Poppy-Seed Ham, Egg & Swiss Breakfast Sliders

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, pull-apart Hawaiian rolls with a buttery, poppy-seed glaze that bakes to a glossy, golden finish.
• Fluffy, soft-scrambled eggs and shaved ham layered with melty Swiss for the perfect breakfast bite.
• Feeds a crowd fast—great for brunch, holidays, or meal prep.
• Prep-ahead friendly and endlessly customizable with your favorite add-ins.

Grocery List

• Produce: Chives or parsley (optional garnish), onion (or dried minced onion)
• Dairy: Eggs, unsalted butter, Swiss cheese, milk or cream
• Pantry: Hawaiian rolls, shaved deli ham, Dijon mustard, honey, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, nonstick spray or parchment

Full Ingredients

For the Sliders

• 1 (12-count) package soft Hawaiian rolls
• 12 oz shaved deli ham
• 8 oz Swiss cheese, 8–10 thin slices

For the Eggs

• 8 large eggs
• 3 tbsp whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt, divided
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Poppy-Seed Butter Glaze

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds
• 1 tsp dried minced onion (or 1/2 tsp onion powder)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

To Finish

• 1 tbsp finely chopped chives or parsley (optional)
• Nonstick spray or parchment, for the pan

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and prepare the pan

Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment, letting it overhang for easy lifting, or lightly coat with nonstick spray. Tear a piece of foil large enough to cover the pan and lightly grease the underside so it won’t stick to the rolls.

Step 2: Soft-scramble the eggs

In a bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk or cream until fully combined and slightly frothy. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and melt 1 tbsp butter. Pour in the eggs and cook slowly, stirring with a spatula, until small, creamy curds form and the eggs are just set but still glossy, 4–6 minutes. Season with 1/2 tsp salt. Remove from heat; the residual heat will finish them. You want them slightly underdone since they’ll bake.

Step 3: Slice the rolls

Without separating the individual rolls, use a serrated knife to slice the entire slab horizontally into a top and bottom layer. Place the bottom layer into the prepared pan.

Step 4: Assemble the layers

Evenly distribute the shaved ham over the roll bottoms. Spoon the soft eggs over the ham and gently spread edge-to-edge. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 tsp salt and the black pepper. Arrange the Swiss slices over the eggs, overlapping slightly to cover. Place the roll tops on.

Step 5: Mix and brush the glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon, honey, Worcestershire, poppy seeds, dried minced onion, garlic powder, and black pepper. Brush half the glaze over the tops and down the sides, letting some drip into the seams. Reserve the remaining glaze.

Step 6: Bake until melty and golden

Cover the pan with the greased foil, greased side down. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil, brush with the remaining glaze, and bake uncovered for 7–10 minutes more, until the tops are deeply golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If desired, broil on high for 45–60 seconds for extra color—watch closely.

Step 7: Rest, garnish, and serve

Let the sliders rest 5 minutes to set the cheese. Sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley, lift the slab out using the parchment, and cut into 12 sliders. Serve warm and enjoy the pull-apart magic.

Pro Tips

• Pull the eggs off the heat while slightly glossy; they’ll finish in the oven and stay tender.
• Grease the foil to prevent sticking and torn tops.
• Use a serrated knife and gentle sawing motion for clean slices after baking.
• Layer ham to the edges so every bite has protein and the eggs stay put.
• For crisp bottoms, bake on the lower-middle rack and use a metal pan.

Variations

• Spicy Pepper Jack: Swap Swiss for pepper jack, add thin jalapeño rings, and finish with a drizzle of hot honey.
• Florentine Veggie: Add a layer of sautéed spinach and roasted red peppers; use provolone or Gruyère.
• Bacon Cheddar: Use crispy bacon and sharp cheddar; sprinkle tops with everything bagel seasoning instead of poppy seeds.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Make-ahead: Assemble up to the glaze, cover, and refrigerate up to 12 hours. Brush with glaze just before baking; add 3–5 extra minutes if cold. Leftovers: Cool, then refrigerate airtight up to 4 days. Reheat covered at 300°F (150°C) for 10–12 minutes, then uncover 2–3 minutes. Freeze (unbaked): Assemble without glaze, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight, add glaze, and bake as directed, adding 5–10 minutes.

Nutrition (per serving)

Approximate for 1 slider: 310 calories; 17 g fat; 18 g carbohydrates; 20 g protein; 2 g fiber; 540 mg sodium.