Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders

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Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders: The Ultimate Party Favorite

Introduction

Few things are as satisfying as biting into a warm, cheesy slider, especially when it’s layered with juicy beef, melty cheese, and buttery rolls. Enter the Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders—a recipe that has quickly become a star at parties, game nights, potlucks, and family dinners.

These sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser because they deliver the comfort of a classic cheeseburger in a mini, pull-apart form. The sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls contrast beautifully with the savory beef and gooey cheese, while a buttery glaze on top adds an irresistible golden finish. They’re quick, affordable, and most importantly, they taste like something straight out of a gourmet kitchen.

Whether you’re hosting friends or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Why Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders Are So Popular

These sliders have skyrocketed in popularity because they’re practical, portable, and flavorful. Unlike traditional burgers that require grilling and assembling individual buns, sliders are baked together in a single dish and served as pull-apart sandwiches. This makes them ideal for feeding a crowd without the hassle of flipping patties one by one.

The Hawaiian rolls bring a slightly sweet flavor that balances the richness of the beef and cheese. Plus, their pillowy texture holds up beautifully when baked, soaking up the buttery topping without becoming soggy.

Ingredients

For the Sliders

  • 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend works best for juiciness)
  • 8–10 slices American cheese (or cheddar, for sharper flavor)
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
  • 1/4 cup dill pickle slices (optional)

For the Butter Topping

  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Equipment Needed

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Sharp knife (for slicing rolls)
  • Pastry brush (for butter topping)
  • Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and onions are soft, about 6–7 minutes.
  3. Drain excess fat, then season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Set aside.

Step 2: Slice the Rolls

  1. Without separating the rolls, slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally to create a top and bottom sheet.
  2. Place the bottom half in a lightly greased baking dish.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

  1. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls.
  2. Layer slices of cheese on top of the beef.
  3. Add pickle slices if desired.
  4. Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese to complete the sandwiches.

Step 4: Brush with Butter Topping

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder.
  2. Brush generously over the tops of the rolls.
  3. Sprinkle sesame seeds if using.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 6: Serve

Let cool slightly, then cut into individual sliders. Serve warm and watch them disappear in minutes!

Pro Tips for the Best Sliders

  • Don’t skip draining the beef: Too much grease will make the sliders soggy.
  • Use high-quality cheese: American cheese melts beautifully, but cheddar adds more tang.
  • Make-ahead friendly: Assemble up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and bake before serving.
  • Customize toppings: Add jalapeños for heat, caramelized onions for sweetness, or mushrooms for depth.
  • Reheat like a pro: Warm leftovers in the oven to keep rolls crisp.

Variations

  • BBQ Cheeseburger Sliders: Mix cooked beef with BBQ sauce before layering.
  • Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders: Add crispy bacon strips between the beef and cheese.
  • Tex-Mex Sliders: Add taco seasoning to the beef and top with pepper jack cheese.
  • Veggie Sliders: Substitute beef with plant-based ground “meat.”
  • Breakfast Sliders: Replace beef with scrambled eggs and sausage, plus a layer of cheese.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders pair perfectly with casual side dishes and dips. Try them with:

  • Crispy French fries or tater tots
  • A simple green salad
  • Coleslaw for crunch
  • A platter of dipping sauces: ketchup, spicy mayo, or chipotle aioli

They’re also excellent for game-day spreads, served alongside nachos, wings, and other finger foods.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 10–12 minutes to restore texture. Avoid microwaving, which makes rolls rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, but add extra seasoning since leaner meats have milder flavors.

Do I have to use Hawaiian rolls?
Not at all! Any soft dinner rolls will work, but the sweetness of Hawaiian rolls balances the savory beef beautifully.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just use two baking dishes to feed a larger crowd.

What cheese works best?
American is classic for meltiness, but Swiss, provolone, or cheddar are all excellent.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe succeeds because it takes everything people love about cheeseburgers—juicy beef, gooey cheese, and buttery buns—and transforms them into a low-effort, high-reward appetizer. The sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls provides a unique twist, while the buttery topping infuses every bite with flavor. Best of all, they’re baked together, which means no flipping patties on a grill.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish, look no further than Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders. They’re quick, delicious, and endlessly customizable, making them perfect for parties, family dinners, or even a fun weeknight meal.

Once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re a staple at gatherings everywhere. So, grab a pack of Hawaiian rolls, your favorite cheese, and some ground beef—you’re just a few steps away from cheesy, buttery slider perfection.

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