BBQ Cheeseburger Sliders Hawaiian

BBQ cheeseburger sliders have become my go-to dish for casual gatherings or when I need something quick that absolutely everyone enjoys. Their sweet and savory flavors, cheesy filling, and that perfect crispy onion bite make these little burgers an instant hit with adults and kids alike. Best of all, you only need one pan and a handful of ingredients.

The first time I made these on a rushed weeknight my whole family stopped what they were doing to come to the kitchen – the smell alone made them hungry and excited to dig in.

Ingredients

• King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls: provide a soft sweet base and toast up with a slight crunch choose a fresh pack for best flavor
• Ground beef: delivers classic cheeseburger flavor with juicy texture aim for eighty or eighty five percent lean for best results
• Salt and pepper: balance flavors while garlic powder onion powder and smoked paprika add depth check expiration dates for maximum potency
• Minced garlic: brings extra punch fresh garlic is best for bold flavor
• BBQ sauce: ties everything together with tangy smoky sweetness try to choose a real hickory smoked variety
• Pepper jack cheese slices: melt easily and add a mild kick look for slices with visible pepper bits
• Shredded colby jack cheese: adds an ooey gooey layer and blends perfectly with BBQ beef buy a block and shred for best melt
• Crispy fried onions: bring crunchy texture and sweet savory notes use store bought for convenience
• Bacon: crumbled over the top delivers rich smoky flavor use thick cut and bake for easy cleanup
• Melted butter: brushed on the tops gives sliders golden color and richness
• Sesame seeds: add a little extra crunch and classic burger style toast lightly if you can for even more aroma

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Bacon:

Lay bacon slices on a lined baking sheet and bake at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for about twenty five minutes until deeply crisp. Drain on paper towels then crumble once cool. This step fills the kitchen with a delicious smoky aroma.

Brown the Ground Beef:

Add ground beef to a skillet over medium high heat break it up gently as it cooks. Sprinkle in salt pepper garlic powder onion powder and smoked paprika. Cook until browned and crumbled about eight to ten minutes for flavor development. Drain off any extra grease carefully for a less greasy slider.

Add Garlic and Sauces:

Stir in minced garlic and continue cooking for one minute until fragrant then add the barbecue sauce. Mix well so every bit of beef is coated and glistening with sweet smoky flavor.

Prepare the Slider Rolls:

Take the King’s Hawaiian rolls and carefully slice them horizontally into tops and bottoms. Place the bottom halves snugly into a greased baking dish or on a lined sheet pan so they fit together closely.

Build the Cheese Layer:

Arrange pepper jack cheese slices evenly over the bottom layer of rolls making sure every slider will get some stretch and flavor.

Layer with Beef and Toppings:

Spoon all of the BBQ beef mixture right on top spreading it to every edge. Sprinkle shredded colby jack cheese so it melts into all the corners. Scatter the crumbled bacon and crispy fried onions for that ultimate crunch and extra flavor. You can drizzle a little more BBQ sauce here if you like it saucier.

Add Roll Tops and Finish:

Position the tops of the rolls over the filling pressing down gently. Brush melted butter over every roll so they glisten and bake up golden. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for the classic burger finish.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for about ten to fifteen minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and the tops are a deep golden brown. Slice along the seams and serve right away for maximum gooeyness.

Save

The BBQ sauce you choose really shines in this recipe – I sometimes use a smoky honey version that my kids cannot get enough of. My favorite moments are when we pull the bubbly hot pan out of the oven and everyone tries to grab the biggest slider.

Storage Tips

Leftover sliders store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to reheat them later avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy. Instead wrap them in foil and bake at three hundred degrees Fahrenheit for about fifteen minutes until hot and melty inside again. Sliders also freeze well individually wrapped making them perfect for quick lunches.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner bite. If pepper jack is a bit too spicy go for all colby jack or mild cheddar instead. You can use any brand of sweet slider buns but I have found nothing quite matches the soft sweetness of Kings Hawaiian rolls.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders straight from the oven with a handful of pickles on the side. For a fuller meal pair with a crunchy salad or oven roasted potatoes. They also make a perfect addition to party platters just cut each slider in half and watch them disappear.

Save

Cultural or Historical Context

The combination of barbecue sauce and cheeseburgers is a truly American classic born out of backyard cookouts and tailgate traditions. These mini sliders take that nostalgic flavor and make it even more fun and shareable. I love how this recipe brings everyone together over simple delicious food.

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of ground beef works best?

Ground beef with a little fat (80/20) brings juicy, flavorful results. Drain excess grease after browning for best texture.

→ Can I substitute the cheese?

Yes, use your favorite melting cheeses. Cheddar or mozzarella work well if pepper jack or colby jack aren't available.

→ Are the sweet rolls essential?

Sweet Hawaiian rolls provide balance to the smoky-salty flavors, but other soft dinner rolls or slider buns also work.

→ How do I keep sliders from getting soggy?

Layer cheese directly on the bread as a barrier, and bake uncovered for a crispier top. Serve warm for best texture.

→ Can I make these ahead?

Assemble the sliders a few hours ahead, cover, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for fresh, melty results.

→ What side dishes pair well?

Serve with fries, potato salad, or coleslaw for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.