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cream cheese hawaiian roll sliders

Tasty Cream Cheese Hawaiian Roll Sliders

Delicious Tasty Cream Cheese Hawaiian Roll Sliders recipe with step-by-step instructions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Servings: 12 sliders
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the sandwiches
  • 12 hawaiian rolls (I use King's Hawaiian for the best pillowy texture)
  • 6 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature, about 70°F)
  • 1 lb deli meat
  • 8 oz sliced cheese
For the glaze
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter (I prefer Kerrygold for a 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

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it heats, remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator to soften to room temperature—this makes it easier to spread evenly without tearing the delicate roll. Measure out all your ingredients and have them ready: slice or portion your deli meat if needed, ensure your cheese is sliced, and finely crush the dried herbs between your palms to release their aromatic oils. This prep work ensures everything moves smoothly once assembly begins.
  2. In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed herbs, stirring until well combined—this flavored butter will create that golden, aromatic crust. While the mixture is still warm, carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese on each bottom roll, then layer the deli meat and sliced cheese on top. I like to fold the cheese slightly so it peeks out the sides—it melts more evenly and looks appealing. Place the roll tops back on and arrange all sliders tightly in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  3. Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, generously brush the butter topping from Step 2 over the top of all the sliders, making sure to coat them evenly. Sprinkle the poppy seeds over the buttered tops for a classic slider finish. Cover the entire baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, which keeps the rolls pillowy and moist while they cook. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the rolls are heated through and just starting to soften.
  4. Remove the foil carefully to reveal the sliders. I like to uncover them at this stage so the tops toast slightly and the cheese gets those appetizing browned spots while staying soft inside. Bake uncovered for another 5 minutes until the butter has soaked into the rolls and the cheese is fully melted and warmed through. The short uncovered time gives you that perfect balance of pillowy texture and toasted flavor.
  5. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the sliders rest for 3-5 minutes. This brief cooling allows the cheese to set slightly so it won't immediately slide out when you pick them up, making them much easier to eat. Serve warm and enjoy—these are best eaten fresh from the oven.