Ham and Swiss Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls with Aioli

Ham and Swiss sliders are ideal for tailgates, game day parties, backyard cookouts– you name it, these sliders are quick, easy and scrumptious. Soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls get filled with layers of savory ham and melted Swiss cheese. With a spread of creamy garlic aioli and a generous brushing of butter on top, these sliders are completely irresistible.

The Best Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders with Aioli

Seasoned with a sauce of butter, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds, these easy ham and cheese sliders come together in just about half an hour, so they’re great for when you need to make a last-minute contribution to a party or potluck.

They’re simple, so tasty, and are definitely a crowd-pleaser. Instead of honey mustard which is used in most recipes, garlic aioli is added which provides a more subtle flavor that doesn’t overpower the ham and cheese.

If you love to slather your deli sandwiches in mayonnaise, then you’ll love adding a rich and creamy aioli to these sliders.

When these are pulled apart you get that gooey melty cheese pull.

What is Aioli?

Aioli a creamy sauce made with olive oil and raw eggs and typically with garlic. It’s different from garlic flavored mayonnaise which is made with a neutral oil. It takes a little time to make it from scratch and it will not last long due to the raw egg. For this recipe, try using a premade aioli that can be found in the condiment section of the grocery store.

Stonewall Kitchen is my favorite and comes in a variety of flavors. It’s not hard to make your own home, here’s a great recipe from Inspired Taste if you want to go that route.

Why You’ll Love Ham and Swiss Sliders

• Quick and easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have these sliders ready to devour.

• Super flavorful: The combination of ham, cheese, garlicky aioli, and melted butter is a match made in heaven.

• The perfect appetizer: These sliders are a few bites of happiness that you can eat with your hands.

How many sliders should you make for a party?

For a small party with lots of other appetizers and snacks, I think one or two Hawaiian roll sliders per person is a safe bet.

If you plan to serve these for a family dinner, I think two or three sliders per person is a safe bet. Try adding a creamy macaroni salad or Greek salad for a complete meal.

Why should you use Hawaiian rolls? 

Hawaiian rolls whether purchased or made from scratch contain pineapple juice which gives them a slight sweet taste. Most of the time I will make my own but for sliders that are covered in sauce store bought packages are the way to go.

They are easy to slice in half so that you can layer them with ham and cheese or your favorite fillings. It’s easy to pull them apart making them great for serving a crowd.

Ham and Swiss Slider Recipe Ingredients

• Ham: Deli ham or leftover ham sliced thinly. I like Black Forest ham for this recipe, but use your favorite.

• Swiss cheese: Ham and Swiss is a classic combo, for a stronger flavor, use an aged Swiss or Gruyere.

• Hawaiian rolls: A package of Hawaiian rolls can be found in the deli or bread section of most groceries.

• Butter: Seasoned butter gets brushed over the top of the rolls, which adds richness and flavor and helps them get toasty in the oven without getting too hard. I use unsalted butter since I season it with Worcestershire sauce. 

• Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard seasons the butter and gives a nice bite to the rolls. 

• Garlic aioli: Using garlic aioli instead of honey mustard in the sliders allows the flavor of the ham, cheese, and Hawaiian rolls to shine through without being overpowered. 

• Fresh parsley: Parsley in the butter mixture adds fresh flavor and color.

• Worcestershire sauce: This gets added to the seasoned butter that is poured over the sliders before baking.

• Dried onion flakes: You might not have these in your pantry, but it’s worth picking up a jar in the spice section of the grocery just to use for this sauce. You can use onion powder instead but the flakes have more flavor and add some texture.

• Poppy seeds: Poppy seeds are traditionally use in the butter sauce to top sliders. You might think they are unnecessary but I like the texture that they add.

How To Make Buttery Ham and Swiss Sliders 

Step 1: Prepare the rolls. 

Use a serrated knife and cut the entire package of rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in the baking dish and toast it the oven for a couple of minutes, this keeps the sliders from being mushy on the bottom.

Step 2: Assemble the sliders. 

Remove the rolls from the oven and spread a thin layer of aioli on top. Layer with ham and cheese. Spread another layer of aioli on the bottom of the top layer of rolls and place it onto the ham and cheese.  

Step 3: Make the butter sauce. 

Mix the melted butter, and mix with the mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried onions, poppy seeds, and chopped parsley. 

Step 4: Bake the sliders. 

Pour the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls, and use a pastry brush to spread it out evenly.

Cover the rolls in aluminum foil and bake them until the cheese is fully melted. Uncover the rolls for the last 5 minutes of cooking to get the tops crispy and golden brown.

Tips for Making Hawaiian Roll Sliders 

• Toasting the bottom layer of rolls before assembling helps prevent them from getting soggy once the butter mixture is added.

• Use a brush to distribute the butter mixture over the sliders evenly. This ensures every nook and cranny gets a burst of flavor and that beautiful golden color.

• If you like your sliders with a slightly crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking; for sliders with soft tops, leave the foil on until you take them out of the oven. 

Appetizers to serve with Sliders

• Baked Buffalo wings
• Cold creamy corn dip
• Bacon wrapped stuffed dates
• Creamy queso dip
• Bold Chex mix
• Buffalo chicken dip
• Stuffed roasted peppers

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Slider FAQs

Can I make these sliders spicy?

These sliders would be great with some sliced jalapeños layered with the ham and cheese or a dash of hot sauce mixed into the butter for a spicy kick. 

Can I add veggies to these sliders? 

You can add lettuce or tomato, but wait until they have come out of the oven and have cooled down a bit to keep them from wilting.

Can I double the recipe?

This recipe is easily doubled, but you’ll need to make it in two pans for the best results. If you’re planning on taking them along to a party, I recommend using two disposable foil pans.

Salads to Serve with Sliders

If you loved this recipe, give it a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating! Also, snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #butterandbaggage and tagging me @butterandbaggage.