Description

These Canadian Bacon and Havarti Cheese Sliders with Pesto Glaze are flavorful, easy-to-make bite-sized sandwiches perfect for parties or a satisfying snack. Soft Hawaiian rolls are layered with savory Canadian bacon, creamy Havarti cheese, and a rich pesto butter glaze that bakes to golden, melty perfection. Sweet and slightly spicy notes from Dijon mustard and red pepper flakes add depth to this delicious baked slider recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

Pesto Butter Glaze

1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
2 tablespoons pesto
1-3 teaspoons Dijon mustard (to taste, I used 1 teaspoon)
1 tablespoon dried minced onion (or fresh minced onion)
1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Sliders

1 package Hawaiian rolls (12 rolls)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
12-14 ounces Canadian bacon (about 24 small slices or your favorite ham)
8 ounces sliced Havarti cheese

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Instructions

Melt the Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter halfway in the microwave for 40-60 seconds until mostly melted with some softened bits remaining.
Mix the Glaze: Stir in pesto, Dijon mustard, minced onion, and red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to rest at room temperature or refrigerate briefly to thicken while assembling sandwiches.
Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
Prepare Rolls: Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without separating individual rolls. Place the bottom halves on a rimmed baking sheet or a 9×13 inch pan.
Make Mayo Spread: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and sugar (optional for sweetness). This can be skipped if preferred plain.
Assemble Sliders: Spread the mayo mixture on the bottom half of the rolls. Layer Canadian bacon evenly on top, then add sliced Havarti cheese.
Top the Sliders: Place the top halves of the rolls over the layered ingredients.
Add Pesto Butter: Spoon the pesto butter glaze over the tops of the rolls, spreading evenly.
Cover with Foil: Cover the sliders with aluminum foil sprayed with nonstick spray to prevent cheese from sticking.
Bake Covered: Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes to warm and melt the cheese.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2-5 minutes until the tops are golden brown and crispy, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Serve: Cut the sliders individually using a sharp knife and serve hot for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Adjust Dijon mustard and red pepper flakes to taste for desired spice level.
Use fresh minced onion instead of dried if available for milder flavor.
Spraying foil with nonstick spray prevents melted cheese from sticking to it.
Watch the baking closely during uncovered stage to avoid burning the bread bottoms.
Mayonnaise and sugar mixture is optional, plain mayo works well too.
These sliders are best enjoyed fresh and warm.