The Ultimate Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Dinner Rolls
There is nothing quite like the aroma of sweet brown sugar and savory ham wafting through the kitchen to bring everyone to the table. Brown sugar ham dinner rolls—often referred to as “funeral sandwiches” or “party sliders”—have become a staple of American comfort food for good reason. They strike the perfect balance between salty, sweet, and buttery, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game days, holiday brunches, or a quick weeknight dinner. By elevating simple ingredients with a signature honey-butter glaze, you can transform ordinary deli meat and pre-baked rolls into a gourmet treat that disappears in minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Slider Rolls: 1 package (12-count) of Hawaiian sweet rolls or brioche dinner rolls.
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Ham: 1/2 pound of thinly sliced honey ham or smoked deli ham.
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Cheese: 6–8 slices of Swiss cheese (Provolone or Gruyère also work beautifully).
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Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted.
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Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar.
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Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon for a tangy kick.
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Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon for depth of flavor.
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Seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon onion powder and 1 tablespoon poppy seeds.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
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Slice the Rolls: Without pulling the rolls apart, use a long serrated knife to slice the entire slab of rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half into the prepared baking dish.
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Layer the Fillings: Lay half of the cheese slices over the bottom buns. Layer the ham evenly over the cheese, then top with the remaining cheese slices. This “cheese sandwich” method ensures the bread doesn’t get soggy. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
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Whisk the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder. Whisk until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
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Apply the Glaze: Pour the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls. Use a pastry brush to ensure the sides are coated. Sprinkle the poppy seeds over the top.
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Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 10 minutes to melt the cheese, then remove the foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp. Slice into individual sliders and serve warm.
The Secret to the Perfect Glaze
The magic of this recipe lies entirely in the glaze. While many recipes use a standard butter wash, the addition of brown sugar creates a subtle caramelization that offsets the saltiness of the ham. To achieve the best results, ensure your butter is melted but not boiling when you mix in the sugar; this prevents the sauce from separating. If you prefer a deeper, molasses-like flavor, swap light brown sugar for dark brown sugar. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of hot honey added to the glaze can provide a sophisticated contrast to the sweetness.
Choosing the Best Bread and Protein
While King’s Hawaiian rolls are the gold standard for this dish due to their inherent sweetness and pillowy texture, they aren’t your only option. For a sturdier sandwich, consider using savory butter rolls or even small sourdough rolls. When it comes to the ham, quality matters. Ultra-thin “shaved” ham creates a lighter, airier texture within the roll, while thicker carved ham provides a more substantial, dinner-like feel. If you have leftover holiday ham, this is the single best way to repurpose it. Just be sure to slice it thin so the sandwiches remain easy to bite through.
Tips for Make-Ahead and Storage
These rolls are incredibly versatile and can be prepared in advance, making them ideal for hosting. You can assemble the sandwiches (without the glaze) up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, simply whisk together the glaze, pour it over, and bake. If you have leftovers, they store well in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, avoid the microwave, which can make the bread rubbery; instead, wrap them in foil and pop them back into a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore that signature buttery crunch.
