These Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders always disappear fast whenever I make them. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or even a fun lunchbox treat.
What makes them so good? It’s the combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls, savory beef, melted cheese, and that special sauce that just ties everything together. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to assemble, making them a total winner.
Recipe Overview: Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders
These sliders are basically mini cheeseburgers baked on soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls.
They’re incredibly versatile. You can serve them hot out of the oven, and they are just as delicious at room temperature, making them great for picnics or potlucks.
The cheesy, beefy filling paired with the slightly sweet bread is a flavor combination everyone seems to love.
They’re a fantastic option for game-day gatherings, birthday parties, or even just a casual family meal. They’re always a crowd-pleaser!
You can easily customize them with your favorite toppings, too. Think crispy bacon, sauteed onions, or even a slice of pineapple for an extra Hawaiian twist.
Ingredients for Cheeseburger Sliders
Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Ground Beef: 1 pound. I usually use 80/20 ground beef because it has a good balance of flavor and fat, but you can use leaner ground beef if you prefer.
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: One 12-count package. Make sure you get the original sweet rolls – they really make a difference in the final flavor!
- Cheddar Cheese: 8 slices. I like to use sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor, but you can use mild cheddar, Colby, or even Monterey Jack.
- Onion: 1/2 cup, finely chopped. Yellow or white onion works best.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon. This adds a savory depth of flavor to the beef.
- Ketchup: 2 tablespoons.
- Mustard: 1 tablespoon. I use yellow mustard, but Dijon mustard would also be delicious.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted. For brushing on top of the rolls.
- Sesame Seeds (Optional): For sprinkling on top.
For substitutions, you could try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You also have flexibility with cheese. Feel free to experiment!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Best Cheeseburger Sliders
Let’s get started!
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and chopped onion. Break up the beef with a spoon or spatula as it cooks.
- Drain and Season: Once the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain off any excess grease. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the Rolls: While the beef is simmering, slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves connected as one large piece. It’s like you’re making a giant sandwich.
- Assemble the Sliders: Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish.
- Add the Beef: Evenly spread the cooked beef mixture over the bottom layer of rolls.
- Add Cheese: Top the beef with the cheese slices.
- Cover with Rolls: Place the top half of the rolls on top of the cheese.
- Brush and Sprinkle: Brush the melted butter evenly over the top of the rolls. If you’re using them, sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the tops of the rolls are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Let the sliders cool slightly before slicing and serving. This will help them hold their shape better.
Variations & Tips for Your Hawaiian Roll Sliders
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a little heat.
- Add Bacon: Cooked, crumbled bacon is always a welcome addition! Sprinkle it on top of the beef before adding the cheese.
- Onion Options: If you love onions, try adding caramelized onions instead of (or in addition to) the raw onions.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the sliders ahead of time, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking them straight from the fridge.
- Storage: Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, wrap individual sliders in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the rolls may become a bit soft.
- Serving Suggestion: Try serving with a side of your favorite dipping sauce like thousand island or ranch.
Key Details
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 40-45 minutes
- Servings: 12 sliders
- Equipment you’ll need: 9×13 inch baking dish, large skillet, mixing spoon or spatula
Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- One 12-count package Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- 8 slices Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped Onion
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Salt and Black Pepper To taste
- 2 tablespoons Butter melted
- Sesame Seeds Optional For sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and chopped onion. Break up the beef with a spoon or spatula as it cooks.
- Drain and Season: Once the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain off any excess grease. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the Rolls: While the beef is simmering, slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves connected as one large piece. It's like you're making a giant sandwich.
- Assemble the Sliders: Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish.
- Add the Beef: Evenly spread the cooked beef mixture over the bottom layer of rolls.
- Add Cheese: Top the beef with the cheese slices.
- Cover with Rolls: Place the top half of the rolls on top of the cheese.
- Brush and Sprinkle: Brush the melted butter evenly over the top of the rolls. If you're using them, sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the tops of the rolls are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Let the sliders cool slightly before slicing and serving. This will help them hold their shape better.
