Roast beef sliders baked on sweet Hawaiian rolls hit all the right notes—melty cheese, soft bread, and just the right amount of crispy, buttery topping.
Every bite has that golden edge, gooey center, and rich roast beef flavor that makes these feel like more than just a snack. They disappear fast from the table—no one ever stops at just one.
This is the recipe I always come back to when I’ve got sliced roast beef in the fridge.
It’s easy to layer up the meat, tuck in some cheddar, and brush the tops with a buttery mix that adds tons of flavor in the oven.
They smell amazing while they bake and taste even better fresh out of the oven.
I like serving these at family gatherings or when we have people over to watch a game.
But I also make them on weeknights when dinner needs to feel a little special without much fuss.
You can put them together earlier in the day, stash the pan in the fridge, then just bake when it’s time to eat.
The cheese melts down into the meat, the tops get golden, and the whole tray is gone before you know it.
Hawaiian Roll Roast Beef Sliders Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pack (12-count) sweet Hawaiian rolls
- 1 lb sliced roast beef (deli-style or home-cooked, thinly sliced)
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, sliced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- ½ tsp dried minced onion
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Slice the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally using a long serrated knife. Do not separate the individual rolls. Place the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the roast beef evenly across the bottom half of the rolls. Fold or roll slices slightly for extra texture and height.
- Lay the cheddar cheese slices evenly over the roast beef. Make sure the cheese covers as much of the surface as possible for that perfectly melted look.
- Gently place the top halves of the rolls back on.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds, and minced onion. Let it warm for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until well blended.
- Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls, letting it drip down the sides for added flavor.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for a couple of minutes. Use a sharp knife to cut along the roll seams and serve warm.
How Can I Keep The Hawaiian Roll Roast Beef Sliders From Getting Soggy?
Soggy sliders can be disappointing, especially when you’re expecting crispy, buttery tops. Here’s how to keep that from happening:
- Use thick-cut roast beef: Thin slices release more moisture. Thicker cuts hold up better and keep the bread from absorbing too much liquid.
- Toast the bottom rolls lightly: Place the bottom half of the rolls in the oven for a few minutes before layering on the meat. This gives them a barrier against moisture.
- Avoid too much sauce or butter inside: Stick to brushing the sauce over the top of the rolls, not inside. This keeps the tops flavorful without soaking the bread.
- Don’t overbake: Baking too long can cause condensation when you take them out. Follow the timing and don’t leave them covered too long after baking.
- Serve right away: These are best enjoyed fresh. If they sit too long, the bread may start to soften from the steam.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Cheese?
Yes, you can easily swap out cheddar with other types of cheese to suit your taste or what you already have on hand.
- Provolone: Melts smoothly and adds a mild, creamy flavor that pairs well with roast beef.
- Swiss: Offers a slightly nutty taste and melts well without becoming too gooey.
- Mozzarella: Gives a super stretchy melt with a mild flavor. Great for those who want less sharpness.
- Pepper Jack: Adds a little spice if you like a bit of heat in your sliders.
- Gouda or Havarti: These add a rich, buttery feel and melt beautifully.
Try mixing two types for more flavor variety. Whatever you choose, slice it thin so it melts evenly.
Can I Use Leftover Roast Beef?
Absolutely, leftover roast beef works great and can make these sliders even more flavorful.
- Slice it thin: If your leftover roast is thick, use a sharp knife to slice it thinner so it layers well and heats evenly.
- Warm it slightly before assembling: Cold meat can cool down the whole dish. A quick warm-up helps everything bake faster and more evenly.
- Trim off any large fat pieces: This helps with texture and keeps the sliders from being greasy.
Can Hawaiian Roll Roast Beef Sliders Be Made Ahead Of Time?
Yes, these sliders are a great make-ahead option if you’re planning for a party or a busy evening.
- Assemble and refrigerate: Put the sliders together, cover the pan tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Wait to add the butter topping: To keep the tops from getting soggy, add the butter mixture just before you put them in the oven.
- Bake a little longer: Since everything is cold, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Cover with foil for the first part so the tops don’t brown too fast.
- Avoid freezing before baking: The texture of the bread can change in the freezer, so it’s better to store them in the fridge if making ahead.
How Do I Store Leftover Hawaiian Roll Roast Beef Sliders?
If you have extras, here’s how to keep them tasting good even the next day:
- Cool completely before storing: Don’t put hot sliders directly into the fridge. Let them cool to room temperature to avoid moisture build-up.
- Wrap them tightly: Use foil or an airtight container to keep them from drying out.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days: They’ll stay fresh in the fridge and reheat well.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer: Use 300°F to warm them through without drying out the bread. Cover with foil to keep the tops from browning too much.
- Avoid microwaving if possible: It can make the bread rubbery. If you must, wrap them in a damp paper towel to help keep the texture soft.
What’s The Best Way To Serve Roast Beef Sliders At A Party?
Serving roast beef sliders to a crowd is easy if you keep a few things in mind for freshness and presentation.
- Keep them warm: Use a slow cooker on the warm setting or a low oven (around 200°F) to keep them hot without drying out.
- Serve with dipping sauces: A small bowl of creamy horseradish, barbecue sauce, or a garlic aioli on the side adds extra flavor.
- Label the tray: If you’re using multiple types of cheese or meat, a small label helps guests know what they’re grabbing.
- Cut them evenly: Use a serrated knife and slice straight through all layers so each piece stays neat and doesn’t fall apart.
- Use parchment paper or foil under the rolls: This makes cleanup faster and prevents sticking.