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–+ servings

Tasty Cream Cheese Hawaiian Roll Sliders

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These soft, melty sliders combine pillowy Hawaiian rolls with a tangy cream cheese layer, savory deli meat, melted cheese, and an herb-flecked butter topping. Perfect for parties, game day, or easy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 sliders
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 Hawaiian rolls King's Hawaiian recommended for best pillowy texture
  • 6 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature, about 70°F
  • 1 lb deli meat ham, turkey, roast beef, or a mix
  • 8 oz sliced cheese
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter Kerrygold preferred for richer golden crust
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried herbs finely crushed between your palms to release more aroma
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp poppy seeds

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Small bowl
  • Pastry brush or spoon
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove cream cheese from refrigerator and let soften to room temperature for easier spreading. Prepare all ingredients: portion deli meat if needed, ensure cheese is sliced, and crush dried herbs between your palms to release their aromatic oils.
  2. Melt butter in a small bowl and stir in garlic powder, onion powder, crushed herbs, and Dijon mustard until fully combined. Slice Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half, keeping them connected as one slab. Spread a thin, even layer of softened cream cheese across the bottom halves, then add layers of deli meat and sliced cheese. Fold cheese slightly so it extends to the edges for even melting. Arrange assembled sliders tightly in a 9x13 inch baking dish and replace the tops.
  3. Brush the herb butter mixture generously over the tops of all sliders, coating every surface. Sprinkle poppy seeds evenly across the buttered tops. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and maintain moisture.
  4. Bake covered for 15-20 minutes until rolls are heated through and beginning to soften. Remove foil carefully and continue baking uncovered for 5 more minutes, allowing tops to toast lightly and cheese to develop golden browned spots while staying soft inside.
  5. Remove from oven and let sliders rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows cheese to set slightly, making them easier to handle and eat. Serve warm.

Notes

Fully soften the cream cheese to room temperature to prevent tearing the delicate rolls. The two-stage baking method is essential: covering the sliders first keeps them pillowy and moist, while uncovering them briefly creates golden, aromatic tops without drying them out. Don't skip the resting time after baking, as it allows the cheese to set and prevents messy sliding when serving. These sliders can be assembled a few hours ahead and refrigerated, but add the butter topping just before baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat wrapped in foil at 300°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which makes the rolls rubbery.

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