Ham and Cheese Breakfast Sliders Recipe

These ham and cheese breakfast sliders are soft, buttery, and packed with savory flavor—perfect for feeding a crowd on weekend mornings or for a fun brunch spread. Made with sweet Hawaiian rolls, deli ham, melty Swiss cheese, and a golden butter topping, they come together in under 30 minutes and are endlessly customizable.

Ingredients

• 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (about 12 oz / 340 g)
• 12 slices deli ham (about 8 oz / 225 g)
• 12 slices Swiss cheese (about 8 oz / 225 g)
• 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp (5 ml) honey
• 1/2 tsp (2 g) garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp (1 g) dried minced onion (optional)
• 1 tbsp (10 g) poppy seeds (optional)
• 1 large egg, beaten (for brushing, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Without separating the rolls, slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally using a serrated knife. Place the bottom half in the prepared dish.
3. Layer the ham slices evenly over the bottom half, folding them to fit if needed. Top with the Swiss cheese slices, covering the ham completely.
4. Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, and dried minced onion (if using). Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls. If using, sprinkle with poppy seeds.
6. For a shiny, golden top, gently brush the beaten egg over the rolls before baking (this is optional but adds a nice sheen).
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
8. Let the sliders rest for 2–3 minutes before cutting along the individual roll lines. Serve warm.

Tips

• Don’t skip the foil: Covering the sliders for the first part of baking ensures the rolls stay soft and the cheese melts evenly without burning the tops.
• Use cold cheese: Slicing cheese straight from the fridge makes it easier to handle and prevents it from melting too quickly before the ham is heated through.
• Make ahead: Assemble the sliders the night before, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Bake them in the morning, adding 5 minutes to the covered baking time.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have Hawaiian rolls, use brioche or dinner rolls. For the cheese, cheddar, provolone, or American are all good swaps—just note that cheddar will give a sharper flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders as the centerpiece of a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or crispy hash browns. They also pair well with a side of scrambled eggs or a bowl of yogurt and granola. For a heartier meal, add a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sriracha mayo on each slider.

Variations

• Bacon and Cheddar: Replace the ham with crispy bacon and use sharp cheddar for a smoky, savory twist.
• Veggie Lover: Add sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions along with the ham and cheese.
• Spicy Kick: Spread a thin layer of jalapeño cream cheese on the bottom rolls before adding the ham, or add sliced pickled jalapeños.
• Breakfast Sausage: Swap the ham for cooked breakfast sausage patties (crumbled or whole) for a different protein.
• Sweet and Savory: Use maple-glazed ham and add a thin slice of apple or pear for a touch of sweetness.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual sliders for 20–30 seconds, but the rolls may become slightly soggy. For best results, reheat only what you plan to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bread? Yes, brioche or soft dinner rolls work well. Avoid crusty bread as it may become too hard when baked.

Can I make these sliders ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble them, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 5 extra minutes to the covered baking time.

Can I freeze the sliders? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked assembled sliders for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding 5 minutes to the covered baking time.

What can I use instead of Dijon mustard? Yellow mustard or a whole-grain mustard will work. If you prefer no mustard, simply omit it and add a pinch of salt to the butter mixture.

Why are my sliders soggy? Sogginess can happen if the rolls are over-saturated with the butter mixture or if they are left to sit too long after baking. Brush the butter mixture lightly, and serve them fresh out of the oven.

Can I use leftover ham instead of deli slices? Yes, chop leftover ham into small pieces and distribute evenly. This works especially well for a more rustic texture.

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Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes

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