Name: Hawaiian Sliders: Easy Party Sandwiches
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: ½ cup butter (melted); 1 small sweet onion (finely minced or grated); 3 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 3 teaspoons poppy seeds; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 package Original King’s Hawaiian 12-pack dinner rolls; 12 slices deli ham; 6 slices Swiss cheese

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Need a simple yet irresistible dish for your next get-together? These easy party sandwiches are packed with layers of ham, Swiss cheese, and a buttery, tangy glaze, then baked to golden perfection. Whether it’s game day, a potluck, or just a casual family dinner, these little sandwiches are guaranteed to be the first thing gone from the table. Grab your King’s Hawaiian rolls, and let’s make them!

The secret behind these incredible easy party sandwiches isn’t just the melty cheese or savory ham—it’s the bread. King’s Hawaiian Rolls bring something truly special to the table: a soft, fluffy texture with just the right hint of sweetness to balance the salty, buttery flavors of these sliders.

King’s Hawaiian began in the 1950s in Hilo, Hawaii, where Robert R. Taira perfected his sweet, fluffy loaves. Locals loved them so much they rarely made it home uneaten. By the 1960s, it was a Hawaiian staple, and by 1977, the bakery expanded to the mainland, bringing its signature soft, slightly sweet rolls to American tables. Today, still family-run, King’s Hawaiian remains the go-to for sliders, snacks, and party sandwiches.

If you haven’t tried King’s Hawaiian Rolls for sliders yet, this is your sign! Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and one-of-a-kind flavor make these easy party sandwiches irresistible. Once you take a bite, you’ll understand why these little rolls have been loved for over 70 years!

King's Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls - 12 Count

What You’ll Need to Make Perfect Hawaiian Sliders

These come together in about 30 minutes, making them a stress-free option for entertaining. Here’s what you’ll need:

Butter: Melted butter is the secret to that rich, golden top and adds a delicious depth of flavor.
Sweet Onion: Finely minced or grated sweet onion blends seamlessly into the buttery sauce, adding a subtle, savory kick. Yellow onion works in a pinch, or if you’re not a fan of onion texture, onion powder will do the trick.
Dijon-Style Mustard: Adds a little tang to balance the richness. If Dijon isn’t your thing, try honey mustard for a sweeter touch or spicy brown mustard for extra zing.
Worcestershire Sauce: This umami-packed ingredient deepens the flavor. If you’re out of worcestershire, coconut aminos or soy sauce with a splash of vinegar works well.
Poppy Seeds: Classic for these sliders, but if you want a little crunch with a different twist, sesame seeds are a fine swap.
Brown Sugar: Just a touch enhances the natural sweetness of the rolls and rounds out the sauce. If you’re cutting back on sugar, try honey or maple syrup instead.
1 Package Original King’s Hawaiian 12-Pack Dinner Rolls: The star of the show!
Deli Ham Slices: Any thinly sliced deli ham works, but honey ham adds extra sweetness, and black forest ham brings a smoky depth. Turkey can be a great substitute if you’re not a fan of ham.
Swiss Cheese: The nutty, melty goodness of Swiss makes these sliders sing. Prefer a milder cheese? Provolone or mozzarella are great alternatives.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Party Sandwiches

These little sliders come together fast, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, or even a casual family dinner. Here’s how to make them:

1. Preheat & Prep the Sauce

Set your oven to 350ºF. Meanwhile, melt butter in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the finely minced onion, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and brown sugar. Let this mixture sauté for a few minutes until the onions soften and become fragrant. This buttery, slightly sweet sauce is the magic that ties everything together!

2. Prep the Rolls

Don’t pull apart the rolls! Instead, remove the entire 12-pack from the package in one piece. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice them in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom layers intact. This makes assembly (and serving) a breeze. Place the bottom layer on a foil-lined baking sheet.

3. Layer on the Flavor

Spread a spoonful of your buttery sauce over the rolls—this ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Next, layer on the ham, slightly overlapping the slices so every roll gets a little love. Follow with a generous layer of Swiss cheese.

4. Seal the Deal

Gently place the top half of the rolls back over the cheese and ham. Now, here’s the fun part—slowly pour the remaining sauce right over the top. It may seem like a lot, but trust me, these rolls soak up all that buttery goodness. Cover loosely with foil and let the sliders sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld before baking.

5. Bake to Perfection

Pop the tray into the oven (or place it on a grill over low heat) for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and everything is warmed through. Remove the foil and bake for another 2 minutes to get those tops slightly crisp and golden.

6. Slice & Serve

Use a sharp knife to cut into 12 sliders and serve immediately. You might want to double the batch—these disappear fast!

Tasty Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, why not mix things up? These sliders are endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients to match your cravings or dietary needs. Here are a few delicious variations to try:

Turkey & Cheddar: Swap out the ham for sliced turkey and use sharp cheddar instead of Swiss. Add a sprinkle of garlic powder to the butter sauce for an extra kick.
Roast Beef & Provolone: For a heartier take, use thinly sliced roast beef and creamy provolone. A smear of horseradish mayo on the rolls takes these to the next level.
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in a bit of BBQ sauce and top with Monterey Jack cheese. A few pineapple tidbits tucked inside make these sweet, smoky, and irresistible.
Veggie Lover’s: Skip the meat and layer on sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and spinach with a melty cheese like mozzarella or Havarti. For extra flavor, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
Spicy Jalapeño Popper Sliders: Mix softened cream cheese with diced jalapeños and spread it on the rolls before layering ham and Swiss. For even more heat, brush the tops with a little sriracha butter before baking.

If you’re making these for a crowd, mix and match a few variations in one pan—just be sure to mark them so guests know which is which. And remember, the best gatherings are filled with laughter, love, and really good sandwiches.

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4.67 from 3 votes

Hawaiian Sliders: Easy Party Sandwiches

A slider is a small sandwich served in a bun. While we often think of sliders as mini hamburgers, they can be made with any delicious filling on a soft, slider-sized roll. These Hawaiian Sliders combine layers of savory ham, gooey Swiss cheese, and a buttery, tangy glaze baked into irresistible, golden perfection—the ultimate crowd-pleaser!

Prep Time15

Cook Time20

Total Time35

Course: lunch, Main Course, Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 282kcal

Ingredients

½ cup butter melted
1 small sweet onion finely minced or grated
3 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
3 teaspoons poppy seeds
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 package Original King’s Hawaiian 12-pack dinner rolls
12 slices deli ham
6 slices Swiss cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350ºF. In a small skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and brown sugar. Stir and sauté until onions are soft and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Remove the entire pack of rolls in one piece—don’t pull them apart! Use a serrated knife to slice them horizontally, keeping both layers intact. Place the bottom half on a foil-lined baking sheet.
Spread half the sauce evenly over the bottom layer of rolls. Layer ham slices, overlapping slightly, followed by Swiss cheese. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
Slowly pour the remaining sauce over the tops. Cover loosely with foil and let sit for 10 minutes—this lets the flavors soak in.
Bake for 20 minutes, covered, until cheese is melted and sandwiches are heated through.
Uncover and bake another 2 minutes until tops are golden brown.
Remove from oven, slice into 12 sliders, and serve immediately.

Notes

I have experimented with making these with Canadian bacon (in place of ham), French Swiss cheese, and country-style Dijon mustard. All three tweaks make these babies even better, as if it’s possible to improve on perfection.

Nutrition

Question: What’s your ultimate easy party dish that always gets rave reviews? Drop your go-to recipes below.

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Margie M says:

March 8, 2025 at 3:53 am

hi mary,
these seem great but if folks don’t eat ham, can you use deli turkey? thanks for all your wonderful tips and recipes. i especially love what you suggest for reheating pizza; i love crunch crust and that hits the spot!! thank you as always.
marge

Mary Hunt says:
March 8, 2025 at 9:21 am

Hi Marge,

Great question! Yes, you can absolutely swap out the ham for deli turkey—it works beautifully. You might even try a smoked turkey for an extra layer of flavor. Some people also like to add a little crispy bacon or a thin spread of honey mustard to complement the turkey.

And I’m so glad you love my pizza reheating tip. Thanks for your kind words, and happy cooking!

Cindi says:

February 12, 2025 at 6:16 am

HI! How can I make these with portobella mushrooms?

Easy Party Sandwiches: Hawaiian Sliders That Steal the Show

What You’ll Need to Make Perfect Hawaiian Sliders