COZY FALL VIBES: MAKING HAM & CHEESE SLIDERS WITH KIDS

There’s something about fall that just begs for cozy meals and quality time in the kitchen. The leaves are crunchy, the air is crisp, and suddenly, everyone is craving warm, melty, delicious comfort food. Enter: Ham and Cheese Sliders on King’s Hawaiian rolls—a recipe so simple and satisfying, you’ll wonder why it hasn’t been a staple in your home already.

The best part? Your kids can actually help make them! No, really. This isn’t one of those “they help for 30 seconds before chaos ensues” situations. These sliders are the perfect blend of easy enough for kids to actually help and delicious enough for the whole family to devour.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 1 package (12-count) King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Dinner Rolls
• 1/2 lb thinly sliced ham
• 6-8 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp minced onion
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds (optional, but fancy)
• 1 tsp garlic powder

LET’S GET COOKING:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare for the amazing smell that’s about to fill your kitchen.
2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, Dijon mustard, minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds (if using), and garlic powder.
3. Slice the entire sheet of dinner rolls in half horizontally—like one big sandwich.
4. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a baking dish.
5. Layer on the ham, then the cheese, then put the top half of the rolls back on.
6. Pour that glorious buttery mixture over the top, making sure every roll gets some love.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melty and irresistible.
8. Remove the foil and bake for another 2-3 minutes to get the tops golden brown and slightly crispy.
9. Let cool for a few minutes (or as long as your kids will let you before they start grabbing).

WHY THIS RECIPE IS A WIN FOR KIDS

Cooking with kids is about more than just food—it’s about confidence, connection, and, let’s be honest, keeping them occupied while you make dinner. Here’s why these sliders are the ultimate kid-friendly cooking project:

• They can help assemble. Let them layer the ham and cheese—it doesn’t have to be perfect (perfection is overrated anyway).
• Brushing on the butter mix? Totally doable. Kids love anything that involves a pastry brush. Bonus points for minimal mess.
• Built-in lesson on cause and effect. The rolls go in soft, the cheese melts, the tops get crispy—tiny minds will be blown.
• They get to eat something they actually made. Instant kitchen confidence boost.

PAIR IT WITH…

If you want to turn this into a full cozy fall meal, here are a couple of easy add-ons:

1. Crisp Autumn Salad – Mixed greens, sliced apples, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and a light vinaigrette. Fancy, but effortless.
2. Warm Spiced Apple Cider – Simmer apple cider with cinnamon sticks and cloves for an instant fall mood boost.

MORE WAYS TO ENJOY KING’S HAWAIIAN ROLLS

Once you’ve discovered the magic of these rolls, you won’t want to stop. Here are some other fun ways to use them:

• Breakfast Sliders – Scrambled eggs, cheese, and sausage tucked into those sweet rolls? Yes, please.
• Dessert Sliders – Spread with Nutella or peanut butter, add some sliced fruit, and boom—instant treat.

FINAL THOUGHTS (AND A LITTLE NUDGE)

If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that also doubles as a fun family activity, this is it. Cozy, simple, delicious, and a total fall win. So, grab your little kitchen helpers, throw on some music (or, let’s be real, a Halloween playlist), and get toasty with some melty, buttery, perfectly sweet-and-savory sliders.

Because in the end, it’s not just about what’s on the plate—it’s about who you share it with.