Warm rolls. Melty cheese. That sleepy, 4 p.m. holiday haze when Aunt Linda starts asking who hid the last slice of pie. These Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders are the cozy magic that’s been sweeping Pinterest and making snack tables everywhere way more fun.
This is a homemade classic: buttery Hawaiian rolls packed with thin-sliced ham, creamy Havarti, and a garlicky mustard glaze that sinks into every bite. It’s pantry-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and oddly perfect next to salad pasta or a steaming crock of soup. Full details in the blog!
I grew up with trays of baked ham, melty cheese, and grandma fanning herself after turning on the oven. We’ve made dozens of slider recipes, and trust methis one tops ‘em all. I tested it. You’ll love the secret. It’s messy and perfect all at once.
Why You’ll Love These Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders
These sliders check all the cozy snack and dinner boxeswarm, cheesy, and ridiculously easy to make. Here’s why they’re a hit in my house:
- Quick & Practical: You only need 30 minutes, start to finish. It’s an MVP for busy nights or last-minute appetizer snacks.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep them earlier in the day and bake when you’re ready. Bonus: they actually taste even better as the flavors soak in.
- Customizable: That Havarti fills every bite with creamy goodness, but you can easily swap for other cheeses if needed.
- Perfect for Gatherings: These sliders fit right into everythingholiday spreads, game days, or casual lunch next to a pasta salad.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
With just a handful of simple ingredients, these sliders shine. Here’s the lineup:
- Savory Butter Hawaiian Rolls: Pillowy soft and slightly sweetperfect for sliders.
- Black Forest Ham: Smoky, tender, and deli-thin for layering. You could swap with turkey or leftover baked ham if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Havarti Cheese: Its mild, buttery melt is what dreams are made of. Gouda or Swiss work too if you’re exploring swaps.
- Mustard-Butter Glaze: A magical mix of Dijon mustard, melted butter, poppy seeds, and subtle seasoning. It’s savory and slightly tangy, soaking right into the rolls for extra flavor.
| Ingredient | Possible Swaps |
|---|---|
| Havarti Cheese | Swiss, Gouda |
| Black Forest Ham | Turkey, leftover baked ham |
| Hawaiian Rolls | Any small, soft dinner roll |

How to Make Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders
This process is hands-off and beginner-proof. Here’s how to make them perfectly every single time:
- Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab your 9×12 baking pan and lightly grease it.
- Slice & Layer: Using a bread knife, slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls in half (don’t separate them). Add layers: the bottom rolls, all the ham slices, Havarti cheese, and the top rolls.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, melt your butter, then stir in Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder.
- Brush & Bake: Use a silicone brush to generously coat the tops of the rolls with glaze. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes for golden, toasted tops.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Preheat Oven | 5 minutes |
| Bake with Foil | 15 minutes |
| Bake Without Foil | 5 minutes |
Pro Tips and Variations
- For Even Melting: If the tops of your buns are browning too fast but the cheese isn’t fully melted, just pop the foil back on and let them bake a little longer.
- Serving Idea: These sliders pair beautifully with salad pasta or a steaming bowl of soup for an easy, comforting meal.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to switch the poppy seeds for sesame seeds or skip them if you’re outthey’re a fun flair but not essential.
Storage Tips
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (rare in my house!), here’s how to save them:
- Fridge: Store sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven rather than the microwave to keep the rolls from getting soggy.
- Freezer: Assemble sliders ahead of time, freeze unbaked, and bake straight from frozen. Just add 10 minutes to your total bake time.
| Storage | Tips |
|---|---|
| Fridge | Best within 3 days; reheat in oven |
| Freezer | Freeze unbaked, and bake frozen with extra time |
Expert Insight: Crafting Perfect Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders
Ham and Havarti cheese sliders balance savory and creamy flavors that melt delightfully when heated. Using Havarti ensures a smooth texture, while layering quality ham adds depthmaking these sliders a simple yet sophisticated snack choice that holds together well without overpowering the palate.
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How I Finally Nailed My Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders
This recipe for Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders didn’t come together overnight. After a few too-cheesy, too-soggy attempts and one very toasted batch, I figured out the perfect balance of melty cheese and soft buns. It’s taken some trial and error, but this version feels like a cozy little victory worth sharing.
FAQs ( Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders )
What type of rolls work best for Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders?
Hawaiian rolls are absolutely perfect for ham cheese sliders because their sweet, soft texture complements the savory ham and creamy Havarti beautifully. You can also use brioche slider buns or dinner rolls for a similar result. The key is choosing rolls that are soft enough to bite through easily but sturdy enough to hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
Can I make Ham and Havarti sliders ahead of time?
Yes, these sliders are perfect for meal prep and make excellent appetizer snacks for parties! You can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them in the oven for 10-15 minutes to warm through and melt the cheese. This makes them ideal for busy weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
What temperature should I bake Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders?
Bake your Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are lightly golden. Cover them with foil for the first 10 minutes to prevent the tops from browning too quickly, then remove the foil for the last few minutes. The internal temperature should reach about 165°F to ensure the baked ham is properly heated through.
How do I prevent sliders from getting soggy?
To keep your Ham and Havarti sliders from getting soggy, lightly toast the cut sides of the rolls before assembling, and pat any wet ingredients dry with paper towels. If you’re adding condiments like mustard or mayo, spread them in a thin layer and avoid over-saucing. You can also place a paper towel under the assembled sliders for a few minutes to absorb any excess moisture before baking.
What side dishes pair well with Ham and Havarti sliders?
Ham and Havarti sliders pair wonderfully with light, fresh sides that balance their rich flavors. A crisp salad pasta with vinaigrette, coleslaw, or a simple green salad work beautifully. For heartier options, try roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, or potato salad. These slider recipes are versatile enough to work as both main dishes and party appetizers depending on what you serve alongside them.

Wrapping Up These Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders
Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders come together in about 30 minutes, gifting you that melty, buttery bite you didn’t know you needed. These sliders are easy-peasy, cozy, and just the right kind of messyperfect for quick dinners or family snacks that disappear fast.
Try swapping in Swiss or Gouda if you’re feeling adventurous, or stash leftovers in the fridge for a no-fuss next-day treat. A little pro tip I swear by: bake them covered first, then uncover for that golden, irresistible top.
Did these sliders bring back any kitchen memories? Snap a pic, share your tweaks, and pass this recipe along to your favorite snack-loving crew. Honestly, once you try them, you’ll wanna make it againand again. Cozy has never tasted so good!
Print
HAM AND HAVARTI CHEESE SLIDERS
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Not specified
Description
You’ll love these little oven-baked ham and cheese sliders! Made with Havarti cheese and black forest ham on savory butter Hawaiian rolls, then topped with a buttery mustard and poppy seed glaze. This is a perfect appetizer snack and great among sliders recipes, especially for ham cheese sliders lovers.
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
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Without separating the slider buns, slice the entire package in half horizontally. Place bottom half in a 9×12 baking pan.
- Layer ham slices over the bottom buns, then layer cheese slices over ham.
- Place top half of the buns over the cheese to form sliders.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and poppy seeds.
- Brush the mustard-butter glaze evenly over the tops of the sliders.
- Cover pan with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes or until tops are golden brown and cheese is melted.
- If tops brown too quickly before cheese is melted, re-cover with foil and continue baking.
Notes
- If tops of buns brown too quickly before the cheese is all the way melted, re-cover with foil and continue baking
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer Snacks
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 205 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 516mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 47mg


