
These Roast Beef and Cheddar Sliders are my secret weapon for easy dinners and casual parties that need something warm and comforting. Cheesy, beefy, and just the right amount of sauciness, these bite-size sandwiches always disappear in a flash.
I started making these for family movie nights and now everyone requests them whenever we have guests. The gooey cheese and buttery tops make them feel special with barely any work.
Ingredients
- Hawaiian rolls: give these sliders their signature soft sweetness look for rolls that feel pillowy and smell fresh
- Deli roast beef: adds savory flavor and pairs perfectly with cheddar choose slices with visible marbling for tenderness
- Arbys original sauce or your favorite barbecue sauce: brings tangy moisture to balance the richness pick a sauce that is bold and not too sweet
- Cheddar cheese sauce: melts beautifully for that creamy finish use a quality sauce with real cheese for best taste
- Butter: provides that golden top and rich flavor melt it fresh for easy brushing
- Garlic powder and onion powder: add a savory boost and depth of flavor try to use fresh spices for the best aroma
- Everything bagel seasoning: delivers crunch and a savory finish the fresher the blend the brighter the flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Rolls:
- Use a serrated knife to cut the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally keeping the top and bottom pieces together for easy reassembly. Place the bottom halves on a baking sheet large enough to fit all twelve.
- Layer the Roast Beef:
- Evenly distribute the deli roast beef over the bottoms of the rolls. Spread the slices out a bit so every bite gets some beefy goodness.
- Sauce the Meat:
- Spoon or drizzle the Arbys or barbecue sauce across the roast beef aiming for an even coating so the sauce leaks into each slider.
- Add Cheese Sauce:
- Drop spoonfuls of cheddar cheese sauce onto each slider then use a spatula or back of the spoon to spread it over the beef for full coverage. This keeps everything moist and cheesy.
- Replace the Lids:
- Gently lift and set the top halves of the rolls over the filling pressing slightly so they adhere.
- Make Flavored Butter:
- In a small bowl combine melted butter with garlic powder and onion powder. Mix well until the spices are fully dissolved.
- Brush and Season:
- With a pastry brush spread the flavored butter over the tops of the rolls coating right up to the edges. Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning generously over the buttered tops for a crunchy baked finish.
- Bake:
- Place the tray on the oven’s middle rack and bake at three hundred fifty degrees for twelve to fourteen minutes. The tops should be golden and the cheese bubbling.
- Serve:
- Slide a spatula underneath and carefully lift the sliders onto a serving plate. They are best eaten warm with extra sauce for dipping.

Cheddar is my secret star here. It melts so perfectly and wraps every bite in creamy goodness. I still remember my nephew’s face the first time I pulled these out of the oven—he thought they came from a restaurant.
Storage tips
Let leftovers cool completely before storing. Place sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. They reheat best in a warm oven wrapped in foil to keep them moist and soft.
Ingredient substitutions
Try brioche or potato rolls if you cannot find Hawaiian rolls. If cheddar cheese sauce is not available use thick slices of sharp cheddar for meltiness. For a different topping combine sesame and poppy seeds with a sprinkle of dried onions and garlic.

Serving suggestions
These sliders are a hit with pickle chips crunchy coleslaw or even a warm soup on the side. Serve them cut apart for easy grabbing or leave the tray whole and let guests pull them apart at the table.
Cultural context
Sliders have become an American favorite because they are hand-held warm and shareable. Using Hawaiian rolls adds a sweetness inspired by the classic party sandwiches you might remember from holiday buffets or potlucks growing up.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use regular cheddar slices instead of cheese sauce?
Yes, both regular cheddar slices and cheese sauce work well. Choose based on your preference for texture and meltiness.
- → Are other bun options suitable besides Hawaiian rolls?
Brioche or potato buns also make delicious alternatives, offering their own unique soft textures.
- → What if I can't find everything bagel seasoning?
Mix poppy seeds with sesame seeds, then add dried onion, dried garlic, and flaky salt for a homemade version.
- → How can I add extra flavor to these sliders?
Try spreading Dijon mustard on the rolls or adding sliced pickles for a tangy bite.
- → Can these be made ahead for parties?
Assemble in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for melty, fresh sliders every time.