Nothing beats the smell of buttery Hawaiian rolls warming in the oven on game day Sunday. These Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders have become my go-to when I need something delicious fast, and they disappear from the platter before halftime even hits!
Think deli-counter ham meets creamy Havarti on soft Hawaiian rolls, all baked together with a buttery herb topping. The cheese gets perfectly melty, the rolls turn golden, and everything comes together in one pan. No assembly line needed – just slice, stuff, brush with butter, and bake for 15 minutes.
Started making these back in 2014 when my sister needed easy football dinner ideas for her Super Bowl party. My brother-in-law grabbed three before I even finished cutting them apart. The secret I discovered? Brush that herb butter on the bottom rolls too, not just the tops. Makes all the difference for flavor in every bite.
PrintHam and Havarti Cheese Sliders: Easy Delicious Fun
Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders offer a tasty and convenient option for Easy Football Dinner Ideas. These sliders deliver a quick and easy dinner recipe that combines savory ham and creamy Havarti cheese on Hawaiian rolls for a crowd-pleasing snack or meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 Servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers, Breakfast, Brunch, Snacks
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 1 package Savory Butter Hawaiian Rolls 12 count
- 12 slices black forest ham
- 6 slices Havarti cheese
- 4 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce optional
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder optional
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Cut the block of Hawaiian rolls horizontally without separating the individual buns.
- Place the bottom half of the rolls in a butter-greased 9×12 baking pan and set the top half aside.
- Layer each bun with one slice of black forest ham and half a slice of Havarti cheese.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter for about 30 seconds then mix in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and poppy seeds to make the glaze.
- Put the top half of the rolls back onto the layered bottom and evenly brush the glaze over the top.
- Cover the pan loosely with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an extra 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the tops turn golden brown.
Notes
- If the tops brown before the cheese fully melts, cover the sliders again with foil and keep baking until done
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 205kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 516mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g + 2g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 47mg
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders
These sliders remind me of the warm, buttery comfort food Mom used to make when we had last-minute company. The combination of creamy Havarti cheese and savory black forest ham creates this perfect melty goodness that feels both familiar and special.
What makes them irresistible:
- That buttery mustard glaze with poppy seeds adds just enough tang and crunch
- Hawaiian rolls stay soft and pillowy while getting golden on top
- Everything bakes together in one pan – no individual assembly required
- Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
The Magic Behind These Simple Ingredients
Sometimes the best recipes rely on just a few quality ingredients working together. The Hawaiian rolls are the star here – they’re sweet enough to balance the salty ham but sturdy enough to hold everything together without falling apart.
That Havarti cheese melts like a dream and has this creamy, mild flavor that doesn’t compete with the black forest ham. And can we talk about that mustard-butter glaze? The Dijon mustard adds just a hint of sharpness, while those poppy seeds give every bite a little textural surprise.
| Ingredient | Easy Swaps | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Havarti cheese | Swiss, provolone, or mild cheddar | Melts smoothly without overpowering |
| Black forest ham | Honey ham or turkey | Pre-sliced saves time, great flavor |
| Hawaiian rolls | Brioche or potato rolls | Sweet, buttery base that stays soft |
| Dijon mustard | Yellow mustard or honey mustard | Adds tang without overwhelming |
How These Sliders Come Together
The beauty of this recipe is in keeping those rolls connected – you slice the whole block in half like you’re making one giant sandwich, then stuff and bake. No fussy individual assembly or trying to keep twelve little rolls organized.
That butter glaze gets brushed on top and soaks down into the rolls as they bake. I learned the hard way to cover them with foil for the first 15 minutes – otherwise the tops brown too fast and the cheese doesn’t get properly melty. Those last 5 minutes uncovered give you that perfect golden finish.
Pro tip: Let them rest for about 3 minutes after baking before cutting apart. The cheese sets just enough to not be completely molten, but they’re still plenty gooey.
Troubleshooting Your Sliders
Even simple recipes can have their little hiccups. If your tops are browning too quickly but the cheese isn’t melted yet, just pop that foil back on and give them a few more minutes. Better to have perfectly melted cheese than pretty tops with cold centers.
Common fixes:
- Rolls getting soggy? Make sure your baking pan isn’t too small – they need room to breathe
- Glaze not sticking? Brush it on while the butter is still slightly warm
- Cheese not melting evenly? Try tearing the slices into smaller pieces for better coverage
Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas
These sliders are fantastic party food ideas with Hawaiian rolls as the base, but they’re versatile enough for casual family dinners too. I love serving them alongside a simple green salad or some crispy potato chips for that satisfying crunch contrast.
For game day or parties, they’re ideal easy football dinner ideas – you can prep them a few hours ahead and just pop them in the oven when guests arrive. They also work beautifully for brunch with some fresh fruit or as a quick dinner with roasted vegetables.
| Occasion | Perfect Sides | Make-Ahead Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Game Day | Chips, veggie tray, beer | Assemble 2 hours ahead, bake fresh |
| Family Dinner | Simple salad, roasted veggies | Prep glaze morning of |
| Brunch | Fresh fruit, coffee | Bake and serve immediately |
| Parties | Appetizer spread | Double recipe, use two pans |
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover sliders keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, though honestly, they rarely last that long in my house. Wrap them tightly in foil or store in an airtight container to keep those rolls from drying out.
To reheat, I prefer wrapping them in foil and warming in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of that crispy top texture. If you’re reheating just one or two, a toaster oven does the trick perfectly.
Storage breakdown: Refrigerate assembled but unbaked sliders for up to 24 hours, or freeze baked sliders for up to 1 month. Just thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Expert Says
Ham and Havarti cheese sliders combine protein and calcium, making them a satisfying snack option. The mild, creamy texture of Havarti melts smoothly, enhancing flavor while preserving moisture. Toasting the buns briefly creates a crisp contrast that balances the richness of the cheese and saltiness of the ham.
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The Journey to Perfect Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders
After several rounds of tweakingsometimes too saucy, other times not melty enoughI finally landed on this version of ham and Havarti cheese sliders. It took patience and taste-testing with my family to balance the flavors and textures, but now these sliders bring that perfect warm, comforting bite we all love on busy weeknights.
FAQs ( Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders )
Best way to reheat sliders without drying out?
The best way to reheat sliders is to cover them loosely with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps retain moisture and melts the cheese perfectly. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the bread and make the ham tough.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders a day in advance and refrigerate them covered. Bake them fresh before serving to keep the rolls soft and cheese melty. This makes for an easy football dinner idea with minimal last-minute prep.
What sides go well with the dish?
Fresh coleslaw, crispy sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad pair wonderfully with this meal. These sides add some crunch and balance the creamy richness of the cheese and ham. Pick easy dinner sliders sides that complement the flavors without overwhelming them.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Havarti melts beautifully, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or cheddar can be great substitutes depending on your preference. Just ensure the cheese has good melting properties to keep the sliders gooey and delicious.
How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?
To avoid soggy rolls, brush the insides lightly with melted butter or mustard before adding ham and cheese. Also, avoid overloading with deli meats or sauces. Baking covered but not sealed airtight helps maintain a soft yet not soggy texture.
These Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders come together in just 20 minutes and disappear even faster! You’ll love how the buttery glaze soaks into those soft Hawaiian rolls while the Havarti melts into creamy perfection. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen before you even finish cutting them apart.
Try swapping in honey ham for extra sweetness. These reheat beautifully wrapped in foil at 300°F for about 8 minutes.
I’d love to see how yours turn out! Share a photo and tag us did your family have a special slider or sandwich tradition growing up? These little gems are perfect for making new memories while honoring the simple joy of gathering around good food. Save this recipe for your next cozy get-together!
