
Roast beef sliders with Hawaiian rolls are one of those crowd-pleasing dishes that you can pull together quickly for a game day, potluck, or lazy weeknight dinner. They come out of the oven golden and crispy on top, with gooey melted cheese inside, and they are just messy enough to remind you that the best food is never too fussy. This recipe delivers a batch of soft and savory sandwiches packed with flavor and irresistible buttery goodness.
Ingredients
- Hawaiian sweet rolls: for a soft slightly sweet base look for the original King’s Hawaiian for the best flavor and texture
- Shredded roast beef: provides hearty and savory filling use leftovers or quality deli cuts for convenience
- American cheese: for creamy melt and classic taste provolone or cheddar also work try to pick cheese freshly sliced from the deli for best texture
- Mayonnaise: creates a rich barrier under the beef and cheese opt for real mayo for flavor
- Garlic powder or garlic paste: brings a subtle punch choose fresh garlic paste for bolder flavor
- Butter: gives these sliders that golden top and buttery richness use real unsalted butter for best bake
- Brown sugar: lends a hint of sweetness to the butter sauce use packed light brown sugar for easy mixing
- Worcestershire sauce: delivers tang and umami grab a familiar brand for reliable flavor
- Dijon mustard: adds a gentle spice and rounds out the sauce creamy Dijon makes the topping smooth
- Poppy seeds or sesame seeds: optional for texture and flavor pick whichever you prefer or skip for a plain top
- Parsley flakes and grated parmesan cheese: optional for freshness and extra savory flavor choose finely grated parmesan for even sprinkling
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Spray a nine by thirteen inch dish with cooking spray or line with parchment paper so you can lift out the sliders easily after baking
- Slice the Rolls:
- Take the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls and carefully slice across the middle with a serrated knife making one large top half and one bottom half
- Make the Mayo Sauce:
- Combine mayonnaise with garlic powder in a small bowl spread this mixture evenly over the bottom layer of rolls so you get flavor in every bite
- Layer Roast Beef and Cheese:
- Arrange shredded roast beef evenly over the mayo layer then follow with slices of cheese to fully cover the beef make sure the layers are flat so each slider bakes evenly
- Cap with the Top Rolls:
- Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese and beef line them up so the sliders are neat and easy to cut later
- Mix and Brush the Butter Sauce:
- Melt butter in the microwave or on the stove in a small bowl stir in brown sugar Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard mix until fully combined then use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of the rolls with the butter mixture sprinkle poppy seeds if using
- Bake Until Golden:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning bake in a preheated three hundred fifty degree oven for twenty minutes then remove the foil and bake for five more minutes so the tops become nicely golden
- Rest and Cut the Sliders:
- Let the sliders rest for five minutes once out of the oven so everything sets a bit carefully lift the rolls out if you lined the pan move to a cutting board and slice into individual sandwiches
- Garnish and Serve:
- If you like sprinkle parsley flakes and grated parmesan cheese over the warm rolls before serving for extra flavor and color

Storage Tips
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days They keep well and can be reheated in the microwave for a quick snack or in the oven at three hundred twenty five degrees for a crispy top If you want to freeze them wrap tightly and use within a month Reheat directly from frozen for best results
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap shredded roast beef for sliced deli roast beef or leftover pot roast For cheese switch to cheddar Swiss provolone or pepper jack Any soft dinner roll works if you do not have Hawaiian rolls Just remember that the sweet flavor of Hawaiian works really well here If you need a dairy free version use vegan butter and cheese
Serving Suggestions
These sliders are perfect as a main dish with a side of potato chips coleslaw or a crisp green salad For a party serve with tangy pickles and a platter of fresh veggies They also pair well with soups on a cold day or as a hearty snack for kids after school

Cultural and Historical Context
Hawaiian rolls bring a signature sweetness to American potluck recipes and first became popular in the mid twentieth century Sliders themselves have roots in American diners known for serving mini sandwiches since the early days of fast food Combining savory roast beef with sweet fluffy rolls and a buttery topping brings together the comfort flavors of classic home cooking
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of cheese works best?
American cheese melts well, but cheddar, provolone, Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack offer great options for variety.
- → Can I use sliced deli roast beef?
Yes. Sliced deli roast beef is an easy substitute and works just as well as shredded beef for these sandwiches.
- → How do I prevent soggy buns?
Use a light layer of sauce and bake uncovered for part of the time to crisp the tops. Serve promptly once baked.
- → How can I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 325°F for a few minutes to restore crispness, or microwave for convenience.
- → What are some good garnish ideas?
Fresh parsley, parmesan cheese, or even a sprinkle of extra seeds give extra flavor and a festive finish.