These Canadian Bacon and Havarti Cheese Sliders are the kind of hot, cheesy pull-apart sandwiches that disappear the moment they hit the table. Packed with savory Canadian bacon and melty Havarti cheese, all finished with a buttery pesto glaze, they are ready in just 20 minutes.
I still remember the first time I made these for a game day crowd. The pan came out of the oven, I pulled back the foil, and the smell alone had everyone crowding the kitchen before I could even set it down. Half were gone before I finished cutting them apart.
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Ingredients for Canadian Bacon and Havarti Cheese Sliders
I have made these sliders more times than I can count, and this ingredient list has never changed because it simply works. Nothing fancy, nothing hard to find. Here is everything you need:
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 2 tablespoons pesto – I always keep a good jar of store-bought pesto on hand for recipes like this
- 1 to 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard, to taste
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion (or fresh minced onion)
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes – my preference is 1/2 teaspoon for a mild background heat
- 1 package Hawaiian rolls (12 rolls)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise – I recommend full-fat mayo here for the best flavor and texture
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 12 to 14 ounces Canadian bacon, about 24 small slices – in my experience, thin slices layer more evenly and heat through faster
- 8 ounces sliced Havarti cheese – pre-sliced melts more evenly across the rolls
If you enjoy baked sandwiches like these, you will also love these Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders for another easy crowd-pleasing option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
In my experience, the step most people skip is letting the pesto butter thicken before spreading it. That extra two minutes makes a real difference in how evenly it coats the rolls and how golden the tops get.
Step 1: In a small bowl, melt the butter halfway in the microwave for about 40 to 60 seconds. You want it mostly melted with a few soft unmelted pieces still in the bowl.
Step 2: Stir in the pesto, Dijon mustard, minced onion, and red pepper flakes. Set the bowl aside at room temperature to thicken for a few minutes while you build the sandwiches.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 4: Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the entire package of rolls in half horizontally without separating them into individual rolls. Place the bottom slab on a rimmed baking sheet or in a 9×13 inch pan.
Step 5: Stir together the mayonnaise and sugar in a small bowl, then spread it evenly over the cut side of the bottom rolls.
Step 6: Layer all the Canadian bacon over the mayo-covered rolls, then place the Havarti slices on top to cover everything fully.
Step 7: Set the top slab of rolls back in place. Spoon the thickened pesto butter over the top and spread it all the way to the edges.
Step 8: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil that has been sprayed with nonstick spray on the underside so the cheese does not stick. Bake at 350 degrees F for 12 minutes.
Step 9: Remove the foil and bake for another 2 to 5 minutes until the tops are golden brown. Keep an eye on the bottoms during this step as they can brown quickly.
Step 10: Use a sharp knife to cut into individual sliders and serve hot right away.
What to Serve with Canadian Bacon and Havarti Cheese Sliders
These sliders are rich and savory, so the best sides bring a little freshness or contrast to the plate. Here are the pairings that work best:
Tomato Soup: A warm bowl of homemade tomato soup is the classic match for melty cheesy sandwiches. The acidity of the tomato cuts right through the richness of the butter and Havarti.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup: For a heartier meal, a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup next to these sliders turns a simple snack into a full dinner the whole family will ask for again.
Simple Green Salad: A lightly dressed salad with crisp romaine and a tangy vinaigrette keeps the plate balanced without competing with the bold pesto glaze.
Potato Soup: A creamy potato soup pairs beautifully here. The mild, starchy base is a great counterpart to the salty Canadian bacon and buttery rolls.
Coleslaw: A vinegar-based slaw adds crunchy, fresh contrast that makes each bite of slider taste even better. It also doubles as a great texture break on the plate.
Cheeseburger Soup: If you want to go full comfort food, serve these alongside a bowl of cheeseburger soup for a meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold evening.
Storage and Serving Tips
Store leftover sliders together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping them as a group rather than pulling them apart individually helps prevent the rolls from drying out.
I recommend reheating in a 350 degree F oven for 8 to 10 minutes rather than the microwave. The oven brings back that crispy bottom and gooey melted cheese that makes these sliders worth making again. Cover loosely with foil for the first few minutes if the tops start to brown too fast.
Pro tip: these sliders also freeze well. Wrap them tightly in foil and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen at 350 degrees F covered for about 20 minutes, then uncover for the last 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the sliders completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding 3 to 5 extra minutes since they are going in cold.
Can I use a different cheese instead of Havarti?
Havarti is ideal because it melts smoothly and has a mild buttery flavor that complements the pesto. Swiss, provolone, or mild cheddar all work well as substitutes without changing the overall result much.
What is the best way to keep the bottoms from getting soggy?
Baking on a rimmed sheet pan rather than a glass dish helps the heat circulate around the bottom of the rolls. Removing the foil for the last few minutes of baking is what gives you that crispy bottom edge.
Canadian Bacon and Havarti Cheese Sliders with Pesto Glaze
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, melt the butter halfway in the microwave for about 40 to 60 seconds. It should be mostly melted with a few soft unmelted pieces remaining.
- Stir in the pesto, Dijon mustard, minced onion, and red pepper flakes. Set aside at room temperature to thicken while you assemble the sandwiches.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the entire package of rolls in half horizontally without separating them into individual rolls. Place the bottom slab on a rimmed baking sheet or in a 9×13 inch pan.
- Stir the mayonnaise and sugar together in a small bowl. Spread the mayo mixture evenly over the cut side of the bottom rolls.
- Layer the Canadian bacon evenly over the bottom rolls, then place the Havarti cheese slices on top to cover fully.
- Set the top slab of rolls back in place. Spoon and spread the pesto butter mixture evenly over the entire top surface, reaching all the way to the edges.
- Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil sprayed with nonstick spray on the underside. Bake at 350 degrees F for 12 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for 2 to 5 more minutes until the tops are golden brown. Watch the bottoms closely to prevent over-browning.
- Use a sharp knife to cut into individual sliders and serve hot immediately.
