The smell of warm rolls, melted butter, and smoky ham wafting through the kitchen always sends me straight back to Sunday church potlucks. These Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders have that same old-fashioned comfort, layered with a modern twist. The buttery Hawaiian rolls, melty cheese, and sweet-savory glaze make them impossible to resist. Lately they’ve been popping up at game days, birthday spreads, and quiet weeknights alikefor good reason.
This dish starts with soft Hawaiian rolls, sliced and filled with deli ham and creamy Havarti. Then comes a quick pour of garlic butter sauce, and into the oven they go. The cheese melts gently, the tops get golden and crisp, and suddenly you’ve got something wonderful. Kind of like a baked sandwich meets mini grilled cheeseonly easier. These are party-perfect and weeknight-friendly. No mixer, no fuss, and certainly no leftovers.
I started making these after Thanksgiving 2015, when we had too much leftover ham and not enough patience. My sister-in-law hovered near the oven, pulling one off the tray before it even cooled. I learned fasttent the foil for the first bake so the tops don’t over-crisp. These have shown up again and again in my test kitchen ever since. After over a decade of food blogging, it’s always recipes like thiscozy, simple, and shareablethat stick the longest.
Olivia Farnsworth
Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders: Easy Delicious Fun
These Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders are a perfect blend of savory black forest ham and creamy Havarti cheese nestled inside buttery Hawaiian rolls. They’re topped with a flavorful mustard and poppy seed glaze, making them a must-try for Easy Football Dinner Ideas. This recipe is a quick and effortless crowd-pleaser, ideal for any gathering or as Quick And Easy Dinner Recipes Sliders. Whether you’re serving brunch, snacks, or party food, these sliders hit the spot every time.
Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half, keeping them connected as a whole.
Set aside the top portion and place the bottom layer into a lightly buttered 9×12 baking pan.
Layer each roll base evenly with one slice of ham and half a slice of Havarti cheese.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and mix in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and poppy seeds until fully combined.
Replace the top half of the rolls and use a silicone brush to generously coat the tops with the buttery poppy seed glaze.
Cover the baking pan loosely with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Take off the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the tops turn golden brown.
If the buns brown too fast before the cheese melts, cover again with foil and continue baking until done.
Notes
If you notice the tops are browning too quickly before the cheese melts completely, simply cover the sliders again with foil and keep them in the oven until ready. These sliders are best enjoyed warm and fresh but can be reheated covered to retain moisture.
Why You’ll Love These Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders
Effortless comfort food: These sliders are pure nostalgic goodness with a buttery glaze, melty cheese, and sweet, soft Hawaiian rolls. And they come together in just 30 minutes!
Perfect for any occasion: Game day, holiday brunches, busy weeknights, or feeding a hungry crowdthese sliders are always a hit.
Beginner-friendly: No fancy equipment or complicated stepsjust simple layering, brushing, and baking for mouthwatering results.
Customizable: Don’t love poppy seeds? Leave them out. Prefer doubled-up ham? Go for it! This recipe is easy to tweak to your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for these delicious sliders. Most of these items are likely pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store:
Savory Butter Hawaiian Rolls: The soft, sweet rolls create the perfect base.
Black Forest Ham: Smoky and savory, sliced thin for easy layering.
Havarti Cheese: Creamy and slightly tangy, it melts beautifully into the ham.
Butter-Mustard Glaze: A blend of melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce (optional), onion powder (optional), and poppy seeds gives these sliders their signature topping.
Note: If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce or onion powder, you can skip themthe sliders will still be delicious!
Ingredient
Quantity
Savory Butter Hawaiian Rolls
1 package (12 count)
Black Forest Ham
12 slices
Havarti Cheese
6 slices
Salted Butter
4 tablespoons
Dijon Mustard
1 teaspoon
Worcestershire Sauce
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Onion Powder
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Poppy Seeds
1 tablespoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make these Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders! These steps are quick and beginner-friendly, so you can relax and enjoy the process.
Prep the rolls: Using a serrated knife, slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms connected. Place the bottom layer in a greased 9×12 baking pan.
Layer the fillings: Place a slice of ham on each roll bottom, followed by a half slice of Havarti cheese. Replace the top layer of rolls.
Mix the glaze: In a microwavable bowl, melt the butter (about 30 seconds). Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce (if using), onion powder (if using), and poppy seeds.
Brush and bake: Liberally brush the buttery glaze over the tops of the rolls. Cover the pan lightly with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 5 minutes to crisp the tops and fully melt the cheese.
Pro Tip: If the tops start to brown too quickly, re-cover with foil to keep the sliders perfectly golden without burning.
Troubleshooting & Tweaks
Burnt tops: Cover the sliders with foil during baking, especially if your oven runs hot. Keep it loose to avoid sticking.
Cheese not melting evenly: Make sure your ham slices are flat and cheese is evenly distributed across the rolls. Keeping the sliders covered for the first 15 minutes helps the cheese melt gently.
Want a bolder flavor? For more aromatic depth, consider adding a little extra Dijon mustard to the glaze, or sprinkle in some garlic powder.
Serving & Storage Tips
Serving: These sliders are best served fresh from the oven while the cheese is gooey and warm. Pair them with chips, a crisp salad, or your favorite soup for a cozy spread.
Leftovers: Store sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to revive the buttery, melty texture.
Storage Method
Duration
Refrigerator (airtight container)
Up to 3 days
Oven Reheating
300°F for 5-7 minutes
Expert Says
Ham and Havarti cheese sliders combine protein-rich ham with creamy Havarti, which is known for its smooth melting properties. The cheese’s moisture content helps create a gooey texture when heated, making these sliders both flavorful and pleasing in every bite. Proper heating ensures optimal melt without separating fats.
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The Journey to Perfect Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders
These ham and Havarti cheese sliders didn’t come together overnight. After a few attemptsone batch was too soggy, another needed more seasoningI found the perfect balance of gooey cheese and tender ham on soft buns. This recipe is truly the result of patient testing and well-loved family taste checks.
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 about 30 minutes, these Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders come together with little fuss, filling your kitchen with that warm, buttery aroma that feels like a gentle hug. You’ll love how the soft rolls cradle melty cheese and savory hamcomfort in every bite.
Leftovers reheat beautifully in the ovenan old trick my aunt swore by during busy weeknights.
I’d love to hear if these sliders brought back your own family moments or inspired a new favorite. Snap a photo, share your memories, and maybe save this recipe for the next time you need a little homemade comfort on the table. Happy baking, friend!
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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