Hawaiian Roll Sliders Recipe
Hawaiian Roll Sliders are the epitome of convenience and delightful taste, making them a popular choice for both quick meals and party snacks. These sliders stand out due to their combination of sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese, all brought together with a rich poppy-butter topping and caramelized onions. They offer a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is sure to satisfy any crowd.
Ingredients Breakdown
The magic of Hawaiian Roll Sliders lies in the careful selection and preparation of their ingredients.
Poppy-Butter Topping:
The poppy-butter topping is a crucial component, adding a layer of richness and flavor that elevates these sliders from simple sandwiches to gourmet delights. The melted butter provides a luscious base, while the poppy seeds add a subtle crunch. Minced garlic infuses the topping with a fragrant aroma, and Worcestershire sauce introduces a savory depth, balancing the sweetness of the rolls.
Caramelized Onions:
Caramelized onions bring a profound sweetness and complexity to the sliders. Properly caramelizing the onions, which involves slowly cooking them until they turn a deep golden color and become jam-like, ensures they add a deep, sweet-savory flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Sliders Components:
The core ingredients of these sliders include mini Hawaiian rolls, deli-sliced ham, and Swiss cheese. The Hawaiian rolls provide a soft, sweet foundation. The ham adds a savory, slightly salty element, and the Swiss cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy, rich layer. Mayonnaise and honey mustard are used to add moisture and a tangy contrast to the sweetness and savoriness of the other ingredients.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Preparing the Caramelized Onions:
To achieve perfectly caramelized onions, heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and season with a pinch of kosher salt. Lower the heat to medium-low to prevent burning and allow the onions to cook slowly, stirring occasionally. This process, which takes about 25 minutes, ensures the onions become deeply golden and jam-like. Set them aside to cool slightly once done.
Making the Poppy-Butter Topping:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine melted butter, poppy seeds, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well mixed. This topping should be generously brushed over the sliders to ensure each bite is infused with its rich, savory flavor.
Assembling the Sliders:
Begin by slicing the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact as a sheet. Place the bottom half on a baking sheet and spread a generous layer of mayonnaise over it. Layer half of the sliced ham evenly over the mayonnaise, followed by the slices of Swiss cheese, and then the remaining ham. Spread honey mustard over the top layer of ham and add the caramelized onions. Place the top half of the rolls over the fillings and brush the poppy-butter mixture generously over the tops.
Baking to Perfection:
Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the sliders for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the tops of the buns are golden brown. This short baking time ensures the sliders are warm and gooey without drying out the bread.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Customizing the Sliders:
- Try different cheeses, like cheddar or provolone, for a unique twist.
- Add pickles or jalapeños for extra crunch and a hint of spice.
Making Ahead:
- Assemble the sliders a few hours before and refrigerate. Brush with the poppy-butter topping just before baking.
Storing Leftovers:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy top and melty cheese.
Can I use a different type of bread?
- Yes, you can use other soft rolls or even slider buns, but the sweetness of Hawaiian rolls is a perfect match for this recipe.
How can I make these sliders vegetarian?
- Substitute the ham with a plant-based deli meat or use grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
Is it possible to make these sliders gluten-free?
- Absolutely, just use gluten-free rolls and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Side Dish Suggestions: Pair these sliders with a fresh, crisp salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. A tangy coleslaw or potato salad would also be excellent accompaniments.
Beverage Pairings: These sliders go well with light, refreshing beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or a cold beer. For an adult twist, try pairing them with a crisp white wine or a light, fruity sangria.
Serving Style: For parties, arrange the sliders on a decorative platter. You can even place small flags or toothpicks in them for easy grabbing and a festive touch.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Preventing Soggy Buns:
Control the amount of sauce you use and ensure even layering. You can also toast the buns lightly before assembling.
Ensuring Even Melting:
Make sure the cheese slices are evenly distributed and cover the entire surface. Consider tenting the sliders with foil during the first half of baking to help the cheese melt evenly without over-browning the tops.
Hawaiian Roll Sliders are a delightful and versatile addition to any meal or gathering. Their combination of sweet rolls, savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and rich poppy-butter topping makes them irresistible. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for customizing to suit different tastes and dietary needs. So next time you’re planning a party or need a quick, delicious meal, give these sliders a try. Share your own variations and enjoy the delightful flavors with friends and family!
Ingredients
For poppy-butter topping:
- 4 Tbsp. melted butter
- 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
For caramelized onions:
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
- Kosher salt, to taste
For sliders:
- 12 mini Hawaiian rolls
- 2 lb. deli sliced ham
- 1 lb. sliced Swiss cheese
- 1/4 c. mayonnaise
- 1/4 c. honey mustard
Instructions
Step 1:
Begin by preparing the caramelized onions. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and season with a pinch of kosher salt. Lower the heat to medium-low and allow the onions to cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply golden and jam-like in texture, about 25 minutes. Once done, set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 2:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter, poppy seeds, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
Step 3:
Prepare the sliders by carefully slicing the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact as a sheet. Place the bottom half of the rolls on a baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise across the bottom portion of the slider buns. Layer half of the sliced ham evenly over the mayonnaise, followed by the slices of Swiss cheese, and finish with the remaining ham. Spread the honey mustard over the top layer of ham, then add the caramelized onions. Place the top half of the slider buns over the fillings. Using a brush, generously coat the tops of the buns with the poppy-butter mixture until well covered.
Step 4:
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted thoroughly and the tops of the buns are golden brown. Serve the sliders warm, straight from the oven, for a delightful treat.
Hawaiian Roll Sliders Recipe
Ingredients
For poppy-butter topping:
- 4 Tbsp. melted butter
- 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
For caramelized onions:
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion halved and thinly sliced
- Kosher salt to taste
For sliders:
- 12 mini Hawaiian rolls
- 2 lb. deli sliced ham
- 1 lb. sliced Swiss cheese
- 1/4 c. mayonnaise
- 1/4 c. honey mustard
Instructions
Step 1:
- Begin by preparing the caramelized onions. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and season with a pinch of kosher salt. Lower the heat to medium-low and allow the onions to cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply golden and jam-like in texture, about 25 minutes. Once done, set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 2:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter, poppy seeds, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
Step 3:
- Prepare the sliders by carefully slicing the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact as a sheet. Place the bottom half of the rolls on a baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise across the bottom portion of the slider buns. Layer half of the sliced ham evenly over the mayonnaise, followed by the slices of Swiss cheese, and finish with the remaining ham. Spread the honey mustard over the top layer of ham, then add the caramelized onions. Place the top half of the slider buns over the fillings. Using a brush, generously coat the tops of the buns with the poppy-butter mixture until well covered.
Step 4:
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted thoroughly and the tops of the buns are golden brown. Serve the sliders warm, straight from the oven, for a delightful treat.