There’s something incredibly satisfying about serving up a plate of warm, cheesy ham sliders at any gathering. I still remember the first time I made these ham and Havarti cheese sliders for a game night with friends. The room filled with the delightful aroma of baked bread and melted cheese, creating an irresistible allure. The moment they came out of the oven, my friends couldn’t wait to dive in. These sliders are not only quick to whip up, but they also bring a special blend of flavors and textures that everyone loves, making them perfect for parties, game days, or even a cozy weeknight dinner.
What makes these little gems so special is the combination of savory black forest ham with creamy Havarti cheese, all nestled between soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls. With every bite, you experience a delightful contrast of flavors: the saltiness of the ham, the richness of the cheese, and the slight sweetness of the rolls. They’re easy to make in a single batch, feeding a crowd without any hassle. If you enjoy slider recipes or looking for a simple yet delicious dish to impress your guests, these ham and Havarti cheese sliders will become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Why you’ll love this
- Quick to make in under 30 minutes.
- Minimal cleanup, all baked in one dish.
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for any occasion.
- Flavorful combination of ham, cheese, and poppy seeds.
- Great for make-ahead meals—just bake before serving!
“These sliders are a hit every time I make them! So delicious and easy!”
Preparing it: quick look
Creating these delectable sliders is straightforward. You start by preparing the Hawaiian rolls, layering them with ham and cheese, and finishing with a buttery poppy seed topping. After a quick bake, you’ll have melt-in-your-mouth sliders that are perfect for sharing. The simplicity of the process is just as impressive as the end result!
What you’ll need
- 1 package Savory Butter Hawaiian Rolls (12 count)
- 12 slices black forest ham
- 6 slices Havarti cheese
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder (optional)
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Rolls: Hawaiian rolls provide a sweet touch, but you can use other soft bread rolls for a different flavor profile.
- Ham: Swap black forest ham for honey ham or turkey for a lighter option.
- Cheese: Havarti pairs beautifully; however, you can substitute with Swiss or cheddar cheese based on preference.
Step-by-step instructions
Are you ready to make these mouthwatering ham and Havarti cheese sliders? Here’s how to do it:
Prepare rolls and baking dish: Slice the entire block of rolls in half without separating them. Remove the top half and set aside. Place the bottom half in a lightly greased 9×12 baking pan.
Add ham and cheese: Layer each roll with a slice of black forest ham and a half slice of Havarti cheese.
Prepare and add buttery topping: In a microwavable bowl, cover and heat the butter for about 30 seconds or until melted. Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and poppy seeds. Brush the top layer of rolls with the butter mixture.
Bake: Loosely cover with foil and bake at 350˚F for about 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tops of the buns are golden brown.
Pro Tip:
For an extra kick, add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, for added flavor and color.
Visual doneness cues:
When finished, the cheese should be beautifully melted and bubbly, while the tops of the buns should be golden brown and slightly crisp.
Helpful cooking tips
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and spreading.
- Try adding different cheeses such as mozzarella or gouda for a twist.
- Assemble sliders a day ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator; bake before serving.
- For a spicy kick, try adding a few slices of jalapeños in between the ham and cheese layers.
How to plate & pair
Serve these irresistible sliders warm with a side of crispy potato chips or a fresh garden salad. For a more comforting meal, consider pairing them with potato salad or coleslaw. Garnishing with a few extra poppy seeds on top adds a delightful touch.
How to store & freeze
Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze unbaked sliders for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply bake straight from the freezer, increasing the baking time by a few minutes.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; reheat until steaming hot.
How to fix common issues
If your sliders come out too dry, you may have overbaked them—next time, check on them a few minutes early. For a too-bland taste, consider adjusting seasoning in the butter mixture or adding more flavors, like garlic or onion powder. If they become soggy, ensure the butter sauce doesn’t pool excessively on top of the rolls before baking.
Flavor swaps
You can customize your sliders in various ways. Use turkey or chicken instead of ham for a lighter sandwich. Switch out Havarti cheese for spicy pepper jack for a little heat or even go for a classic cheddar. For a unique twist, consider adding layers of sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to elevate the flavor.
Common questions
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders and keep them covered in the refrigerator overnight. Just bake them fresh before serving.
What kind of rolls work best for sliders?
Hawaiian rolls are a favorite due to their sweet flavor and soft texture, but you can use any soft sandwich rolls, such as dinner rolls or brioche.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While Havarti cheese is delicious, feel free to substitute with your favorites like Swiss, cheddar, or even pepper jack for added spice.
How do I reheat leftover sliders?
The best way to reheat them is in a preheated oven at 350˚F for around 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.
Are there vegetarian alternatives for these sliders?
For vegetarian sliders, you can replace the ham with roasted vegetables or a hearty spread like hummus, and keep the cheese for creaminess, or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
With these ham and Havarti cheese sliders, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, perfect for any occasion!
Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- Slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls in half without separating them. Remove the top half and set aside.
- Place the bottom half in a lightly greased 9x12 baking pan.
- Layer each roll with a slice of black forest ham and a half slice of Havarti cheese.
- In a microwavable bowl, cover and heat the butter for about 30 seconds or until melted.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and poppy seeds.
- Brush the top layer of rolls with the butter mixture.
- Loosely cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tops of the buns are golden brown.