Make-Ahead Ham and Cheese Sliders with Buttery Poppyseed Glaze
These make-ahead ham and cheese sliders on Hawaiian rolls are layered with smoky ham, melty cheese, and topped with a buttery poppyseed glaze. Perfect as easy party sliders, for game day, holidays, or a comforting family dinner, they bake up hot, golden, and irresistible every time.
Ingredients
For the sandwiches:
- 12 King’s Hawaiian rolls or other sweet slider rolls
- 22 slices Swiss provolone, or pepper jack cheese (or more if desired)
- 12 slices thinly sliced deli ham or more if desired
For the glaze:
- ½ cup butter
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Using a serrated knife, slice the entire sheet of rolls in half horizontally to create a top and bottom slab. Keep the rolls connected to make assembly easier. (Optional: For sturdier sliders with no soggy bottoms, place both cut sides under the broiler for 1–2 minutes to toast lightly.)
- Place the bottom slab of rolls in the prepared baking dish. Layer with half of the cheese, all of the ham, and then the remaining cheese. Place the top slab of rolls back on.
- In a small bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the Dijon mustard, dried onion, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds until smooth.
- Brush the glaze generously over the tops of the rolls, pouring any extra to coat thoroughly.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15–20 minutes, just until the cheese begins to melt. Remove the foil and continue baking another 5–10 minutes, until the sliders are hot and the tops are golden brown and lightly crisp.
- Cut along the roll lines to separate into individual sliders. Serve warm while the cheese is melty and the tops are buttery crisp.
Notes
- Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge, adding about 5 extra minutes.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered with foil at 325°F until warmed through. Freezer option: Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze unbaked sliders for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Variations: Try turkey with provolone, roast beef with cheddar, pepperoni with mozzarella, or even a vegetarian version with mushrooms and spinach.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!