Hula Ham Slider Sandwiches
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Bring a burst of tropical flavor to your table with these irresistible hula ham slider sandwiches! Inspired by my popular hula melts, these sliders are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Featuring juicy pineapple slices, a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, tender slices of ham, and melty Swiss cheese, all nestled in soft and fluffy Hawaiian rolls, these sandwiches are packed with flavor.
The savory ham and Swiss cheese create a rich and creamy base, which pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the pineapple and the tangy barbecue sauce. Together, they perfectly complement the naturally sweet Hawaiian rolls, creating a harmonious and satisfying bite every time.
To ensure your sliders turn out perfectly, it’s important to drain the pineapple thoroughly. Excess juice can lead to soggy sandwiches. So I take the extra step of draining the pineapple rings and laying them on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any remaining moisture. This simple step, which I always do first, helps the sandwiches maintain their ideal texture while still delivering that bright, tropical flavor.
These hula ham sliders are incredibly versatile—whether you’re serving them as a meal for your family or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at a gathering, they’re sure to impress. Once you take a bite, the vibrant combination of flavors will have you dreaming of sunshine and palm trees. They’re so good, you might just feel like doing the hula yourself!
Ingredients for Hula Hawaiian Ham Sliders
- PINEAPPLE RINGS
- HAWAIIAN ROLLS
- SHAVED BLACK FOREST HAM
- SLICED SWISS CHEESE
- BBQ SAUCE
- BUTTER
- GARLIC POWDER
- WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE
Instructions for Hula Ham Slider Sandwiches
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Drain the pineapple slices well by placing them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess juice. This prevents soggy sliders. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls: Keep the Hawaiian rolls intact, then carefully slice them horizontally with a serrated knife to create one solid top and bottom layer. Place the bottom half of the rolls into the prepared baking dish.
Layer the Ingredients: Start by layering the cheese evenly over the bottom rolls, followed by the ham slices. Spread barbecue sauce generously onto the cut side of the top half of the rolls. Cut the pineapple rings into quarters, placing one piece on top of the ham over each roll.
Assemble the Sliders: Place the top half of the rolls onto the layered ingredients, creating the sandwich.
Brush with Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Brush this mixture over the tops of the rolls. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil.
Bake: Bake the sliders in the oven for 20 minutes. Uncover the dish, brush the rolls again with any remaining butter mixture, and continue baking uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tops are golden and slightly crisp.
Serve: Slice the sliders into individual portions and serve warm. This recipe serves 4 as a main dish or 12 as an appetizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of roll instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Yes, you can use other soft rolls like brioche or potato rolls. However, Hawaiian rolls add a sweet flavor that complements the tropical and savory ingredients perfectly.
Can I substitute Swiss cheese with another cheese?
Absolutely! Provolone, mozzarella, or even cheddar work well as alternatives. Choose a cheese that melts nicely to maintain the creamy texture.
Do I have to use pineapple rings, or can I use crushed pineapple?
Pineapple rings are recommended for this recipe as they can be evenly distributed and prevent excess moisture. However, if you prefer crushed pineapple, be sure to drain it thoroughly.
How can I prevent the sliders from getting soggy?
Ensure the pineapple is well-drained and pat it dry with paper towels before layering. This step helps maintain the texture of the rolls.
Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders ahead of time and refrigerate them, covered. I recommend waiting to add the pineapple and BBQ sauce before you bake them. Then brush them with the butter mixture and follow the baking instructions.
What other variations can I try with this recipe?
You can experiment with adding bacon for extra smokiness, use honey mustard instead of barbecue sauce, or try a spicy sauce for a kick. These sliders are versatile and customizable to suit your taste!
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Hula Ham Slider Sandwiches
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ can pineapple rings drained
- 1 pkg 12 Hawaiian rolls or other similar small dinner rolls
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 lb black forest ham shaved
- ⅓ cup bbq sauce
- ¼ cup butter melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 ½ tsp worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Drain the pineapple well and then place on a plate lined with a paper towel to finish draining.
- Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick. Leaving the Hawaiian rolls intact, slice them open with a serrated knife so that you have one solid top and bottom.
- Place the bottom half of the rolls in the baking dish. Then layer on the the cheese followed by the ham. Spread the bbq sauce on the cut side of the top half.
- Cut the pineapple rings into forths and place one on top of the ham so one piece is on top of each roll.
- Place on the top of the rolls.
- In a bowl, combine the melted butter, worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Brush the mixture over the tops of the rolls. Cover pan with foil. Cook at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Uncover and brush again with any remaining butter. Return to the oven uncovered and cook for another 5-10 minutes until tops start to crisp.
- Cut into individal sliders and serve. Serve 4 as a main dish or 12 as an appetizer.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from The Soccer Mom Blog.
