These honey baked ham sliders are one of my favourite ways to use leftover holiday ham, especially the day after Easter when you want something warm, simple and comforting without spending much time in the kitchen. The sweet rolls soak up the buttery mustard glaze, the cheese melts into a glossy layer, and the honey roasted ham adds a tender, slightly caramelised richness you only get from leftovers.
They work beautifully as a quick lunch, an easy dinner and are an amazing all year round option when you have extra ham in the freezer.
Ingredients
12 Hawaiian sweet rolls, whole slab unsliced
3/4 to 1 lb leftover honey baked ham, sliced
3/4 to 1 lb Swiss cheese or preferred cheese
1/2 cup salted butter
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
2 teaspoons dried minced onions
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Slice the rolls as one piece
Use a serrated knife to cut the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls horizontally.
Place the bottom slab into a foil lined baking dish and set the top aside.
Layer the leftover ham
Arrange an even layer of leftover honey baked ham over the bottom layer of rolls in the baking dish.
The pieces can overlap slightly.
The warm sweetness of the baked ham gives the sliders deeper flavour compared to deli slices and reheats very gently in the oven.
Add the cheese
Lay slices of Swiss cheese (or your preferred cheese) on top of your ham.
You can add a second layer of ham and cheese if your leftover ham is thick or plentiful.
The cheese should cover the surface so it melts into a smooth, rich layer as it bakes.
Melt the butter mixture
In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter until fully liquid.
Stir in the Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, dried onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.
The mixture thickens slightly as the dried onion absorbs some butter, which helps it cling to the rolls.
Brush the glaze over the rolls
Place the top slab of rolls over the cheese.
And then brush the melted butter mixture generously across the top of the rolls.
Let some drip down the sides and onto the base, this helps the rolls bake flavourfully and keeps the bottoms tender rather than dry.
Cover and bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and the sliders feel warm through the center.
Keeping them covered prevents the tops from browning too quickly.
Uncover and finish baking
Remove the foil and bake another 3 to 5 minutes.
This gives the rolls a lightly golden surface without drying them out.
Let them settle before slicing
Allow the sliders to rest for a minute or two so the cheese sets slightly.
Slice into individual portions and serve warm.
Variations
Honey mustard glaze
Add a teaspoon of honey to the butter mixture for extra sweetness. This enhances the natural honey glaze already present in leftover ham.
Cheddar and ham
Swap the Swiss cheese for sharp cheddar. The stronger flavour contrasts nicely with the sweet rolls and roasted ham.
Spicy version
Add a pinch of cayenne or a teaspoon of whole grain mustard to give the sliders a gentle kick without overpowering the sweetness of the ham.
Herbed onion sliders
Stir dried parsley or a small pinch of thyme into the butter mixture. The herbs add warmth and depth as they toast in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders are satisfying on their own, but they pair well with crisp, fresh sides.
A simple green salad adds contrast, while coleslaw brings a cool, creamy texture beside the warm sandwiches.
They are also good with roasted potatoes, fruit salad or a bowl of leftover holiday vegetables reheated until tender.
For a lighter lunch, serve them with sliced tomatoes, pickles or a small cup of soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the sliders, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Brush with the butter mixture just before baking so the rolls do not absorb it too early.
Can I freeze honey baked ham sliders?
Freeze them unbaked for best results. Wrap the assembled sliders well, then thaw overnight and bake as directed.
What if I do not have Swiss cheese?
Mozzarella, cheddar, provolone or Pepper Jack all melt well. Choose based on how mild or sharp you prefer the flavour.
Can I use regular sandwich rolls?
Yes, but Hawaiian sweet rolls give the best texture because they stay soft and absorb the glaze more evenly.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm them in a covered dish at 300 degrees until heated through. The lower temperature keeps the rolls soft.
Can I reduce the butter?
You can use slightly less, but the butter is what helps flavour the rolls and keep them tender. A reduction may give a drier texture.
Do I need to cover the sliders while baking?
Yes. Covering prevents the tops from browning before the cheese melts. The uncovered finish at the end adds light colour.
Can I add more fillings?
Thinly sliced pickles, caramelised onions or a light spread of whole grain mustard work well without making the sliders soggy.
