Garlic Butter Beef Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the most even cheese melt, place the cheddar slices so they slightly overlap, covering the beef completely. This prevents any dry spots. If you want extra gooeyness, add a second layer of cheese or use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella. The key is to have enough cheese to bind the layers together.

To get perfectly clean cuts, use a serrated knife and saw gently through the rolls. Alternatively, you can pull the sliders apart by hand for a more rustic look.

If you're serving a crowd, keep the sliders warm in a low oven (200°F/95°C) until ready to serve, but cover with foil to prevent the tops from over-browning.

Variations

• Spicy Jalapeño Sliders: Add sliced jalapeños on top of the beef before adding the cheese, or mix a few tablespoons of pickled jalapeño juice into the beef while browning. For extra heat, use pepper Jack cheese instead of cheddar.
• BBQ Bacon Sliders: Stir 1/2 cup barbecue sauce into the cooked beef and top with crispy bacon pieces before adding the cheese. Brush the rolls with the garlic butter as usual—the smoky sweetness pairs perfectly.
• Mushroom Swiss Sliders: Sauté 8 oz sliced mushrooms with the onion and beef, and use Swiss cheese instead of cheddar. The earthy mushrooms and nutty Swiss complement the buttery rolls beautifully.
• Breakfast Sliders: Swap the beef for cooked breakfast sausage and add scrambled eggs (cooked through). Use American cheese for a classic breakfast sandwich flavor. Serve with maple syrup for dipping.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes.

Freezer

Freeze baked sliders in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat frozen or refrigerated sliders in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and cheese is melted, about 10-15 minutes.

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the rolls soggy and the cheese rubbery.

You can prepare the beef filling and garlic butter up to 2 days in advance. Keep them separately in the refrigerator.

Assemble the sliders just before baking, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if the filling is cold. The assembled sliders can also be refrigerated for up to 8 hours before baking—just add 5 minutes to the bake time.

Serving ideas

Serve these sliders warm, straight from the oven, so the cheese is at its stretchiest. They're perfect as a party appetizer, but also substantial enough for a casual dinner alongside a simple green salad or coleslaw.

The sweet and savory combination pairs well with pickles or a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or barbecue.

For a game-day spread, arrange the sliders on a large platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They're also great for potlucks because they travel well and stay warm in a covered dish.

If you have leftovers, they're delicious cold the next day—though they're best reheated to restore the buttery texture.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Garlic Butter Beef Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

Prep 10 minCook 20 minTotal 30 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
• 1 diced onion
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 12 sweet Hawaiian rolls (one 12-pack)
• 12 slices sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and cook for 1 minute more. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the minced garlic and parsley. Stir until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Do not let the butter brown. Remove from heat.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls horizontally through the middle, keeping the rolls connected. Place the bottom half in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the bottom layer. Top with the cheddar slices, covering the beef completely. Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese.
4. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the entire top surface of the rolls with the garlic herb butter. Make sure to get the butter into the crevices between the rolls. Reserve a little butter for brushing after baking if desired.
5. Bake the assembled sliders in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown. The internal temperature of the beef should reach 160°F (71°C). If the tops brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
6. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the sliders rest for 5 minutes. Use a sharp knife to cut between the rolls to separate them. Serve warm, pulling apart the sliders to reveal the cheesy stretch.

Contains: gluten, milk, fish

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

25 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

27 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.