Go Back
Ham and cheese sliders on Hawaiian Roll topped with poppy seeds.

Leftover Thanksgiving Ham Sliders

These leftover Thanksgiving ham sliders are the perfect way to use up holiday ham without feeling like you're eating the same thing twice. Sweet Hawaiian rolls get filled with ham, cheese, and a tangy, slightly sweet sauce, then baked until warm, melty, and golden. They’re ideal for quick lunches, game day snacks, or feeding a hungry family after a long weekend.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sliders
  • 1 package King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls 12-count
  • 1 –1½ cups leftover Thanksgiving ham sliced or chopped
  • 6 slices Swiss provolone, or cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise optional but recommended
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or honey mustard
  • ¼ cup cranberry sauce optional for a Thanksgiving twist
For the Buttery Glaze
  • 4 tbsp butter melted
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp poppy seeds optional

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 baking dish
  • 1 small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
  • 1 Knife
  • 1 pastry brush optional

Method
 

Preheat the oven
  1. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Prepare the rolls
  1. Without separating the rolls, use a serrated knife to slice the whole sheet horizontally into a top and bottom layer.
  2. Place the bottom half in the baking dish.
Assemble the layers
  1. Spread mayonnaise and Dijon across the bottom layer.
  2. Add a thin layer of cranberry sauce if using.
  3. Evenly layer the ham, followed by the cheese.
  4. Place the top half of the rolls on.
Make the glaze
  1. In a bowl, mix melted butter, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire, garlic powder, and poppy seeds.
Brush and soak
  1. Pour or brush the glaze evenly over the tops of the rolls. Let sit 5 minutes so it soaks in.
Bake
  1. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
  2. Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes until golden brown and melty.
Serve
  1. Let cool 2–3 minutes, then slice and serve warm!

Notes

Variations

  • Ham & Swiss + Pickles: Add thin sliced dill pickles under the cheese.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a smear of sriracha mayo inside.
  • Hawaiian Style: Add pineapple tidbits and use provolone.
  • Extra Thanksgiving: Add mashed stuffing under the ham (surprisingly good!).