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Hawaiian Ham Sliders

Hawaiian Ham Sliders are messy, flavorful sandwiches made with soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls layered with savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and a caramelized brown sugar glaze. Baked until golden and gooey, these sliders are a chaotic, nostalgic treat perfect for casual gatherings and spontaneous snack attacks. Their sticky glaze and melty cheese create a delightful contrast with the tender buns, evoking a mini tropical vacation in every bite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package package Hawaiian rolls soft, slightly sweet buns
  • 1 pound sliced cooked ham honey-glazed or regular sliced ham
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese or substitute with Gruyère for a nuttier flavor
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar brown sugar for caramelization
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons pineapple juice pineapple juice optional, for extra tropical flavor
  • 1/4 cup butter butter melted, for brushing and glazing
  • 1 teaspoon garlic garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder onion powder
  • to taste pickled jalapeños for spicy kick, optional

Equipment

  • Sharp serrated knife
  • Baking dish
  • Small bowl
  • Brush or spoon
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Carefully slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls horizontally in one clean cut, keeping the top and bottom together like a book. Place the bottom half in a baking dish.
  2. Layer slices of cooked ham evenly over the bottom half of the rolls, covering all the bread surface. Then, place Swiss cheese slices over the ham, ensuring full coverage for that gooey melt.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, melted butter, minced garlic, and onion powder until the mixture is smooth and fragrant. This sweet and smoky glaze will caramelize beautifully during baking.
  4. Pour or brush the glaze generously over the cheese, ham, and bread layers, ensuring everything gets a sticky, shiny coating. Sprinkle a little more onion powder on top for extra flavor.
  5. Replace the top half of the rolls over the layered ingredients, pressing down gently. Brush the top with additional melted butter for a golden, fragrant crust.
  6. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap heat and help the cheese melt evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the buns are just starting to brown at the edges.
  7. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 minutes, allowing the top to caramelize slightly and the glaze to thicken into a sticky crust. The aroma of toasted buns and melted cheese will fill your kitchen.
  8. Take the sliders out of the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the cheese set and makes slicing easier without all the gooey mess spilling out.
  9. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the sliders into individual portions. Serve warm, optionally garnished with pickled jalapeños for an extra spicy kick, and enjoy the messy, flavorful bites.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast the buns lightly before assembling. Feel free to add more jalapeños or swap in different cheeses for variety. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for best texture and gooeyness.