Easy Hawaiian Ham and Swiss Sliders for Game Day
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What’s Up, Hungry People
I made a snap decision to watch football this weekend. While I really have no idea how many touchdowns it takes to score a homerun, I am definitely the MVP of tailgating party food. Channeling my inner Coach Taylor from “Friday Night Lights,” I’m here to rally you up for a winning snack.
Today we’re tackling the snack table with these Hawaiian ham and Swiss sliders. One of my all-time favorite finger foods, this recipe will have you kicking off the sports season in the best way possible. Whether you’re rooting for the Dillon Panthers (that’s a reference that sports people will understand, right??) or just trying to impress your fellow football fans, these sliders are a game-changer (as in they will literally help you score points at your party).
Here’s What You Need
- Hawaiian sweet roll slider buns – The soft, slightly sweet base that holds everything together.
- Thin-sliced ham – Adds savory, meaty goodness to each bite.
- Swiss cheese – Melts beautifully, providing creamy, nutty flavor.
- Mayonnaise – Adds a touch of moisture and tanginess.
- Butter, melted – Makes the sliders rich and helps crisp up the buns.
- Celery salt – Adds a subtle, herby flavor.
- Whole grain mustard – Provides a tangy, textured layer of flavor.
- Honey mustard – Balances out the tanginess with a bit of sweetness.
- Black sesame seeds and/or white sesame seeds – Adds a slight crunch and a touch of nuttiness.
- Dried minced onion – Brings a bit of sweetness and texture.
- Dried minced garlic – Adds a savory depth.
- Poppy seeds – Adds a hint of nuttiness and texture.
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds a savory umami flavor.
- Salt & pepper – Enhances the overall flavor balance.
Let’s Cook
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Take your package of Hawaiian sweet rolls and slice them right through the middle. Imagine you’re cutting a giant, fluffy sandwich in half. Place the bottom half of the rolls into a square casserole dish. This is your foundation, people!
Mixing the Magic
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, whole grain mustard, honey mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sesame seeds, dried minced onion, dried minced garlic, and poppy seeds. Let this mix sit for about 10 minutes to develop its flavor. Think of it as a team huddle before the big play.
Assembling the Sliders
Spread the mayonnaise evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. This is your secret weapon for keeping things moist and flavorful. Next, layer half of the Swiss cheese across the bottom. Don’t just slap it on—arrange it with care, like you’re setting up a strategic formation.
Now, pile on the ham slices in a single thick layer. This is your protein power! Follow up with the remaining Swiss cheese. Finally, place the top half of the rolls over this delicious stack.
Dressing and Baking
Use a basting brush to generously spread the butter-mustard mix on top and around the sides of the rolls. Cover the top lightly with foil—make sure it’s tented, not pressed down. This helps the sliders stay soft while baking.
Pop the dish into the oven and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 2-5 minutes until the tops are golden brown. You’re looking for that perfect touchdown color.
Serve these sliders hot, room temperature, or even chilled. They’re the perfect bite for any game day, guaranteed to make you the star of the tailgate.
Tips for Perfect Sliders
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the sliders the night before, then just brush with butter-mustard mix and bake when ready. This saves time on game day!
- Melting Cheese: If you want extra melty cheese, try covering the sliders loosely with foil for the first half of baking, then remove it for the last few minutes.
- Flavor Boost: Add a layer of pickles or a bit of hot sauce to the ham for an extra kick.
- Serving Sizes: Slice the sliders into individual servings before baking to make it easier for guests to grab and go.
- Leftover Tips: If you have leftovers (unlikely!), they reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
These Hawaiian ham and Swiss sliders are perfect for any football game or casual get-together. With their delicious combination of savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and sweet Hawaiian rolls, they’re sure to be a hit. Easy to make and even easier to eat, these sliders are a must-try for any game day feast.
Enjoy them hot, room temperature, or chilled—they’re versatile and guaranteed to please. Whether you’re a football fanatic or just here for the snacks, these sliders will make you the MVP of your tailgating party. Happy snacking, Hungry People!
Hawaiian Ham & Swiss Slider
Ingredients
- 1 package (12 buns) Hawaiian sweet roll slider buns
- 16 oz thin sliced ham
- 10 slices Swiss cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup butter melted
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey mustard
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds and/or white sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon poppyseeds
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Slice the Hawaiian sweet rolls in half through the middle. Place the bottom half of the rolls into a square casserole dish and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, whole grain mustard, honey mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sesame seeds, dried minced onion, dried minced garlic, celery salt and poppy seeds. Set aside to develop flavor for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, spread the mayonnaise over the bottom half of the Hawaiian sweet rolls. Arrange half of the Swiss cheese in alternating layers across the bottom of the bread.
- Place the ham slices onto the bread in a single thick layer. Place the remaining Swiss cheese on top, then put the second half of the rolls on top to make a big sandwich.
- Use a basting brush to spread the butter mustard mixture on top and on the sides of the rolls. Cover the top of the rolls lightly with foil – so that it is mostly tented over the rolls and not pressed onto the tops.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2-5 minutes until the rolls are golden brown on top. Serve hot, at room temperature, or chilled on game day. Enjoy!
