Baked Hawaiian Sandwiches are the ultimate crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something absolutely irresistible. These warm, buttery sliders feature layers of honey ham and melted Swiss cheese on soft Hawaiian rolls, all baked together with a delicious sweet and tangy glaze brushed on top. The magic happens when everything bakes together in one pan, creating golden, crispy tops while the insides stay soft and gooey. They’re perfect for game day parties, potlucks, family dinners, or any time you need to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of savory ham, melty cheese, and that signature sweet glaze makes these sandwiches absolutely addictive.
Serving Quantity: 12 sandwiches
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
1. Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (one package)
- 1 pound honey ham, thinly sliced
- 12 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
2. Nutrition Information Per Serving
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 780mg
3. Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the sandwiches from sticking. This makes cleanup much easier and ensures your sandwiches slide right out after baking.
4. Slice the Rolls
Keep the Hawaiian rolls connected as one large piece. Using a long serrated knife, carefully slice through all the rolls horizontally to separate the tops from the bottoms. You want to cut through the entire sheet at once so they stay connected. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish.
5. Layer the Ham
Arrange the honey ham slices evenly over the bottom layer of rolls. You can fold or layer the ham to cover all the rolls completely. Make sure every sandwich will get a good amount of ham. Don’t worry if the ham hangs over the edges a bit, just tuck it in or fold it over.
6. Add the Cheese
Place one slice of Swiss cheese on top of the ham on each roll. You want complete coverage so the cheese melts evenly and holds everything together. If your cheese slices are large, you can tear them to fit perfectly over each roll section.
7. Top the Sandwiches
Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese layer. Press down gently so everything nestles together nicely. The sandwiches should look like one complete slab of connected sliders.
8. Make the Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, honey, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. This glaze is what makes these sandwiches truly special.
9. Brush on the Glaze
Pour the glaze mixture evenly over the top of the sandwiches. Use a pastry brush or the back of a spoon to spread it around, making sure to coat the entire top surface. Pay special attention to getting the glaze into all the nooks and crannies between the rolls. The rolls will soak up the butter mixture as they bake.
10. Bake the Sandwiches
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 15 minutes covered. This allows the cheese to melt and the sandwiches to heat through without the tops getting too brown. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 12 minutes uncovered until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.
11. Rest and Serve
Remove the sandwiches from the oven and let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes. This helps everything set up and makes them easier to cut and serve. Use a sharp knife to cut along the lines between the rolls to separate them into individual sandwiches. Serve warm.
12. Tips for Success
You can prepare these sandwiches up to 24 hours ahead. Just assemble them completely with the glaze, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed. Feel free to customize with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for variety. Add sliced turkey along with the ham for a heartier sandwich. For extra flavor, add thin slices of red onion or pickles between the ham and cheese layers. If you like things spicy, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze mixture. These sandwiches are best served fresh but you can refrigerate leftovers for up to two days and reheat them in the oven. Don’t skip the poppy seeds as they add a nice texture and authentic flavor. Make sure to use real butter instead of margarine for the best taste. If the tops are browning too quickly, tent them loosely with foil. These freeze well too, just wrap them tightly and freeze for up to one month, then thaw and reheat when ready to serve.
