If you’re on the hunt for a snack or party favorite that’s guaranteed to impress, this Roast Beef Sliders Recipe has got you covered. Imagine soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls filled with tender slices of roast beef and melted provolone cheese, all bathed in a buttery, tangy poppy seed sauce that brings every bite to life. This dish is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for game days, casual get-togethers, or whenever that craving for a hearty yet approachable sandwich strikes. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and delivers a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfect Roast Beef Sliders Recipe, you need a handful of simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role — from the sweet and fluffy King’s Hawaiian rolls to the zesty mayo and buttery topping that binds everything together.
- King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls: These soft, slightly sweet rolls provide a tender base that complements the savory roast beef perfectly.
- Mayonnaise: Adds a creamy moisture barrier to keep the rolls from drying out, while enhancing the flavor.
- Deli sliced roast beef: Choose thinly sliced beef for tender, juicy layers that fold nicely and melt in your mouth.
- Provolone cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a mild, creamy richness that pairs wonderfully with the beef.
- Salted butter: The foundation of the iconic glaze that gives the sliders their golden, flavorful crust.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang and sharpness that cuts through the richness.
- Barbecue sauce: Provides a sweet and smoky undertone that elevates the flavor complexity.
- Poppy seeds: Add a delightful crunch and visual appeal to the finished sliders.
- Worcestershire sauce: Introduces depth and umami, enhancing the overall savoriness.
How to Make Roast Beef Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Assemble the Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature when assembly is complete. Slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half carefully, separating tops from bottoms. Arrange the bottoms snugly in a 9×13-inch baking pan, letting them touch so they can heat evenly and stay together. Set the tops aside for now. This foundational step is key to creating sliders that hold together without falling apart.
Step 2: Spread the Mayo and Layer the Roast Beef
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise evenly on each bottom roll — this not only adds flavor but prevents sogginess from the meat juices. Next, layer 1 to 2 slices of your thinly sliced roast beef on top, folding the slices slightly to fit the roll. Folding helps with portion control and ensures each slider has a juicy, satisfying bite.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Replace the Tops
Evenly distribute slices of provolone cheese over the roast beef, covering each bottom roll completely. Then, gently place the roll tops back on, pressing lightly to keep everything snug. This close contact allows the cheese to melt evenly into the layers below while baking.
Step 4: Make the Buttery Poppy Seed Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Stir in Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds. Bring the mixture just to a boil, and then remove from heat. This luscious sauce will be poured over the assembled sliders, infusing them with a deeply satisfying glaze that is both sweet and tangy.
Step 5: Pour, Bake, and Brown to Perfection
Pour the warm buttery sauce evenly over the sliders. For an even poppy seed distribution, use a pastry brush to spread seeds on the tops if needed. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted. The result is a platter of irresistible sliders ready to delight.
How to Serve Roast Beef Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten and enhance your Roast Beef Sliders Recipe, consider topping them with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few slivers of red onion for a subtle sharpness. Pickle slices or a dab of horseradish sauce on the side can also add zing if you want a bold contrast.
Side Dishes
Serve these sliders with classic sides like crispy French fries, a fresh coleslaw, or crunchy dill pickles. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is another excellent way to balance the richness of the sliders.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the sliders on a large wooden board or platter lined with parchment paper. Add small bowls of extra barbecue sauce and mustard for dipping, letting guests customize. You might also serve them stacked in mini baking trays for an inviting, rustic look that keeps them warm and ready to grab.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover sliders tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making a convenient option for quick lunches or snacks later in the week.
Freezing
These sliders freeze beautifully. Place assembled but unbaked sliders in a freezer-safe container or wrap well in foil and then plastic wrap before freezing. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months without losing their texture or flavor.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed sliders by covering them with foil and warming in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving to keep the rolls from becoming soggy or chewy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for the sliders?
Absolutely! While provolone melts wonderfully and pairs well with roast beef, you can experiment with Swiss, cheddar, or even mozzarella. Each brings a different twist but make sure it melts nicely for the best results.
Is it okay to use freshly baked rolls instead of King’s Hawaiian?
Fresh rolls are great if you prefer, but King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls offer a unique balance of sweetness and softness that really elevates these sliders. If you use fresh rolls, try to select ones with a similar fluffiness and slight sweetness for the classic effect.
Can I prepare these sliders vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, you could swap the roast beef for grilled mushrooms, marinated tempeh, or a robust veggie deli slice. Just keep the cheese and the buttery sauce to preserve that rich, savory flavor profile.
What’s the best way to fold the roast beef slices?
Simply fold the slices in half or thirds to fit the size of the rolls. This layering helps each slider stay juicy and prevents the meat from slipping out as you eat it.
Can this recipe be doubled or halved?
Yes, the Roast Beef Sliders Recipe is very flexible. You can double it for a bigger crowd or halve it for a smaller gathering with no change in cooking time, just adjust the baking dish size accordingly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Roast Beef Sliders Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that brings people together, whether for celebrations or cozy nights in. With simple ingredients and straightforward prep, you get sliders bursting with flavor, texture, and that special homemade charm. So go ahead, give them a whirl and watch these little sandwiches disappear fast!
Print
Roast Beef Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 18 sliders 1x
Description
These Roast Beef Sliders are a deliciously savory party appetizer featuring tender deli-sliced roast beef and melted provolone cheese sandwiched in sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls. Slathered with a buttery, tangy sauce infused with Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden, these sliders are perfect for gatherings and easy to pull apart and serve.
Ingredients
Sandwiches
- 18 King’s Hawaiian brand sweet rolls (from two 12-count packages)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 to 1¼ pounds deli sliced roast beef (no more than ⅛ inch thick or sandwich sliced)
- 10 slices non-smoked provolone cheese (approximately ⅛ inch thick, from an 8-ounce package)
Sauce
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1½ tablespoons bottled barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s Original used)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seed
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready for baking the sliders.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice all the rolls in half horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms. Arrange all the bottom halves closely together in a 9×13-inch baking pan so they touch each other, then set the tops aside for later.
- Apply Mayonnaise: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls in the pan.
- Add Roast Beef: Layer 1 to 2 slices of deli-sliced roast beef on each bottom roll, folding the slices as needed to fit. This folding helps keep the sliders easy to pull apart once baked.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Evenly place the provolone cheese slices over the roast beef, then put the tops of the rolls back on, gently pressing down to keep everything together and ensure even heating.
- Make the Sauce: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. Let the mixture cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it just reaches a boil, then remove from heat.
- Top Sliders with Sauce: Pour the warm sauce evenly over the arranged sliders in the pan. Optionally, use a pastry brush to spread the poppy seeds uniformly on top of the rolls.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and begin melting the cheese.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the tops are lightly browned and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Notes
- For best results, use thinly sliced deli roast beef no thicker than 1/8 inch to ensure tender sliders.
- Folding the roast beef slices helps keep the layers neatly inside the slider and makes them easier to separate after baking.
- You can customize the sauce by adjusting the barbecue sauce amount or swapping it with your preferred brand or variety.
- Serving these sliders warm is best, as the cheese will be melty and the rolls soft and buttery.
- This recipe yields 18 sliders, perfect for parties or larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
