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King’s Hawaiian Ham & Swiss Sliders: A Crowd-Pleasing Classic

The scent of warm, buttery rolls, melting Swiss, and savory ham always transports me back to family gatherings. My Aunt Carol was the undisputed queen of appetizers, and these King’s Hawaiian Ham & Swiss Sliders were her signature dish. I remember sneaking extra sliders from the platter as a kid, the sweet and savory flavors a perfect blend that disappeared all too quickly. This recipe is a loving recreation of her classic, bringing back cherished memories with every bite.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 12
Yields: 24 sandwiches
Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

2 (12 count) packages King’s Original Hawaiian Rolls
24 slices deli honey-roasted ham
6 slices Swiss cheese
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon poppy seed
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Equipment Needed

Baking Dish (9×13 inch recommended)
Medium Bowl
Whisk

Instructions

Begin by preparing the King’s Hawaiian Rolls. Slice the entire package horizontally, separating the top half from the bottom half.
Spread mayonnaise evenly onto the cut side of the bottom half of the rolls. This creates a moisture barrier and adds a creamy element to the sliders.
Layer the honey-roasted ham and Swiss cheese onto the bottom half of the rolls. Arrange 1-2 slices of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese to evenly cover the rolls. Feel free to fold or trim the ham and cheese to fit neatly.
Replace the top half of the King’s Hawaiian Rolls, carefully aligning them with the bottom half filled with ham and Swiss.
Place the assembled sliders closely together into a baking dish. A 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal for fitting the rolls snugly.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the topping ingredients. Combine poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, melted butter, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and emulsified. The melted butter should be cooled slightly to avoid cooking the other ingredients.
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the tops of the rolls, ensuring they are just covered. The amount of sauce may seem like a lot, but it will soak into the rolls during baking, adding flavor and moisture.
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. This will trap moisture and allow the cheese to melt evenly without the tops of the rolls browning too quickly.
Let the covered sliders sit for 10 minutes. This allows the rolls to absorb the sauce, enhancing the flavor and preventing them from drying out during baking.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 10 minutes, or until the Swiss cheese is melted.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 2 minutes, until the tops of the rolls are slightly browned and crisp. Keep a close eye on them during this step to prevent burning.
Serve warm. The sliders are best enjoyed immediately while the cheese is still melted and the rolls are soft and flavorful.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Cheese Placement: Place the Swiss cheese directly on top of the ham. This prevents the ham from drying out during baking and helps the cheese melt evenly.
Butter Temperature: Ensure the butter is melted but not too hot when adding it to the sauce. Excessively hot butter can partially cook the Dijon mustard and alter its flavor.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the sliders and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store the assembled sliders covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the sauce just before baking for best results.
Even Browning: To ensure even browning, rotate the baking dish halfway through the baking time.
Customization: Add a thin layer of caramelized onions or thinly sliced pickles between the ham and cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these King’s Hawaiian Ham & Swiss Sliders warm as an appetizer, a snack, or a light meal. They are perfect for parties, potlucks, or game day gatherings. To make them look even more appealing, arrange them on a platter garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the sliders in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them in short intervals, but be careful not to overheat them, as this can make the rolls tough. Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the rolls.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	222.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	139 g	62%
Total Fat	15.5 g	23%
Saturated Fat	8.4 g	41%
Cholesterol	47.4 mg	15%
Sodium	675.3 mg	28%
Total Carbohydrate	7.2 g	2%
Dietary Fiber	0.3 g	1%
Sugars	0.7 g	2%
Protein	14.3 g	28%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

Cheese Variations: Try using provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar cheese instead of Swiss.
Meat Variations: Use turkey, roast beef, or even a vegetarian alternative like sliced portobello mushrooms instead of ham.
Sweet and Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
Garlic Lovers: Mince a clove of garlic and add it to the butter mixture for a more intense flavor.
Herbs: Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary over the sliders before baking for an aromatic twist.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of roll?
A: While King’s Hawaiian Rolls provide the signature sweetness and texture, you can substitute with other sweet rolls or slider buns. Keep in mind that baking times may vary.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time and bake them later?
A: Yes, you can assemble the sliders and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the sauce just before putting them in the oven to prevent the rolls from getting soggy.

Q: What if I don’t have poppy seeds?
A: If you don’t have poppy seeds, you can omit them or substitute with sesame seeds.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: While you can use pre-shredded cheese, freshly sliced Swiss cheese will melt more evenly and have a better flavor.

Q: How do I prevent the bottom of the rolls from getting soggy?
A: Spreading mayonnaise on the bottom half of the rolls acts as a barrier to prevent them from absorbing too much moisture from the filling. Also, ensure your baking dish isn’t too wet before placing the sliders in it.

Final Thoughts

These King’s Hawaiian Ham & Swiss Sliders are more than just a simple appetizer; they’re a crowd-pleasing classic that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick and easy meal, or simply craving a taste of comfort food, this recipe is sure to deliver. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy these irresistible little sandwiches. Don’t forget to share your creations and any variations you try – I can’t wait to hear what you think! Pair these sliders with a side of coleslaw or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Kings Hawaiian Ham & Swiss Slider Recipe