If you are craving a delightful little treat that is bursting with flavor, look no further than these Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders. This recipe combines tender, savory black forest ham with creamy, buttery Havarti cheese, all nestled inside soft and slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls. The magic really happens when a mustard-butter glaze, sprinkled with poppy seeds, is brushed over the sliders before baking, creating a golden, irresistible topping. Whether you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a satisfying snack, Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders deliver on taste, texture, and comfort all in one bite.

Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make these sliders so special. From the sweetness of Hawaiian rolls to the smoothness of Havarti cheese, every element counts.

Savory Butter Hawaiian Rolls: Their soft, buttery texture and slightly sweet flavor make them the perfect base for the sliders.
Black Forest Ham: Thinly sliced, flavorful ham adds a smoky, savory punch to every bite.
Havarti Cheese: Creamy and mild with a subtle tang, it melts beautifully to complement the ham.
Salted Butter: Used in the glaze, it adds rich, luscious moisture and helps everything caramelize in the oven.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a subtle tang and complexity to the buttery glaze.
Worcestershire Sauce (optional): A hint of this deepens the savory notes without overpowering the other flavors.
Onion Powder (optional): Adds a subtle savory depth to the glaze mixture.
Poppy Seeds: They add a bit of crunch and a lovely visual contrast on the golden top of the sliders.

How to Make Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders

Step 1: Prepare the Rolls

Start by slicing the entire block of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, making sure to keep all the rolls attached so they stay as one piece. Remove the top half and set it aside, then gently place the bottom half inside a lightly greased 9×12-inch baking dish. This will be the foundation for your sliders, holding all the delicious layers together perfectly.

Step 2: Layer the Ham and Cheese

Next, spread out the black forest ham slices evenly across the bottom half of the rolls, giving each slider a generous layer of savory goodness. On top of the ham, place slices of Havarti cheese—half a slice per slider works perfectly to ensure balanced flavor without overwhelming. This combination creates a creamy and savory harmony that is the hallmark of your Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders.

Step 3: Make the Mustard-Butter Glaze

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the salted butter for about 30 seconds until fully liquid. Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and poppy seeds to create a flavorful glaze. This buttery mixture will soak into the tops of the rolls as they bake, giving them a shiny, golden crust with an extra punch of taste and texture.

Step 4: Assemble and Brush the Glaze

Place the top half of the rolls back over the layered ham and cheese. Using a pastry brush or spoon, evenly brush the mustard-butter glaze over the top layer. Don’t be shy here—the flavorful glaze is key to getting that irresistible crust and that vibrant poppy seed sprinkle it calls for.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and pop it into a 350˚F oven. Bake for about 15 minutes to allow everything to heat through and the cheese to start melting. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to let the tops of the sliders turn golden brown and slightly crisp. Once baked, your Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders will be ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders

Garnishes

Enhance your sliders by garnishing them with fresh, vibrant ingredients like chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A light smear of Dijon mustard or a dash of hot sauce on the side can also elevate their flavor without stealing the spotlight.

Side Dishes

Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders shine alongside crispy vegetable sticks like carrots and celery or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. For something heartier, consider pairing them with baked sweet potato fries or a creamy coleslaw to balance the richness of the sliders.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party-ready presentation, arrange the sliders on a wooden board or colorful platter lined with parchment paper. You can also skewer each slider with decorative toothpicks to keep them intact and easy to grab. If you want a twist, serve them cut into smaller bites with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard or chipotle mayo on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders have cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or late-night snacks. Reheat gently to maintain their soft texture and gooey cheese.

Freezing

If you want to save them for longer, wrap the entire slider block tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. They keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your sliders back to life, reheat them in a 350˚F oven wrapped in foil for 10-15 minutes. This method preserves the softness of the rolls and helps the cheese melt back to its creamy goodness without drying out the ham.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders?

Absolutely! While Havarti’s creamy texture and mild flavor are ideal, you can substitute with Swiss, Gruyere, or even a good melting cheddar if you prefer a sharper taste.

Are Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders freezer-friendly?

Yes, they freeze remarkably well. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn and thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.

How can I make these sliders spicier?

Add a few dashes of hot sauce into the mustard-butter glaze or layer slices of jalapeño peppers underneath the ham. You could also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce on the side.

Can I make these sliders vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, swap the ham for smoked or grilled vegetables like portobello mushrooms or eggplant. Adding a flavorful cheese and keeping the glaze will maintain the delicious enchantment.

What’s the best way to serve sliders at a party?

Arrange them on a large platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Offering a variety of dipping sauces and some fresh garnishes will elevate your presentation and please a crowd.

Final Thoughts

These Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders are truly a crowd-pleaser and a delightful addition to any meal or gathering. Their gorgeous layers of ham, creamy cheese, buttery glaze, and soft rolls combine into a comforting bite that feels both indulgent and effortless. I can’t recommend enough that you give this recipe a try—you’ll find yourself coming back for more every time!

Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 29 reviews

Delicious Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders made with savory butter Hawaiian rolls, layered with black forest ham and creamy Havarti cheese, topped with a flavorful mustard-butter glaze and baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect for parties, game days, or quick family meals.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Category: Appetizer, Snack, Sandwich
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale

Slider Ingredients

1 package Savory Butter Hawaiian Rolls (12 count)
12 slices black forest ham
6 slices Havarti cheese

Mustard-Butter Glaze

4 tablespoons salted butter
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
¼ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Instructions

Prepare the rolls and baking dish: Slice the entire block of Savory Butter Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without separating individual rolls. Remove the top half of the rolls and set aside. Lightly grease a 9×12-inch baking pan with butter and place the bottom half of the rolls inside it evenly.
Add ham and cheese: Layer each roll on the bottom half with one slice of black forest ham and half a slice of Havarti cheese, ensuring even coverage across all rolls.
Make the mustard-butter glaze: In a microwavable bowl, melt the salted butter by heating it for about 30 seconds. Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce (if using), onion powder (if using), and poppy seeds until well combined to create a flavorful glaze.
Assemble the sliders: Place the reserved top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the ham and cheese layers. Brush the entire top of the rolls generously with the prepared mustard-butter glaze.
Bake the sliders: Loosely cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tops of the buns turn golden brown.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding a slice of dill pickle inside each slider before topping with the roll lid.
Use two slices of Havarti per slider if you prefer cheesier sliders.
Keep the foil loose to avoid sogginess but still trap enough heat for melting the cheese properly.
These sliders are best served warm but can be reheated covered in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
Worcestershire sauce and onion powder are optional but add depth to the glaze.