HAWAIIAN SWEET ROLL HAM SAMMIES

WineCheeseScallops
5 hours ago
5 min read

Warm, buttery, and irresistibly nostalgic, these Hawaiian Sweet Roll Ham Sammies are the kind of recipe that disappears fast—whether you’re hosting game day, feeding a hungry family, or pulling together a last‑minute party dish. Soft sweet rolls soak up a savory onion-butter glaze kissed with Dijon, Worcestershire, and poppy seeds, creating that perfect sweet‑savory balance everyone loves.

Close-up of a ham and cheese slider topped with poppy seeds on a wooden board. A striped cloth and wooden surface are in the background.

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This is comfort food at its most shareable. Assemble them ahead, slide them into the oven when guests arrive, and let the aroma do the talking. These sammies are melty, flavorful, and dangerously easy to keep “just one more.”

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Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

Hawaiian sweet rolls are the foundation of this recipe, bringing a subtle sweetness and pillowy texture that sets these sammies apart from standard sliders. Their soft crumb absorbs the buttery onion mixture beautifully without falling apart, creating a tender yet structured bite.

Rolls being prepared with butter and herbs on foil in a kitchen setting. A hand applies the mixture from a pan. Warm, inviting mood.

Because they’re slightly sweet, these rolls balance the saltiness of the ham and cheese perfectly. They also brown evenly in the oven, giving you a lightly crisp top while staying soft underneath—exactly what you want in a baked sandwich.

Dijon Mustard

Dijon mustard adds depth and a gentle tang that keeps these sammies from being overly rich. Unlike yellow mustard, Dijon brings a more refined, slightly sharp flavor that pairs especially well with ham and Swiss-style cheeses.

When mixed into melted butter with onions and Worcestershire sauce, Dijon becomes part of a savory glaze that infuses every layer of the rolls. It’s a small amount, but it makes a big difference in flavor balance.

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Recipe Inspiration

Deli ham on a green plate, sliced cheese, an onion, Worcestershire sauce, and dijon mustard on a wooden surface. Text: Lea & Perrins.

These Hawaiian Sweet Roll Ham Sammies are inspired by classic baked party sandwiches—the kind you’d see at potlucks, holiday gatherings, and family get-togethers growing up. They’re simple, familiar, and endlessly comforting, but with just enough flair to feel special.

This version leans into bold flavor with grated onion, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds, while keeping the assembly easy and approachable. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a go-to once you’ve made it once.

Hand chopping a white onion on a wooden cutting board. Background features a kitchen setting with soft lighting and colorful details.

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Tips, Serving Suggestions & Storage

Hand sprinkles poppy seeds into a pan of yellow batter on a stovetop. Wooden spoon rests on pan. Background shows stove controls.

Mince or grate the onion very finely so it melts seamlessly into the butter mixture.
Simmer the butter mixture gently—avoid boiling to keep the flavors smooth and balanced.
Use shaved or thin-sliced ham for even layering and easier serving.
Swiss offers a classic flavor, while Havarti adds extra creaminess—either works beautifully.
For extra cheesiness, feel free to add an additional slice or two of cheese.
Assemble the sammies up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Keep the foil tightly sealed during the first bake to prevent the tops from browning too quickly.
Uncover near the end to achieve lightly golden, slightly crisp roll tops.
Let the pan rest for a few minutes after baking for cleaner slicing.
Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat covered in the oven.

Hands with dark nails arranging pink deli meat on foil in a kitchen setting. The background shows more slices and a plate edge.

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Why This Recipe Stands Out

Hands assembling a sandwich with ham and cheese in a foil-lined tray. Fresh rolls are placed on top. Wooden cutting board background.

Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
Ideal make-ahead recipe for entertaining.
Minimal prep with big flavor payoff.
Feeds a crowd without complicated steps.
Uses pantry-friendly ingredients.
Soft, melty, and comforting texture.
Customizable with different cheeses or meats.
Kid-friendly while still appealing to adults.
Great for holidays, game days, and casual dinners.
Reliable crowd-pleaser that disappears fast.

Butter mixture is being spread on a tray of golden buns lined with foil. A wooden spoon is used on a patterned wooden surface.

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Hawaiian Sweet Roll Ham Sammies

Close-up of a ham and cheese sandwich topped with poppy seeds and onions on a rustic wooden board. Warm, inviting texture.

Ingredients

1 package (12–16 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
1 onion, finely minced or grated
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
3 teaspoons poppy seeds
½ to 1 pound shaved ham
8 slices Swiss or Havarti cheese

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a small skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced onion and cook until softened.
Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds. Simmer gently for several minutes, then remove from heat.
Without separating the rolls, slice them horizontally as a group. Place the bottom half into a foil-lined 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
Spread about three-quarters of the onion-butter mixture evenly over the roll bottoms.
Layer the ham evenly over the rolls, then top with the cheese slices.
Place the roll tops back on and spread the remaining onion mixture evenly over the top.
Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Bake covered for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes, until heated through and lightly golden on top.
Slice and serve warm.

Close-up of a ham and cheese slider topped with onions and poppy seeds on a wooden board, with salt scattered around. Rustic background.

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