Roast Beef Sliders
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Whether you call these roast beef sliders, sandwiches, or mini grinders, we can all agree they are delicious! Thinly sliced roast beef layered between sweet Hawaiian rolls with cheese, and caramelized onions. A savory butter sauce over the top really makes them stand out and helps them brown in the oven too.
These roast beef sliders on Hawaiian rolls are great for holiday parties, game day, or anytime you want to make a meal in advance. I also love them for a New Year’s Eve snack — or the next day when we’re all still tired!
If you loved the idea of shaved steak, then you have to also try this Steak Bomb recipe — all I can say is WOW! Also try my Philly Cheesesteak sliders and these breakfast sliders! NOM!
Truly, they’re perfect for any celebration (hello Super Bowl) and easy enough for the kids to help! They can get the rolls layered and ready while you cook the onions and whip up the sauce.
Aside from baked slider sandwiches, your guests will love my Easy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken that explodes with just the right amount of heat! Or, make a tray of Caprese BLTs for a lighter option!
Simple Ingredients for Roast Beef Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
The full list of ingredients and measurements are in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Deli Roast Beef | Ask the deli counter to slice it thin for this recipe, I used sliced prime rib for an upgraded sandwich.
- Hawaiian Bread Rolls | These are unique because they’re sweeter than other varieties, pairing perfectly with the flavorful sauce.
- Cheese | Use a good melting variety like provolone, sharp white cheddar, Havarti, or Swiss.
- Onion | Sweet varieties like Vidalia or Walla Walla are best, but you could easily get away with a red onion if needed.
- Butter | Melt this down to make the sauce for the roast beef sliders.
- Brown Sugar | I use Dixie Crystals Light Brown in this recipe, just a touch adds a hint of sweetness!
- Worcestershire Sauce | There is a trace amount of fish in this sauce, so if you have a fish allergy, substitute with dark molasses mixed with vinegar and water.
- Spicy Brown Mustard | Earthier than regular mustard, this plays off the Worcestershire and tastes incredible with the meat.
- Spices | I use a combo of garlic and onion powder with dried thyme.
- Horseradish | This is optional but really goes well with the other flavors.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and lightly spray a large baking dish (9×13 pan works great).
Over medium-low heat, slowly caramelize the onions in skillet with butter and oil, stirring often until they are softened and browned, it will take about 15-30 minutes.
Chef’s Tip
- For thinly sliced, easy to caramelize onions, use a mandolin style slicer for evenly and easily sliced onions. This economical version is my favorite!
Slice the slab of rolls evenly in half lengthwise, leaving them all connected to each other. Nestle the bottom half into your baking dish (9×13), splitting it into rows as needed so it fits.
Layer on the meat, cheese, and onions before covering everything with the tops of the rolls. If you know everyone loves spicy, then spread with a thin layer of horseradish, if not, leave it off and serve on the side.
For the sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan. Add the mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire, and spices, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens.
Pour the sauce over the Hawaiian rolls, brushing sauce to cover evenly. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another few minutes until the tops are lightly browned.
You can serve these fresh from the oven or allow them to cool slightly first before slicing. Have plenty of mustard and horseradish ready!
Variations & Substitutions
- You can also use whole wheat, Brioche rolls or pretzel rolls for this roast beef sliders recipe, just make sure they are nice and soft, a hard roll won’t work well in this recipe.
- Substitute beet horseradish for regular horseradish, it adds a lovely pop of red (I leave mine on the side so everyone can make theirs as spicy as they like!)
- Add some extra tang and crunch with pickles! Include a layer of long pickle slices or bread and butter chips between the cheese and caramelized onions.
- Gluten-Free Roast Beef Sliders | Yes! Swap out the Hawaiian bread rolls for gluten-free slider buns.
- Don’t need as many? Easily cut the recipe in half or double for a crowd!
- Poppy Seeds | As you can see there is no poppy seeds for these roast beef sliders on Hawaiian rolls, that’s because I am not a fan, black specks stuck in teeth and all. But if you like, you can certainly add a ½ – 1 teaspoon to the buttery sauce or just sprinkle some on top after adding the sauce.
Fresh Tips
- Just like my Hammy Sammies, or Turkey Sliders, you may prep this entire dish (sauce included) and refrigerate covered up to 12 hours before baking.
- Use a large serrated bread knife to slice your rolls in half. The serrated edge cuts cleanly like a saw without compressing or tearing the rolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Look for one that is low in sodium and not overly processed. I personally love organic brands like Boar’s Head.
Be sure to slice the rolls evenly so the bottom half isn’t too thin. You can also toast the bottom half in the oven for a few minutes before you start assembling everything. But the buttery sauce and the melting cheese caramelizes on the bottom creating a delicious, warm, slightly sweet crust.
Yes, you can assemble these roast beef sandwiches ahead of time including the sauce and pop in the oven before serving.
If you are making roast beef sliders on Hawaiian rolls for a party, you’ll need a way to keep them warm! Wrap individual sandwiches in foil and place them in a slow cooker on the warm setting. That way, guests can grab one whenever they would like throughout the event.
For a travel option, place the baking dish in an empty ice chest with a towel underneath. The insulated container will keep your food warm.
So whether you are making these for a quick lunch or dinner, wowing the fans at a tailgating party or you need a great tasting, slam-dunk appetizer. These shaved beef sliders will rock your world.
If you love shaved beef recipes, you are going to love my popular Cheesesteak Sandwiches or this healthier Mongolian Beef.
Storage & Freezing
Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container, rewarm in 300 degree oven for 15-20 minutes.
Can I freeze Roast Beef Sliders?
Hawaiian roll sliders also known as Funeral sandwiches and they are extremely freezer friendly. Make up a bunch ahead of time and pop in the freezer. If frozen, cook in a 300 degree oven for 15-20 minutes longer. I recommend thawing in the fridge before baking, bake as directed.
Recommended Equipment
- 9×13 inch pan | A solid sturdy 9×13 inch pan will serve you well in so many recipes! This USA brand pan is my favorite!
- Mandolin Slicer | This will make slicing your onions, quick, uniform and easy!
- Whisk & Basting Brush | These are simple basics!!
- Small Serving Spatula | These are my favorite mini spatulas, I use them for everything from brownies, casseroles and snack cakes.
Top Tips
- Make Caramelized Onions up to 1-2 days ahead of time, refrigerate until ready to use.
- Assemble the sandwiches and bake just before serving for fresh, hot, gooey roast beef sandwiches.
More Great Recipes for Having Friends Over
- Penne ala Vodka | an elegant meal ready in less than 30 minutes!
- Whipped Goat Cheese is an easy, crave-able appetizer!
- Air Fryer Steak Tips (Bites) and you might as well make steak fries too!
- Creamy White Queso ==> don’t forget the guac and fresh salsa!
- Creamy Beer Cheese Dip with Pretzel Bites
- Air Fryer (or Oven) Toasted Raviolis
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Equipment
Ingredients
Roast Beef Sliders
- 1 package 12 count Hawaiian Bread rolls (see notes for options)
- 12-18 slices of deli roast beef sliced thin
- 10-12 slices of provolone sharp white cheddar, Havarti or Swiss cheese
- 1-2 sweet onions or red onion sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter or add sub with additional olive oil
- Regular or Beet Horseradish optional
Sauce
- ½ cup butter melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard*
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray oil.
- Heat skillet over medium heat, adding butter and oil. Saute sliced onions in butter and oil until soft, brown and slightly caramelized, reduce heat to low if necessary. Stirring occasionally, about 15-30 minutes.
- In the meantime, prepare the sliders. Slice the “loaf” of Hawaiian rolls in half lengthwise, keeping the top intact. If desired, spread with a little prepared horseradish, I skip this step allowing my eaters to add if they choose.
- Layer roast beef to slider bottoms, then layer cheese over the top of the roast beef, finishing with caramelized/sautéed onions. Cover with tops of bread rolls.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, add brown mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and onion powder and dried thyme, stirring until sauce is warmed, sugars have dissolved.
- Evenly pour over the tops of the Hawaiian rolls, if necessary brushing to cover all sides of the sandwiches. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 7-10 minutes until tops are lightly browned.
- Just like my Hammy Sammy’s or Turkey Sliders , you may prep this entire dish, sauce included and refrigerate covered up to 12 hours before baking.
Fresh Tips
This recipe easily is halved or doubled!
Substitutions:
- In place of Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, use slider rolls, small pretzel rolls, Brioche rolls or other soft, small slider bun.
- Replace spicy brown mustard with Dijon, or regular mustard, even honey mustard!
- You can also use whole wheat, Brioche rolls or pretzel rolls for this roast beef sliders recipe, just make sure they are nice and soft, a hard roll won't work well in this recipe.
- Substitute beet horseradish for regular horseradish, it adds a lovely pop of red (I leave mine on the side so everyone can make theirs as spicy as they like!)
- Gluten-Free Roast Beef Sliders | Yes! Swap out the Hawaiian bread rolls for
- Poppy Seeds | As you can see there is no poppy seeds for these roast beef sliders on Hawaiian rolls, that's because I am not a fan, black specks stuck in teeth and all. But if you like, you can certainly add a ½ – 1 teaspoon to the buttery sauce or just sprinkle some on top after adding the sauce.
Make Ahead Tips
If you are making roast beef sliders on Hawaiian rolls for a party, you’ll need a way to keep them warm! Wrap individual sandwiches in foil and place them in a slow cooker on the warm setting. For a travel option, place the baking dish in an empty ice chest with a towel underneath. The insulated container will keep your food warm. Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container, rewarm in 300 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Freeze | Hawaiian roll sliders also known as Funeral sandwiches and they are extremely freezer friendly. Make up a bunch ahead of time and pop in the freezer. If frozen, cook in a 300 degree oven for 15-20 minutes longer. I recommend thawing in the fridge before baking, bake as directed.Nutrition
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About Kathleen Pope
Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer
Hi, I’m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen. Read more about Kathleen here.
These are INCREDIBLE! Such a comforting recipe. Definitely going to make these again and again.
Thank you so much!
This is hands down the most delicious slider recipe – so comforting and delicious!!
Aw, that is so sweet, thank you! We love them too!
so easy to make and sooo good! it’s a little sweet from the Hawaiian buns, salty from the cheese and beef – it’s the perfect combo!
The best combo!!
Two thumbs waaaay up from my picky fella. He LOVED these sliders. The flavor was on point. Thanks!
wahoo, love it when it’s a when for the picky!
These look just perfect for a party – both packed with flavor and easy too!
Yes to all of the above!
These roast beef sliders were a great hit at my family gathering. They loved it so much that they want me to make it again!
Yay, love hearing this!!
I made these sliders for a party over the weekend and everyone raved about them! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Thank you so much Tayler, that’s wonderful to hear!
These look mouthwatering!! I will be making these asap. Thank you for sharing!!
You are welcome!