Buttery Baked Club Sliders

These buttery baked club sliders bring together sweet Hawaiian rolls filled with layers of turkey, ham, roast beef, and a blend of melty Swiss and cheddar cheeses. Brushed with garlic-poppy seed butter, they bake to a golden, aromatic finish that makes them perfect for lunches or casual gatherings.

I first made this recipe for a family game night and it instantly became a favorite. The combination of warm, cheesy layers with the aromatic butter topping had everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients

• Hawaiian sweet rolls: one package of twelve - look for soft rolls with a slightly sweet flavor that hold together well when sliced
• Deli turkey, ham, and roast beef: about one pound each - thinly sliced for easy layering; opt for fresh deli cuts or good quality packaged meats
• Shredded Swiss and cheddar cheeses: one cup each - these two cheeses melt beautifully together and add creamy flavor
• Mayonnaise: one cup - adds moisture and tang that keeps the rolls from drying out
• Dijon mustard: one tablespoon - balances richness with a hint of sharpness
• Unsalted butter: one cup or one stick - important for controlling salt levels and creating a rich topping
• Worcestershire sauce: one tablespoon - provides a deep umami note that enhances the butter mixture
• Garlic powder, onion powder: one tablespoon each - these dry spices boost the savory aroma without overpowering the other flavors
• Poppy seeds: one teaspoon - classic finishing touch that adds texture and a slight nuttiness
• Fresh parsley: chopped for garnish - adds a pop of color and fresh herb flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to gently warm and meld the flavors without drying the sliders.

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and help browning on the bottom.

Slice the Rolls:

Carefully slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping all rolls connected as a single sheet. This helps assemble and bake the sliders evenly.

Spread the Mayo Mustard Mix:

Combine mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom half of the sliced roll base in the baking dish for moisture and flavor.

Layer the Meats:

Place the turkey, ham, and roast beef slices evenly over the mayo-mustard layer, covering all the rolls for maximum meaty goodness in each bite.

Add the Cheeses:

Sprinkle shredded Swiss and cheddar cheese evenly across the layered meats for a gooey, flavorful topping.

Reassemble the Rolls:

Place the top half of the rolls carefully back on top of the cheese and meat layers, pressing gently to create a sandwich slab.

Prepare the Butter Topping:

Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low heat to avoid burning. Remove from the stove and stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and poppy seeds until fully combined and flavorful.

Brush the Butter Mixture:

Using a pastry brush or spoon, apply the butter mixture liberally over the top of all the rolls. This helps the rolls brown beautifully and adds irresistible aroma.

Bake Covered:

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for twenty minutes to allow the cheese to melt and flavors to blend.

Uncover and Finish Baking:

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional ten to fifteen minutes until the tops turn golden brown and slightly crisp.

Cool and Garnish:

Take the sliders out of the oven and let them cool briefly. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for fresh color and brightness.

Slice and Serve:

Cut carefully along the seams between rolls to separate the sliders into individual sandwiches and serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

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Storage tips
Store leftovers tightly wrapped in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator. They remain delicious for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to restore crispness on top rather than microwaving which can make the bread soggy.

Ingredient substitutions
If you can’t find Hawaiian rolls you can use other soft slider buns but the sweet richness of Hawaiian rolls is hard to beat. For cheese, provolone or mozzarella can replace Swiss or cheddar without losing melting ability. Feel free to use chicken breast or pastrami if you want a different deli meat combo.

Serving suggestions
Serve these sliders with a simple green salad or coleslaw for a fresh counterpoint. Pickles on the side add a nice vinegary kick that balances the richness. They also pair perfectly with crispy oven fries or chips for a casual meal.

Cultural context
Hawaiian rolls originated in the United States and have become a popular base for sliders thanks to their slightly sweet flavor and softness. Club sandwiches, which usually layer turkey, ham, and roast beef, are a classic American deli staple. These sliders combine both elements for a casual, sharable sandwich perfect for parties.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of bread is best for these sliders?

Sweet Hawaiian rolls are ideal as they add a soft, slightly sweet base that complements the savory meats and cheeses.

→ Can different cheeses be used in this dish?

Yes, Swiss and cheddar provide a good balance of sharpness and creaminess, but you can experiment with mozzarella or provolone for a milder taste.

→ How does the garlic-poppy seed butter enhance the sliders?

It adds richness and a fragrant, slightly nutty flavor that crisps up on top during baking, enhancing the overall taste.

→ Is it necessary to cover the sliders while baking?

Covering helps the cheese melt evenly and keeps the rolls moist. Removing the cover at the end allows the tops to brown nicely.

→ Can the sliders be prepared ahead of time?

They can be assembled a few hours before baking and refrigerated, but it’s best to bake them shortly before serving for optimal texture.