Hawaiian Roast Beef Sliders Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s both savory and a little bit sweet, these Hawaiian Roast Beef Sliders Recipe will hit the spot every time. The magic lies in the combination of tender roast beef, rich melted cheese, and the soft, sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls that give each slider a perfectly balanced bite. I often make these when friends come over casually because they’re easy to share and a total crowd-pleaser.

What makes this Hawaiian Roast Beef Sliders Recipe stand out is how it combines that classic roast beef sandwich vibe with the tropical sweetness of Hawaiian rolls, plus a buttery, tangy glaze on top that makes the sliders irresistibly golden and bubbly. You can whip this up in under 40 minutes, which makes it a go-to for busy weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or potluck parties. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself making these sliders again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building those perfect layers of flavor and texture. The sweet rolls mellow out the savory beef, while the cheesy, buttery topping keeps these sliders moist and inviting. When shopping, I suggest picking fresh roast beef and the softest Hawaiian rolls you can find — it truly makes all the difference.

• King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: These iconic rolls are soft and sweet, adding that signature Hawaiian touch that balances the savory ingredients beautifully.
• Shredded roast beef: Look for tender, pre-cooked roast beef for convenience, or use leftover roast beef you have on hand.
• American cheese slices: Melts wonderfully and gives a nice creamy texture without overpowering the flavors.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps the garlic stick to the buns for tasty depth.
• Garlic powder or garlic paste: Gives a gentle garlic kick that complements the roast beef nicely.
• Butter: The base for the glaze that makes the tops golden and flavorful.
• Brown sugar: Adds that subtle sweetness that caramelizes when baked.
• Worcestershire sauce: Infuses a savory tang that deepens the flavor profile.
• Dijon mustard: Offers a bit of sharpness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Poppy seeds or sesame seeds: Optional but adds a nice visual and a slight crunch on top.
• Parsley flakes: Great as a garnish to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: A finishing touch that adds a salty, nutty flavor layer.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Hawaiian Roast Beef Sliders Recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to your taste or occasion. Feel free to mix things up and make this recipe your own — it’s all about enjoying whatever flavors make you happiest.

• Spicy kick: Try adding a slice of jalapeño or spreading some chipotle mayo instead of regular mayo. I did this once for a game day crowd and everyone loved the extra heat with the sweet rolls!
• Different cheese: Swap American cheese for Swiss or provolone for a slightly sharper or nuttier flavor.
• Vegetarian twist: Use grilled mushrooms or a smoky eggplant spread instead of roast beef, and it still feels just as satisfying.
• Pickle addition: Layer some thin-sliced pickles inside for a tangy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweet rolls.

How to Make Hawaiian Roast Beef Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Rolls and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like to line my 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray for easy cleanup and slider removal. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls lengthwise in one clean cut so the top and bottom stay intact as large slabs — this keeps the assembly neat and helps the sliders stay together once baked.

Step 2: Spread the Garlic Mayo

Mix mayonnaise with garlic powder until evenly blended. I always taste this step to make sure the garlic isn’t too strong but adds a gentle flavor layer. Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom half of the buns — this keeps the sandwich moist and adds a delicious savory foundation beneath the roast beef.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Now, layer the shredded roast beef evenly over the garlic mayo. Enough to cover the entire surface but don’t heap it on too thick or the sliders will be messy. Next, lay the American cheese slices on top, covering all the beef. Place the top half of the rolls back over everything to form your slider “sandwich.”

Step 4: Make and Brush the Butter Glaze

Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stove, then whisk in the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard until smooth. This glaze is the key to that gorgeous golden finish and savory-sweet flavor combo. Generously brush it over the top of the rolls, then sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds if using — they add a little pop of texture and look pretty too.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover your pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to warm everything through and melt the cheese perfectly. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an extra 5 minutes so the tops turn golden and bubbly. Be sure to watch at this stage to avoid burning — ovens vary, and you want that perfect glow, not a charred top.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once baked, let the sliders rest for a couple minutes to allow everything to settle and avoid the beef layers sliding apart when you cut them. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into individual sandwiches. I like to finish with a sprinkle of parsley flakes and some grated Parmesan on top for a fresh, salty pop that brightens the sliders.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roast Beef Sliders Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, I keep it simple but impactful: freshly chopped parsley adds a splash of color and fresh flavor, while grated Parmesan cheese melts slightly on the warm tops for an extra savory touch. If you like, sprinkle some extra poppy seeds after baking for visual appeal and texture. These small touches make the sliders feel special and Instagram-worthy!

Side Dishes

I love pairing these sliders with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries or a crunchy coleslaw to balance the richness. A simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette is also a great way to keep the meal light and fresh. For parties, mini pasta salad or pickled veggies are fantastic for a colorful and convenient side option.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun way I’ve presented these sliders was arranging them on a large wooden board with little bowls of dipping sauces like horseradish mayo or spicy mustard on the side — it turns a simple snack into a festive spread. You can also skewer each slider with a colorful toothpick or mini flag for easy grab-and-go party food that looks darling on any serving table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though usually you don’t!), I store the sliders tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re cooled completely before sealing them to avoid sogginess. Reheating gently keeps the bread soft and prevents the beef from drying out.

Freezing

I have frozen these sliders once or twice by wrapping each slider individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a large freezer bag. They take about 1-2 months in the freezer and reheat fairly well when thawed first in the fridge overnight, then baked in the oven until warm and bubbly again. The roll texture isn’t quite as fluffy, but still tasty!

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I preheat the oven to 325°F and wrap the sliders loosely in foil to keep the moisture in. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, then remove the foil for the last couple minutes to re-crisp the tops. This method keeps the beef juicy and the cheese melty.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Hawaiian Roast Beef Sliders Recipe always brings back fond memories of casual family gatherings and relaxed weekend game nights with friends. The ease, flavor, and crowd-pleasing factor make it one of my go-to recipes when I want to serve something comforting yet a bit unique. I genuinely recommend giving these sliders a try—you’ll love how the sweet rolls and savory roast beef come together in every warm, cheesy bite. Don’t forget to share them around; they’re best enjoyed with good company!

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