
Juicy Beef & Cheddar Sliders – Party Crowd Winner! 🧀🥩
Want to know my favorite gathering treat that vanishes quickly? These delicious sliders pack thin roast beef soaked in zesty BBQ sauce with melty cheddar cheese all nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls. What makes them special? A sweet buttery topping that creates an amazing golden crust. I've brought these to everything from game day gatherings to casual get-togethers and there's never any left.
What Makes These Sliders So Great
Everyone asks me for this recipe whenever I serve these. They're incredibly easy! You can put them together in just a few minutes which is great when you're running around hosting. I often get them ready the day before and just bake them when company shows up. They work perfectly for any situation from family meals to party snacks.
Ingredients List
- The Rolls: Sweet Hawaiian rolls are essential - they've got just the right softness.
- Good Beef: Ask for super thin sliced roast beef for this tasty creation.
- The Sauce: Pick any BBQ sauce you like - I prefer one with slight sweetness.
- Melty Cheese: Sharp cheddar takes these handcrafted sliders to another level.
- Glaze Magic: Mix of butter, brown sugar, and Dijon for this simple creation.
- Extra Kick: Worcestershire sauce adds flavor depth to this handmade version.
- Crunchy Touch: Poppy seeds give this simple creation extra texture.
How To Make Beef & Cheddar Sliders
- Get Your Rolls Ready
- Pull out a large cutting board and your package of Hawaiian rolls. Here's a handy tip - keep them connected! Slice through the middle horizontally while they're still attached. It's much quicker than cutting each one separately. Just remove the top section and put it aside.
- Create The Foundation
- Add a light coating of BBQ sauce on the bottom half of your rolls. This stops them from getting mushy. Then begin adding your super thin roast beef. I bunch it up slightly as I place it - this creates nice pockets that hold sauce and cheese.
- Add The Cheese
- Now comes the fun part! Cover everything with sharp cheddar, making sure you don't miss any spots. I typically add two layers - first directly on the beef, then another on top. You can't go wrong with extra cheese here.
- Put The Top On
- Before placing the top back, brush some BBQ sauce on its underside too - this way you'll taste flavor in every bite. Then carefully set it back on all that cheesy beef goodness.
- Make The Topping
- Here's what makes these truly outstanding - that butter mixture! Combine your melted butter with brown sugar until completely mixed. Stir in Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce - it might look separated at first but keep mixing. Brush this all across the tops and sides of your rolls. Finish by sprinkling poppy seeds on top - they add such a nice crunch!
Cooking Advice
After lots of testing, I've found that 350°F for roughly 20 minutes works perfectly. Watch them carefully and if the tops get too dark just cover with foil. If you want extra soft rolls, keep them covered the entire baking time.

Prep Them Early
These sliders are my go-to for relaxed hosting. I assemble everything the day before but wait to add the topping until right before baking. Next day I just pour on the butter mixture and stick them in the oven. They turn out amazing every single time.
Side Dish Ideas for Your Sliders
We pair these with crunchy fries or fresh coleslaw most often. For parties I'll put them next to chips and veggie platters. Sometimes I'll cook a large dish of mac and cheese too when we want total comfort food. Whatever you choose to serve alongside, these little sandwiches will definitely be the main attraction!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead?
Yes, assemble ahead and add butter sauce just before baking.
- → What BBQ sauce works best?
Use your favorite brand - sweet or spicy both work well.
- → Why use Hawaiian rolls?
Their slight sweetness complements the BBQ beef perfectly.
- → Can I use different cheese?
While cheddar is classic, any melting cheese works well.
- → Why pour butter sauce over top?
Creates golden, crispy tops and adds rich flavor throughout.