The smell of toasted Hawaiian rolls takes me right back to late Sundays in my grandma’s kitchenfootball on in the background, someone yelling for napkins, and that golden, cheesy warmth hitting the table. These Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders have that same kind of magic. And oh yeah, they’re popping off on Pinterest and game day boards everywhere.
We’re talking thin-sliced ham, creamy Havarti, melty layers all tucked into sweet rolls with a buttery Dijon glaze. They’re cozy, simple, and fastjust like those after-school sandwiches from the ‘90s, but party-ready. Perfect for easy football dinner ideas or quick and easy dinner recipes with Hawaiian rolls. Full details in the blog!
I tested these on my family mid-chaos with two burners going and a toddler throwing measuring spoonsand they still came out incredible. You don’t need a quiet kitchen, just good ingredients and the right timing. I tweaked each step so you don’t have to guess. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Category:Appetizers, Breakfast, Brunch, Snacks
Method:Baked
Cuisine:American
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 Love These Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders
These Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders are everything you crave in a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish: wonderfully buttery, irresistibly cheesy, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re navigating the chaos of game day or enjoying a casual weeknight dinner, these sliders are a perfect fit. The harmonious balance of sweet Hawaiian rolls, creamy Havarti cheese, and savory Black Forest ham makes every bite truly irresistible. An added bonus? They’re incredibly easy to assemble and bake in just 30 minutes.
You’ll particularly appreciate the delightful poppy seed mustard glaze on topit provides just the right zesty kick to elevate these from “delicious” to utterly addictive. This recipe is perfect for easy football dinner ideas or when you need quick and easy dinner sliders for your family or party guests.
Key Ingredients & Tools
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, relying on just a few star ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Hawaiian Rolls: Sweet and perfectly soft, these create the ideal base for your sliders.
Black Forest Ham: Thinly sliced and wonderfully savory, it pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese.
Havarti Cheese: Creamy and lusciously melty, Havarti truly surpasses basic cheese slicesyou’ll taste the difference.
Mustard-Butter Glaze: Crafted from melted butter, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and poppy seeds, this glaze is what makes these sliders shine.
How to Make Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders in 4 Simple Steps
Here’s how to bring these delicious sliders together effortlessly:
Prep the rolls: Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally through the middle, keeping the entire block intact. Place the bottom half into a lightly buttered 9×12 baking dish.
Layer it up: Place one slice of ham on each bottom roll, followed by half a slice of Havarti cheese. Gently replace the top half of the rolls.
Make the glaze: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce (if using), onion powder, and poppy seeds. Brush this magical glaze generously over the tops of the rolls.
Bake: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and the tops are golden brown.
Shortcut: To minimize cleanup, you can melt the butter and mix the glaze directly in the same microwave-safe dish!
Step
Time
Prepping and Assembling
10 minutes
Baking
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Serving, Storage, & Reheating Tips
These delicious Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders are best served hot straight from the oven, ensuring that gooey, melty cheese experience. They are wonderful for ham and cheese sliders for party gatherings or for satisfying casual dinners. Planning ahead? No problem:
Make Ahead: You can assemble the sliders (excluding the glaze) up to 4 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge, then add the glaze and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Storage: Any leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To bring them back to life, warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Covering them loosely with foil will help prevent them from drying out.
Tip: These sliders make a fantastic addition to any party spread! If you’re brainstorming party food ideas with Hawaiian rolls, this recipe should definitely be high on your list.
Expert Says
The combination of ham with creamy Havarti cheese creates a perfectly balanced flavor and texture in these Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders. Havarti’s high moisture content ensures a wonderfully creamy melt, while the protein and fat from the ham provide richness, making these sliders both satisfying and a good source of essential nutrients.
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Perfecting Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders Took More Than a Few Bites
My recipe for Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders didn’t come together overnight. After a few tries that resulted in either overstuffed or under-melted sliders, I finally discovered the sweet spot for gooey cheese and tender ham without any soggy buns. This perfected version is the one my family consistently requestsand I’m delighted to share all those messy lessons with you!
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.
Conclusion
In just 30 minutes, these Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders emerge beautifully melty, buttery, and brimming with cozy, nostalgic flavors. You’ll adore how the sweet Hawaiian rolls perfectly balance the savory ham and smooth Havarti, transforming every bite into a little celebration. Whether for a quick family dinner or your next game day gathering, the irresistible aroma alone will have everyone eager to gather around the table.
Here’s a little secret from my kitchen: for a bright twist, consider swapping Havarti for Swiss cheese or adding a touch of honey mustard. If you have leftovers, simply wrap them tightly and reheat gently in the oven to preserve that delightful gooey cheese magic. And for even more creative party food ideas with Hawaiian rolls, try adding a few pickles or a sprinkle of paprika on topthey’re an instant crowd-pleaser!
Did these sliders spark any fond memories from your childhood or family get-togethers? I’d love to hear your stories or see your slider stacks! Don’t forget to save or share this delicious recipe with loved onesbecause good food, after all, tastes even better when shared. Here’s to simple, delicious moments around the table!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
