Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a snack that combines comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance, look no further than these Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders. Soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls hug savory Black Forest ham and creamy Havarti cheese, all finished with a poppy seed buttery glaze that brings every bite to life. These sliders are perfect for game days, casual get-togethers, or whenever you need a quick, crowd-pleasing treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, but each plays a vital role in making the Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders irresistibly delicious. From the sweet softness of the Hawaiian rolls to the rich flavor of Havarti cheese, every component works together to create the perfect balance.

• Savory Butter Hawaiian Rolls (12 count): The soft, pillowy base that adds a subtly sweet touch and keeps everything neatly together.
• Black Forest Ham (12 slices): Provides a smoky, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the mild cheese.
• Havarti Cheese (6 slices): A creamy, buttery cheese that melts to perfection and adds a luscious texture.
• Salted Butter (4 tbsp): Creates the rich, golden topping that seals in moisture and flavor.
• Dijon Mustard (1 tsp): Adds a gentle tang that lifts the buttery topping to new heights.
• Worcestershire Sauce (1/4 tsp, optional): Deepens the savory notes and adds a subtle umami punch.
• Onion Powder (1/4 tsp, optional): Infuses a mild onion flavor that complements both the ham and cheese.
• Poppy Seeds (1 tbsp): Provide a pleasant crunch and a charming visual finish to the buttery glaze.

How to Make Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders

Step 1: Prepare the Rolls and Baking Dish

Start by slicing the entire block of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, but don’t separate the individual rolls just yet. Carefully lift off the top half and set it aside. Lightly grease a 9×12-inch baking pan with butter, then place the bottom half of the rolls inside, forming a perfect base to hold all the delicious fillings.

Step 2: Layer Ham and Cheese

Next, it’s time to build the flavor. Lay a slice of Black Forest ham on each roll section, then top each with half a slice of Havarti cheese. This layering is key to ensuring every bite delivers that unbeatable ham and cheese combo.

Step 3: Prepare and Add Buttery Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the salted butter by heating it for about 30 seconds. Stir in Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and poppy seeds to create a fragrant, glossy glaze. Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls back over the layered ham and cheese, then generously brush the entire surface with this flavorful butter mixture. This step locks in moisture and adds the iconic golden crust with a subtle crunch from the poppy seeds.

Step 4: Bake to Melty Perfection

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake in a preheated 350˚F oven for 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to let the cheese melt fully and the tops brown beautifully. When you see that glowing, golden finish, you know your Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders are ready to steal the show.

How to Serve Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders

Garnishes

While these sliders are delicious on their own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of cracked black pepper on top adds just the right pop of freshness and color. If you’re hosting a casual party, consider serving them with toothpicks speared through for easy grabbing and eating.

Side Dishes

Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders pair wonderfully with classic sides like crisp coleslaw or a simple garden salad to balance the richness. Crispy sweet potato fries or kettle-cooked chips also amplify the snack’s comfort food vibe, making every bite feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, arrange your sliders on a serving platter with alternating colors of mini pickles, cherry tomatoes, or pickled red onions to brighten the plate. You can also turn these into a slider bar, letting guests customize with mustard, mayonnaise, or a spicy aioli for extra flavor layers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, tuck them into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making for easy snacks or quick meals later.

Freezing

Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before popping them into the freezer. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to 2 months, perfect for prepping ahead for busy days or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To bring your sliders back to that freshly baked taste, warm them in a 350˚F oven for about 10-12 minutes, covered lightly with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch but run the risk of a slightly less crispy top.

FAQs

Can I use other types of ham for these sliders?

Absolutely! While Black Forest ham provides a great smoky flavor, you can swap in honey ham, smoked ham, or even prosciutto depending on what you like or have on hand.

Is Havarti cheese essential or can I substitute it?

Havarti cheese is prized for its creamy melt and buttery taste, but if you can’t find it, mild Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella work quite well as substitutes.

Can I make these sliders vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the ham with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or a flavorful veggie deli slice to keep that satisfying, melty goodness in every bite.

Do I need to add Worcestershire sauce and onion powder?

These are optional but recommended for depth of flavor. If you don’t have them, you can skip or replace Worcestershire sauce with a dash of soy sauce for umami and omit the onion powder without losing the essence of the sliders.

How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy?

Make sure to lightly grease the baking dish and brush the top rolls with the butter mixture, which forms a barrier and helps keep the buns from soaking up too much moisture during baking.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a simple, flavorful, and utterly satisfying recipe for Ham and Havarti Cheese Sliders that’s sure to become a favorite in your collection. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself to a cozy meal, these sliders bring comfort and a bit of gourmet flair in every bite. Give them a try, and get ready for some serious compliments!

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