Sweet Hawaiian rolls, gooey Swiss and provolone, layers of smoky turkey and honey ham, all kissed with buttery honey mustard glaze—these Tropical Baked Hawaiian Sandwiches are my edible staycation.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
So… quick confession: this recipe started because I was grumpy about canceling a vacation. Yep, true story. I had big plans for Maui. Waves, shaved ice, probably a bad sunburn. But life had other ideas—aka, bills. So instead of sipping cocktails beachside, I was standing in my kitchen in fuzzy socks, holding a bag of King’s Hawaiian rolls and muttering, “We’re gonna fake a vacation in this house, dang it.”
And somehow—somehow—these little sliders became the best fake island escape I’ve ever tasted. They’re hot, melty, buttery, a little sweet and salty, and ridiculously easy to make. I made ‘em once for my cousin’s baby shower and now they’re expected at every family gathering. Like, I once brought a salad instead and got booed. Not joking.
Why You’ll Love This Tropical Baked Hawaiian Sandwiches Recipe?
Okay, you’re probably thinking—“It’s a sandwich, calm down.” But hear me out.
- It’s like a sandwich went on vacation.
You’ve got sweet rolls, salty ham, smoky turkey, and a cheese situation that honestly should be illegal. It’s got that bite-you-back Swiss flavor mixed with smooth provolone. And then… the topping. That buttery, oniony, slightly sweet glaze with poppy seeds? Chefs kiss. It soaks into the bread and creates this crunchy, golden crust that’s kinda like the love child of a croissant and garlic bread. Only tropical. And snacky. - They come in peace (and in batches).
One tray makes 24 little guys. Perfect for when you’ve got people coming over—or when you want leftovers that you don’t plan to share. - You can hold them in one hand.
This may not sound like a big deal, but when you’re trying to hold a paper plate, talk to Aunt Janet, and stop your toddler from licking the dog… it matters.
Ingredient Notes:
I’m not saying you have to get precious about your ingredients. But, like, don’t phone it in either.
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Hawaiian Rolls: King’s Hawaiian is the GOAT. Soft, a little sweet, and they squish just right when you bite in.
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Honey-Cured Ham + Smoked Turkey: Go for deli slices, the kind that look like they came from someone’s Grandma’s holiday spread.
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Swiss & Provolone: The combo is key. One melts creamy, the other adds that slightly nutty, grown-up cheese vibe.
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Butter Mix (aka liquid gold): Melted butter, sugar, dried onion, poppy seeds, and a swirl of honey mustard. It sounds weird, but it’s like… everything good got melted together in a saucepan.
How To Make Tropical Baked Hawaiian Sandwiches?
Step 1: Heat that oven.
400°F, lower rack. Why the lower rack? Honestly, I don’t know—it just browns better down there. Maybe it’s science. Maybe it’s magic.
Step 2: Roll call.
Cut those Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally (don’t separate them, just slice ‘em like a sandwich bun slab). Place the bottoms on a baking tray.
Step 3: Stack ‘em up.
Layer half a slice of ham, half a slice of Swiss, half a slice of turkey, and half a slice of provolone on each roll. Repeat until you’ve got a meaty, cheesy masterpiece. Pop the tops back on like little bread hats.
Step 4: Sauce time.
Melt butter in a pan. Stir in the sugar, onion flakes, poppy seeds, and honey mustard. Don’t rush this part. It’s the glue that holds your tropical dreams together.
Step 5: Brush like you mean it.
Get that butter mix all over the tops. Every. Single. Roll. Don’t skimp. Be generous. Be bold. Be the sandwich artist you were born to be.
Step 6: Bake it up.
15 minutes or so. The tops should be golden. Cheese should be melting out the sides in a way that makes you go, “Oof.” That’s when you know they’re done.
Storage Options:
But if you do (maybe you made two trays?), wrap the extras in foil and toss them in the fridge. They’ll hold up for a couple of days. Reheat them in the oven, not the microwave—unless you enjoy soggy bread and disappointment.
Want to prep ahead? Assemble the whole thing, just don’t add the butter topping. Wrap it up, pop it in the fridge overnight, then glaze and bake the next day. Boom—party hero.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Oh, and yeah, you can freeze them too. Before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cook time when you’re ready.
Variations and Substitutions:
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No turkey? Cool. Just double the ham. Or toss in roast beef and get real fancy.
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Different cheese? Mozzarella? Cheddar? Yes and yes.
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Heat lover? Add a few jalapeño slices or a dab of hot honey in the butter glaze.
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Vegetarian? Try roasted red peppers, grilled pineapple, and sharp cheddar. It’s like a veggie luau.
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Gluten-free? Yep, they make rolls for that now. Do your thing.
What to Serve with Tropical Baked Hawaiian Sandwiches?
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Tropical Fruit Salad: Mango, pineapple, maybe a little lime. It’s the yin to your cheesy yang.
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Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, slightly sweet, and they go with everything.
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Coconut Rice: If you’re feeling fancy.
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A Cold Drink: Sparkling pineapple juice, maybe a Mai Tai if the kids are at grandma’s.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Heck yes. Assemble ‘em, chill ‘em, bake ‘em when needed. Just wait to brush the butter on until right before they go in the oven.
Regular rolls instead of Hawaiian?
Yeah, but… not gonna lie, you’ll miss that signature sweetness. Add a drizzle of pineapple juice to the butter mix if you go that route.
Shredded cheese okay?
Sure. It’s messier to layer, but it melts fine. Just watch your portions—you don’t want a cheese avalanche (or maybe you do? No judgment).
Alright, now it’s your turn. Go make these Tropical Baked Hawaiian Sandwiches, take a bite, and tell me you didn’t feel like you just landed in a beach chair with a ukulele playing in the background.
Tag me if you make ‘em. Or just email me and tell me how your Aunt Carol lost her mind over them. Either way, I wanna know.
Stay toasty out there.
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
< Remember it later! >
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Tropical Baked Hawaiian Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 24 Hawaiian bread rolls such as King's®, split
- 12 slices honey-cured deli ham halved
- 12 slices Swiss cheese halved
- 12 slices deli smoked turkey halved
- 12 slices provolone cheese halved
- 1/2 c butter
- 1/4 c white sugar
- 1/4 c dried onion flakes
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 tbsp honey mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees F. And position a rack in the lower half.
- Prepare the Rolls: Split the Hawaiian rolls. And lay the bottom halves on a baking sheet.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: On each roll bottom, place a half slice each of ham, Swiss cheese, smoked turkey, and provolone cheese. Top with the roll halves. To close the sandwiches.
- Make the Butter Mixture: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sugar, dried onion flakes, poppy seeds, and honey mustard. Until the sugar is dissolved. And the mixture is smooth.
- Apply the Topping: Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the assembled sandwiches.
- Bake: Place the sandwiches in the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes. Or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Enjoy your delicious Hawaiian-inspired sliders hot and fresh from the oven!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
