If you’re searching for a fun and mouthwatering party favorite, look no further than this Roast Beef Sliders Recipe. These little sandwiches are filled with tender, flavorful roast beef and gooey provolone cheese, all nestled inside sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls that bring a delightful contrast. The buttery, tangy poppy seed glaze on top adds an irresistible touch that takes these sliders from simple to spectacular. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a satisfying snack, these sliders are bound to steal the show and quickly become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Roast Beef Sliders Recipe plays a starring role, combining simple pantry staples and fresh deli selections that build layers of flavor and texture. From the soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls to the punchy dijon mustard and tender roast beef, every component contributes something special to this dish.
- King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls: These rolls are the foundation with their signature soft texture and subtle sweetness that perfectly balance the savory fillings.
- Mayonnaise: A thin layer adds a creamy moisture that prevents dryness and enriches each bite.
- Deli sliced roast beef: Thin slices ensure tender, easy-to-pull-apart sliders bursting with rich, beefy flavor.
- Provolone cheese: Melts beautifully over the roast beef for a mild, creamy finish.
- Salted butter: Provides a luscious base for the flavorful poppy seed glaze coating the tops.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness for perfect balance.
- Bottled barbecue sauce: Introduces a sweet, smoky layer that complements the roast beef wonderfully.
- Poppy seeds: Give the sliders a fun bit of crunch and an attractive coating.
- Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the umami flavor with hints of savory complexity.
How to Make Roast Beef Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally to separate the tops from the bottoms. Arrange all the bottom halves tightly next to each other in a 9×13-inch baking dish. This snug arrangement helps the sliders bake evenly and stay together for easy serving. Keep the tops aside for now to assemble later.
Step 2: Build the Base Layers
Spread a thin, even layer of mayonnaise over each bottom roll. This not only adds moisture but also a gentle richness that complements the roast beef perfectly. Next, layer the deli roast beef slices on top, folding them gently if needed so they fit neatly on each roll. This folding helps keep the sliders compact and fun to pull apart.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Top Rolls
Evenly place slices of provolone cheese over the roast beef. The cheese should be about a quarter-inch thick and melt beautifully during baking. Then, cover each slider with its top roll, pressing down gently to ensure all layers stick together and heat consistently when baked.
Step 4: Make the Poppy Seed Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Stir in dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for a couple of minutes until warm and just coming to a boil. This glaze is the magic that brings all the flavors together when drizzled on top of the sliders.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the warm glaze evenly over the assembled sliders, making sure each roll top is coated generously. Optionally, use a pastry brush to spread some of the poppy seeds evenly for a beautiful finish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese has melted into delicious gooeyness.
How to Serve Roast Beef Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
These sliders shine as-is, but a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few thinly sliced pickles can add a refreshing contrast and make every bite pop. Adding a side of horseradish sauce or spicy mustard amps up the flavor even more for those who love a little extra zing.
Side Dishes
Serving your roast beef sliders alongside crispy potato chips, crunchy coleslaw, or a fresh green salad is a fantastic way to round out the meal. These sides bring texture, freshness, and balance, making your spread feel complete without stealing the spotlight from the sliders.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the sliders on a large wooden board or a tiered tray to create a festive, inviting look. You can also thread decorative toothpicks through each slider to hold them together and make grabbing a breeze. Pair with small bowls of dipping sauces like barbecue or ranch to elevate the experience and let guests customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover roast beef sliders, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This helps maintain their moisture and flavor without drying out the bread or meat.
Freezing
To freeze, individually wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap and then place them all inside a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat your sliders in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent the tops from burning while ensuring the cheese melts again. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but the oven method preserves the original texture best.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this Roast Beef Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! While provolone is classic for its meltability and mild taste, you can swap in Swiss, mozzarella, or even cheddar depending on your preference. Just choose a cheese that melts well to keep the sliders deliciously gooey.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to roast beef for these sliders?
Yes! You can substitute the roast beef with grilled mushrooms, marinated tempeh, or a plant-based deli slice. Just layer it with the same cheese and sauces for a satisfying vegetarian version.
What kind of barbecue sauce works best?
A sweet and smoky barbecue sauce like Sweet Baby Ray’s Original complements the rich roast beef beautifully. However, feel free to experiment with tangier or spicier varieties to match your taste buds.
Can I make these sliders gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free slider buns or rolls, and double-check the barbecue sauce and worcestershire sauce ingredients for gluten content. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty sliders.
How long do leftovers stay fresh?
When stored properly in the fridge, leftover roast beef sliders stay fresh for about 3 days. After that, the bread may become a bit soggy and the flavors may diminish, so it’s best to enjoy them sooner rather than later.
Final Thoughts
This Roast Beef Sliders Recipe is the perfect blend of simple ingredients transformed into something truly memorable. Whether for a lively party or a cozy family meal, these sliders deliver on flavor, texture, and that comforting satisfaction you crave. Give them a try — I promise they’ll become a treasured staple in your kitchen and a hit with everyone who tries them!
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Roast Beef Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Roast Beef Sliders are a perfect party appetizer or casual meal, featuring King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls filled with savory deli roast beef and provolone cheese. Slathered with a buttery, tangy sauce flavored with Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire, and poppy seeds, these sliders are baked until golden and melty, making them irresistibly delicious and easy to serve for a crowd.
Ingredients
Slider Assembly
- 18 King’s Hawaiian 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 â…› inch thick, from an 8-ounce package)
Butter Sauce
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1½ tablespoons bottled barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s Original recommended)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seed
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms. Arrange all the bottom halves tightly in a 9×13 inch baking dish so they touch one another. Set the tops aside for later.
- Spread Mayonnaise: Evenly spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over the bottom rolls in the baking dish. This adds moisture and flavor to the base of the sliders.
- Add Roast Beef: Layer 1 to 2 slices of deli roast beef on each bottom roll. Fold slices as needed to fit neatly onto each roll, ensuring easy pull-apart serving later.
- Top with Cheese and Roll Tops: Distribute the 10 slices of provolone cheese evenly over the roast beef. Then place the reserved tops of the rolls on top of the cheese. Press down gently to keep the sliders together and help them heat evenly.
- Make Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Stir in Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce just begins to boil, then remove from heat.
- Brush Sauce Over Sliders: Pour the warm butter sauce evenly over the assembled sliders in the pan. Use a pastry brush if desired to ensure the poppy seeds are spread evenly on top of the rolls.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes at 350°F to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Brown and Melt Cheese: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the tops of the sliders are lightly browned and the cheese has fully melted.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced deli roast beef to ensure easy folding and layering on the rolls.
- Covering the sliders during most of the bake keeps them moist and helps the cheese melt without drying out the tops.
- The buttery poppy seed sauce can be adjusted with less barbecue sauce for a milder flavor or more mustard for added tang.
- These sliders are best served warm and fresh but can be reheated covered in foil to preserve moisture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding thin slices of red onion or pickles inside the sliders before baking.
