Oh my gosh, you have to try these ham and cheese breakfast slider sandwiches! They’re my absolute go-to when I need to feed a crowd or just want something deliciously easy on a lazy Sunday morning. I first made them for my sister’s baby shower brunch – talk about a hit! The whole tray disappeared before I could even grab one (lesson learned: always make a double batch).
What I love about these little beauties is how they combine all the comfort of classic ham and cheese with the convenience of finger food. The Hawaiian rolls soak up that incredible buttery glaze while staying perfectly soft, and the melty Swiss cheese? Don’t even get me started! Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating your family to something special, these ham and cheese breakfast slider sandwiches will have everyone coming back for seconds. They’re even easier than my breakfast casserole, and that’s saying something!
Why You’ll Love These Ham and Cheese Breakfast Slider Sandwiches
Let me tell you why these little sandwiches have become my breakfast MVP:
- Crazy quick – From fridge to table in 30 minutes flat (even with my morning coffee in hand!)
- Feeds an army – One batch makes 12 sliders, perfect for sleepover mornings or last-minute guests
- Totally customizable – Swap ham for turkey, add a fried egg, or go wild with different cheeses
- Impossible to resist – That sweet-savory glaze makes them taste way fancier than they actually are
Seriously, they’re so good my kids think I slaved over them – and I’ll never tell them otherwise!
Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Breakfast Slider Sandwiches
Okay, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible sliders. I like to separate everything into two groups – the slider components and that magical glaze that makes these babies shine. Trust me, you’ll want to measure everything out before you start – it makes the assembly so much smoother when you’re half-awake in the morning!
For the Sliders:
- 12 Hawaiian rolls – That sweet, pillowy goodness is key!
- 12 slices ham – I use good quality deli ham, not the super thin stuff
- 6 slices Swiss cheese, cut in half – Pro tip: let it come to room temp so it melts beautifully
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup butter, melted – Real butter only, please!
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard – Adds the perfect tang
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce – Our secret flavor booster
- 1/2 tsp onion powder – Don’t skip this – it makes all the difference
See? Nothing fancy, just simple ingredients that work magic together. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make Ham and Cheese Breakfast Slider Sandwiches
Alright, let’s get these heavenly ham and cheese breakfast slider sandwiches in the oven! I promise it’s easier than making fluffy pancakes – and just as satisfying. Follow these steps, and you’ll have golden, melty perfection in no time.
Preparing the Sliders
First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab your Hawaiian rolls and slice the whole package in half horizontally – keep them connected! This little trick saves so much time. Place the bottom half in your baking dish like a sweet little bread mattress.
Now for the fun part – layering! I like to fold each ham slice in half twice so you get nice meaty pockets in every bite. Arrange them evenly across the rolls, then tuck those halved Swiss cheese slices between the ham folds. The cheese should peek out just enough to melt beautifully. Pop the top half of the rolls back on – it’s like tucking your sandwiches into bed!
Making the Glaze
Here’s where the magic happens! Melt your butter (I zap it for 20 seconds), then whisk in the Dijon, Worcestershire, and onion powder until it’s smooth and fragrant. Grab a pastry brush and generously coat the tops of the rolls – get into all those nooks and crannies! The glaze will seep down and make every bite irresistible.
Bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the tops are golden brown. Let them cool just enough so you don’t burn your fingers, then slice along the rolls’ natural divisions. Watch them disappear faster than you can say “breakfast of champions!”
Tips for Perfect Ham and Cheese Breakfast Slider Sandwiches
After making these ham and cheese breakfast slider sandwiches more times than I can count (my family won’t let me stop!), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to make them absolutely perfect every single time. First – always use fresh Hawaiian rolls if you can find them. That slight sweetness makes all the difference! And don’t be shy with the cheese – I sometimes sneak in an extra half slice per slider when no one’s looking.
Here’s my best advice: let the assembled sliders sit for 5 minutes before baking. This lets the glaze start working its magic into the bread. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some everything bagel seasoning or dried parsley on top before baking for extra flavor and crunch. Oh, and that glaze? Double it if you’re like me and love extra buttery goodness pooling in the bottom of the pan – it makes the bottom rolls slightly crispy and caramelized. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you’re scraping up those delicious bits!
Variations for Ham and Cheese Breakfast Slider Sandwiches
Oh, the possibilities with these sliders! Once you’ve mastered the basic ham and cheese version, it’s time to play. My kids love when I swap the ham for crispy bacon (pro tip: partially cook it first so it doesn’t make the bread soggy). Or try turkey with pepper jack cheese for a little kick! My personal favorite? Sneaking a thin slice of tomato and a fried egg between the layers – it’s like a full breakfast in every bite.
Cheese lovers, listen up! Swiss is classic, but sharp cheddar makes them extra gooey, and provolone gives a nice mild flavor. For special occasions, I’ll do half Swiss, half gruyère – so fancy! Vegetarian? Skip the meat and pile on sautéed mushrooms and spinach instead. The beauty of these sliders is how they adapt to whatever you’re craving or have in the fridge. Just don’t tell my family how many versions I’ve secretly tested!
Serving Suggestions for Ham and Cheese Breakfast Slider Sandwiches
Now that you’ve got these gorgeous ham and cheese breakfast slider sandwiches ready, let’s talk about how to serve them up right! I love pairing them with fresh fruit – the sweetness balances that savory glaze perfectly. A big bowl of mixed berries or some juicy orange slices does the trick. For heartier appetites, crispy hash browns or roasted potatoes are my go-to. And if you’re feeling fancy, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a nice fresh touch.
Don’t forget the drinks! These sliders pair beautifully with orange juice for the kids or a strong cup of coffee for us grown-ups. For a real brunch vibe, try them with mimosas – the bubbles cut through the richness so well. Honestly, they’re so good they don’t need much, but if you’re looking for more healthy breakfast ideas to round out your spread, I’ve got you covered there too!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Okay, let’s talk leftovers – though honestly, these ham and cheese breakfast slider sandwiches rarely last long in my house! When you miraculously have some left (or if you’re smart and make a double batch), here’s how to keep them tasting fresh. Let them cool completely, then pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual sliders tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months – perfect for emergency breakfasts!
Now, the real magic happens when you reheat them. My foolproof method? Wrap them in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes if refrigerated, or 15 from frozen. This keeps the bread soft and the cheese perfectly melty. Microwave works in a pinch (20-30 seconds), but the oven keeps that wonderful texture. Pro tip – brush a tiny bit of melted butter on top before reheating to revive that golden glaze. Breakfast savior, coming right up!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick heads up about the nutrition info for these ham and cheese breakfast slider sandwiches – these numbers are estimates based on the ingredients I typically use. Your actual counts might vary depending on your specific brand of rolls, cheese thickness, or whether you go heavy on that delicious glaze (no judgment here!). I always say homemade food is about joy, not perfect calculations – but if you’re tracking, this gives you a good ballpark. Enjoy every bite without stressing the small stuff!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make ham and cheese breakfast slider sandwiches ahead of time?
Absolutely! These sliders are perfect for prepping the night before. Just assemble everything (including the glaze), cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. In the morning, pop them straight into a cold oven, then turn it to 350°F – they’ll bake perfectly while you sip your coffee. The glaze actually soaks in better this way!
What if I can’t find Hawaiian rolls?
No worries! While Hawaiian rolls give that perfect sweet touch, you can use any soft dinner rolls or even slider buns. Just watch the baking time – denser rolls might need an extra 5 minutes. My backup is always King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, but honestly, these ham and cheese breakfast sliders taste great on whatever bread you’ve got.
How do I keep the bottoms from getting soggy?
Here’s my trick – don’t overdo the glaze! Brush just enough on top to coat without dripping down the sides. Also, make sure your ham isn’t too wet (pat it dry if needed). If you’re really worried, you can lightly toast the bottom rolls before assembling. Works like a charm!
Can I freeze leftover ham and cheese sliders?
You bet! These freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Wrap individual sliders in foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. They might not be quite as perfect as fresh, but they’ll still beat any frozen breakfast sandwich from the store!
What’s the best cheese substitute for Swiss?
If Swiss isn’t your thing, try provolone for mild flavor or sharp cheddar for more punch. My kids love mozzarella for extra stretchiness! Just avoid super soft cheeses that might make the bread soggy. The beauty of these breakfast sliders is how adaptable they are to your favorite flavors.
Ham and Cheese Breakfast Slider Sandwiches
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom half in a baking dish.
- Layer the ham and Swiss cheese on the rolls, then place the top half of the rolls over the filling.
- In a bowl, mix the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder.
- Brush the glaze over the tops of the rolls.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden.
- Cut into individual sliders and serve warm.