particular slider recipe was, fortunately, guided by a wonderful friend and fellow food enthusiast, Brandi from Aunt Bee’s Recipes. Over the past year, our friendship has blossomed, built on a shared passion for good food and the unique understanding that only another food blogger can offer. Brandi is an invaluable confidante, someone who truly ‘gets’ the intricacies and occasional frustrations of the food blogging world. She’s always ready with a witty remark, a perfectly timed meme, or a comforting word of commiseration, turning any rant into a reason to smile. Beyond her camaraderie, my family and I are immensely grateful for her culinary contributions, always bringing fresh and exciting recipes to our tables.
So, when I stumbled upon her Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe on her blog one day, I immediately knew it was a keeper. It struck me as the perfect dish for two upcoming occasions: a lively pool party I was planning for my kids and their friends, and the much-anticipated tailgating season. The convenience, the delicious combination of flavors, and the ease of serving small bites made it an undeniable winner. It was time to put those fleeting pins and post-it notes to good use and finally experience the magic of these universally loved sliders!
The Secret to Irresistible Sliders: Quality Ingredients and Sweet Rolls
The foundation of these outstanding sliders lies in the careful selection of ingredients. We start with good quality ham and savory Swiss cheese, generously layered onto the unique sweetness and pillowy softness of King’s Hawaiian rolls. This combination creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that is simply addictive. These sliders are also a fantastic solution for utilizing leftover holiday ham, transforming it into a fresh and exciting meal that feels far from ‘leftovers.’ While many traditional recipes, including Brandi’s original, often call for poppy seeds in the butter sauce, I personally prefer to omit them. However, the recipe thoughtfully lists them as “optional,” allowing you to customize your sliders to your personal preference. Whether you’re a poppy seed enthusiast or not, the core flavors remain undeniably delicious.
Why These Ham and Cheese Sliders Are a Must-Try
What makes these ham and cheese sliders truly stand out as a party food and family favorite? It’s their unparalleled convenience and adaptability. Preparing them takes minimal effort, making them ideal for busy hosts. You can assemble them in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and then simply pop them in the oven when your guests arrive or when you’re ready for dinner. This ‘make-ahead’ capability is a game-changer for entertaining, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company and less time in the kitchen.
Beyond their ease of preparation, these sliders are universally loved. The combination of salty ham, creamy Swiss cheese, and the sweet, soft King’s Hawaiian rolls creates a flavor profile that appeals to nearly everyone, from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts. The special Dijon butter sauce, brushed over the tops before baking, infuses the rolls with an extra layer of savory, tangy goodness, making each bite an explosion of flavor. The butter melts into the rolls, creating a slightly crisp exterior and a warm, gooey interior. They are substantial enough to satisfy but small enough to be a perfect bite-sized appetizer, making them an excellent choice for a wide range of occasions.
Tips for Perfect Sliders Every Time
To ensure your ham and cheese sliders turn out perfectly, here are a few tips. First, ensure your King’s Hawaiian rolls are fresh; their signature softness is key to the slider experience. When slicing the rolls horizontally, a good bread knife will make the task much easier, allowing you to keep them mostly intact for assembly. Don’t skimp on the mayonnaise layer; it adds moisture and a subtle richness that complements the other ingredients. When pouring the Dijon butter mixture, ensure it’s evenly distributed over all the rolls for maximum flavor penetration. Covering the baking dish with aluminum foil for the initial bake helps steam the rolls and melt the cheese without over-browning the tops. Removing the foil for the last couple of minutes gives them a beautiful golden finish. Finally, letting them rest for 5 minutes after baking allows the flavors to meld and makes them easier to cut and serve without falling apart.
These ham and cheese sliders are truly a versatile dish. They’re fantastic for quick weeknight dinners, easy lunches, or as a hearty snack. Their simplicity means even novice cooks can achieve fantastic results, while their deliciousness guarantees they’ll become a regular request in your household. Give this recipe a try, and discover why it has become such a beloved classic for so many!
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Print Recipe
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Ingredients
- 1 dozen King’s Hawaiian rolls
- Mayonnaise
- 12 thick slices Swiss Cheese
- 1 pound Ham
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
- 1 1/2 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Poppy Seeds optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
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Carefully separate the King’s Hawaiian rolls. Using a serrated bread knife, slice each roll in half horizontally.
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Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each roll. Then, layer a slice of Swiss cheese, followed by a portion of ham, and finally place the top half of the roll on top.
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Arrange the assembled sandwiches snugly in a baking dish, ensuring they are slightly touching each other. This helps them stay together and allows the flavors to meld during baking.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, onion powder, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. If using, add the optional poppy seeds at this stage. Pour this savory mixture evenly over the tops of the sliders.
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Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 2 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow them to cool slightly and firm up.
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Original Recipe Source
Nutrition
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