Save
Breakfast sliders are the ultimate answer for weekends or family brunches when you want to serve something warm hearty and irresistibly cheesy in one perfect little package. Each bite packs in the best breakfast flavors from crispy bacon and savory sausage to fluffy eggs and golden Hawaiian rolls all hugged together with gooey melting cheese.
Honestly after making these for a holiday brunch my kids ask for them on every rainy Saturday now so they have become our quick-win breakfast tradition.
Ingredients
- Bacon: choose thick-cut for extra crunch and flavor try for applewood smoked if you spot it
- Breakfast sausage: look for a quality bulk sausage or links with visible herbs and a fresh aroma
- Hawaiian rolls: soft and subtly sweet these make the sliders extra special
- Eggs: fresh large eggs make for creamier scrambled textures
- Heavy cream or milk: opt for heavy cream if you want ultra soft eggs but whole milk is great too
- Salt: fine sea salt seasons eggs perfectly
- Butter: choose real unsalted butter for rich flavor and even toasting
- American cheese: classic for sandwiches but go with cheddar or pepper jack if you like more punch
- Maple syrup: go for pure maple syrup if available adds the perfect touch of breakfast sweetness
- Everything bagel seasoning: optional but gives bakery flair
- When buying cheese avoid pre-shredded types which tend to melt thickly instead pick up deli-sliced cheese for the best melt and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Proteins:
- Dice the bacon into bite size pieces then brown in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy remove and drain on paper towels. Next add the sausage to the skillet and cook until deeply browned and crumbly then set aside.
- Scramble the Eggs:
- Crack eggs into a bowl with heavy cream or milk and whisk until pale and slightly frothy. Warm a skillet over medium-high heat and add one tablespoon butter. Once melted pour in the eggs and gently stir with a spatula until softly set and fluffy about four minutes. Sprinkle with salt then remove from the heat.
- Build the Sliders:
- Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally keeping them attached as a slab. Set the bottom portion on a baking sheet. Spoon the scrambled eggs evenly over the rolls then top with crumbled sausage and crispy bacon.
- Add the Cheese and Top:
- Place the cheese slices over the hot meat and eggs to help them melt into the layers. Gently fit the top buns over everything to complete the sandwiches.
- Finish with Butter and Bake:
- Melt remaining butter and stir in maple syrup. Brush generously over the top buns for a golden glistening crust. Shower with everything bagel seasoning if using. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about fifteen minutes until the cheese is melted and tops look glossy. To prevent over-browning loosely lay a sheet of foil across the tops during the final minutes.
Save
When I first discovered Hawaiian rolls for breakfast sliders it changed my brunch game completely. The soft sweet rolls make it feel like a treat every time and watching my family grab them straight from the tray is always the best part.
Storage Tips
Let sliders cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to four days. For best results reheat in a toaster oven or wrapped in foil in the oven rather than a microwave as this keeps the bread from getting soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you prefer turkey sausage or want to skip pork both work beautifully here. Swap out American cheese with cheddar provolone or pepper jack for a different flavor twist. You can even add spinach or sautéed veggies with the eggs for a wholesome boost.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders make a fantastic addition to a brunch buffet especially with some fresh fruit salad and crispy breakfast potatoes. For a weekday breakfast just pop a couple in the toaster oven and hand them out with napkins for an easy on-the-go option.
Save
Cultural and Historical Context
Breakfast sandwiches have a long history as American roadside fare but the slider format really took off with the rise of shared family breakfasts. Using sweet Hawaiian rolls brings a Hawaiian flair and tender sweetness borrowed from Hawaiian cuisine to a classic hearty breakfast.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can other cheeses be used besides American?
Yes, you can use cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile in your sliders.
- → How can these be prepared ahead of time?
Assemble the sliders the day before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve for best results.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days for maximum freshness.
- → Can the rolls be substituted?
Any soft slider rolls can be used, though Hawaiian rolls provide a sweet and fluffy texture that pairs well.
- → Is Everything Bagel seasoning necessary?
This seasoning is optional but adds extra crunch and flavor on top. Plain butter or sesame seeds also work well.