These EASY Roast Beef Sliders are one of my favorites, as the perfect party appetizer and an easy dinner recipe during busy weeknights. They’re super easy to customize to your taste, and I share my top tricks for the perfect, non-soggy, get-in-your-tummy-now buttery sliders.
One Reader Said: “These are ADDICTIVELY DELICIOUS!! Thank you so much for the recipe- my hubby loved them, too- adding these to my recipe book, thank you! I made them just as you suggested…they were wonderful! 5 stars from us- these are DELICIOUS!” ~ Jane
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Since I first had a slider a decade or two or three ago, I’ve been a bit consumed — with making them and consuming them 😜. The first time I ever had one of these buttery, marinated Hawaiian roll sliders was when a friend brought them over after I had surgery (great idea, by the way).
I know you’ve been there: invited to a potluck and asked to bring an appetizer (hello; A-M bring desserts, and N-Z bring an appetizer), and you are stumped. I get it, after all, it’s been a “week,” and you just don’t have time to stuff mushrooms or assemble delicate canapés (let alone pronounce it).
Enter roast beef sliders. They’re quick, easy, and will hearts. With tender deli roast beef, provolone, and caramelized onions, these sliders are always a hit and did I mention super easy?
I’ve made hundreds of sliders over the years. With 12 slider recipes and counting! I bet you’d enjoy my Philly Cheesesteak Sliders, or if you want to go all out, try these drool-worthy Pulled Beef Sliders.
Secrets to the Best Roast Beef Sliders:
- Make Ahead: Freezer friendly or make the caramelized onions ahead of time and then assemble and bake.
- Perfect Assembly: Slice the bottoms a bit thicker than the tops; the sauce caramelizes them perfectly, so no soggy bottoms.
- Quality: With simple recipes like this, use quality ingredients.
Why You Will Love This Recipe For Roast Beef Sliders
- Roast beef sandwich but in slider form! Juicy, tender roast beef with melty cheese and caramelized onions!
- Easy Weeknight Dinner: Since we’re using deli roast beef and sliced cheese, it will become one of your family’s favorite recipes!
- Easy Recipe: Other than caramelizing the onions, which isn’t hard, it just takes time; these come together in minutes!
Simple Ingredients for Roast Beef Sliders
- Deli Roast Beef: Ask the deli counter to slice it thin for this recipe, I used sliced prime rib for an upgraded sandwich.
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: These are unique because they’re sweeter than other varieties, pairing perfectly with the flavorful sauce.
- Cheese: Use a good melting variety like sharp white cheddar cheese, Havarti, Swiss cheese, Provolone cheese, or even blue cheese. I have used them all and love each cheese!
- Onion: Sweet varieties like Vidalia or Walla Walla are best, but I also love them with caramelized red onions.
- Butter: Use real melted butter for the best taste.
- Brown Sugar: Just a touch of the sweet, savory flavor of the butter mixture is amazing!
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a little tang, leave it out if you prefer.
- Spicy Brown Mustard: Earthier than regular mustard, but you could also use Dijon mustard or yellow mustard.
- Spices: Combine garlic powder and onion powder with dried thyme.
- Horseradish sauce: This is optional but goes well with the other flavors.
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
Video
Equipment
- Mini-Serving Spatula
Ingredients
Roast Beef Sliders
- 1 package King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls 12 count Hawaiian Bread rolls (see notes for options)
- 12-18 slices deli roast beef sliced thin
- 10-12 slices provolone sharp white cheddar, Havarti or Swiss cheese, or blue cheese are all delicious
- 1-2 large sweet onions Sliced thin, use red onions, yellow or sweet onions
- 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 or use your favorite, Dijon or yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C) 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, with the bottoms slightly thicker than the tops, do not separate individual rolls. 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 the sauce is warmed and the sugars have dissolved. Just a minute or two.
- Evenly pour over the tops of the Hawaiian rolls, if necessary brushing to cover all sides of the sandwiches. Cover with sprayed aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 7-10 minutes until tops are lightly browned. Serve immediately or see notes for making ahead.
Notes
This recipe is easily 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, regular mustard, or even honey mustard!
- You can also use whole wheat, Brioche rolls or pretzel rolls for this roast beef sliders recipe, 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 | Swap out the Hawaiian bread rolls for gluten-free slider rolls.
- Poppy Seeds | Sprinkle poppy seeds or sesame seeds on top before baking if desired.
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 in a warm setting. Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container and rewarm in a 325° F (165° C) 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° F (150° C) oven for 15-20 minutes; remove the foil and bake 10-15 minutes longer. I recommend thawing in the fridge before baking, bake as directed.Nutrition
How to make roast beef sliders
- Preheat the oven to 350° F (175° C) and lightly spray a large baking dish (13-inch baking dish 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. Don’t rush this process.
3. Using a serrated knife, slice the slab of rolls in half lengthwise, leaving them all connected. Nestle the bottom half into your baking dish (9×13).
4. Place layers of roast beef on the bottom buns, then place the slices of cheese, and spread the caramelized onions on top, then cover with the tops of the rolls. If you know everyone loves spicy, spread with a thin layer of horseradish mayo or sauce; if not, leave it off and serve on the side.
5. 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, just a minute. Or melt butter in a small bowl in the microwave and whisk the remaining butter mixture ingredients inside.
6. Pour the sauce over the tops of the rolls, brushing the sauce to cover the sides and cracks. Spray aluminum foil with oil or brush with olive oil and bake for about 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the tops are lightly browned.
If you loved the idea of shaved steak, you must also try this Steak Bomb recipe and my popular Cheesesteak sandwiches, Philly Cheesesteak sliders, and breakfast sliders! NOM!
Variations & Substitutions for the best Roast Beef Sliders
- You can also use whole wheat, Brioche rolls, or pretzel rolls for this roast beef sliders recipe; 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.
- Don’t need as many? Easily cut the recipe in half or double for a crowd!
- Poppy Seeds: Or sesame seeds may be sprinkled on top. Add a ½ – 1 teaspoon to the buttery sauce or sprinkle some on top after adding the sauce.
- Gluten-Free Roast Beef Sliders: Yes! Swap out the Hawaiian bread rolls for gluten-free slider buns!
- Low-Carb Roast Beef Sliders: I understand that Aldi bakes Keto slider buns; swap out the brown sugar with a brown sugar substitute.
Make Ahead Tips
- Make caramelized onions up to 1-2 days ahead of time, refrigerate until ready.
- Assemble sandwiches ahead, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate. Before baking, let the dish come to room temp while the oven preheats. Brush melted butter mixture on top if you haven’t yet, cover with foil, and bake as directed.
Kathleen’s Expert Tips for Hawaiian Roll Roast Beef Sliders
- For thinly sliced, easy-to-caramelize onions, use a mandolin-style slicer for evenly and easily sliced onions. This economical version is my favorite!
- To avoid super soggy sliders, slice the rolls slightly thicker on the bottom buns than the top buns, use a serrated knife for easy slicing.
- Like my funeral sandwiches, or Turkey Sliders, you may prep this entire dish (sauce included) and refrigerate covered up to 12 hours before baking.
Other Methods to Bake Roast Beef Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
Convection Oven: A simple change, make and assemble as directed but reduce oven temperature by 325° F (165° C) and watch closely after removing the foil.
Air Fryer Roast Beef Sliders
- Air fry half the sliders at 325° F (165° C) for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Brush the tops with the butter mixture. Air fry for two more minutes.
- Serve immediately and make the second batch.
Serving Hawaiian Roll Roast Beef Sliders
You can serve these cheesy roast beef sliders fresh from the oven or allow them to cool slightly first before slicing. Have plenty of mustard and horseradish ready!
Best sides to serve with roast beef sliders
When serving for your game day party, keep it simple and serve with a side of potato chips and this cowboy crack dip, or make these easy air fryer steak fries or simply an easy green salad; we love this Romaine wedge salad!
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The roast beef sliders recipe may be frozen when wrapped well in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight baggie for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge or bake straight from the freezer by removing any plastic and covering well with aluminum foil. Bake at 325°F (165° C)for 20 minutes, then remove the foil to brown the tops for 5-10 minutes until warmed.
Can I freeze Roast Beef Sliders?
They are extremely freezer-friendly. Make up a bunch ahead of time and pop in the freezer. If frozen, cook in a 3235° F (165° C) oven for 15-20 minutes, you may have to bake a few minutes longer from frozen. I recommend thawing in the fridge before baking and baking as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Look for one that is low in sodium and not overly processed. I love organic brands without nitrates or nitrites.
Slice the rolls with a slightly thicker bottom half so they hold up well. For extra crunch, toast the bottoms briefly before assembling—but the buttery sauce creates an irresistible caramelized, slightly sweet crust! Don’t wrap the foil too tightly; it traps moisture. And hey, no one’s complaining about gooey, sticky fingers!
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 sliders individually in foil and place them in a slow cooker in a warm setting. That way, guests can grab one whenever they would like throughout the event.
I love provolone, but have also used cheddar, Havarti, Swiss or Pepper Jack. Bottom line, use your favorite cheese.
So whether you are making these for a quick lunch or dinner, wowing the fans at a tailgating party, or needing a great-tasting, slam-dunk appetizer, these shaved beef sliders will rock your world.
If you love shaved beef recipes, you will love my popular shaved steak sandwich or this healthy Mongolian Beef recipe. And most definitely try these Reuben Sliders!
We love slider recipes; try them all!
More Great Recipes for Having Friends Over
- Whipped Goat Cheese with bacon and dates is an easy, crave-able appetizer!
- Air Fryer Beef Tips and you might as well make air fryer steak fries too!
- Easy Queso Recipe ==> Don’t forget the guac and fresh salsa!
- Easy Beer Cheese Dip with quick Pretzel recipe
- Air Fryer Ravioli
- Pigs in a Blanket
- 3 Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip
- Sourdough Pizza Dough + Recipes for Pizzas
More from The Fresh Cooky
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Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and leave a comment below the recipe!
Nicole
These are good. I used horseradish cheddar as the cheese instead of putting horseradish sauce. It gave it a mild horseradish flavor.
Yum. I love your twist Nicole!!
Laura Johnson
These sliders seriously are 10/10!!!
So glad you loved them!
Rana
Delicious! Made several times and everyone loves it!
Thank you so much, so glad you loved them!
Jane
These are ADDICTIVELY DELICIOUS!! Thank you so much for the recipe- my hubby loved them, too- adding these to my recipe book, thank you! I made them just as you suggested, and as you suggested, didn’t add the horseradish – they were wonderful! I think The only thing I will do differently next time is make double of your sauce and put some under the top bun, and the rest just as your recipe states- 5 stars from us- these are DELICIOUS!
Thank you so much, Jane!! So glad you loved them.
Tracey
I made your sliders last night for an NYE party and they were fabulous, everyone loved them! These were much better than other roast beef slider recipes I’ve tried!
The bottoms of the sliders were very moist/wet when I removed them from the pan. They got less moist as they cooled off but didn’t know if that’s how they were supposed to be.
Yes, that is how they are supposed to be, if you “marinate” them where the sugars and butter harden back up, it makes more of a crystallized base, but we think they are delicious either way! So glad you liked them, Happy New Year!
Marlene Buckley
Just made these for the first time the other night. Quick, easy and SOOO delicious! Definitely making these a part of our lives! Thank you!
Yay! So glad you like them!!
Dana
These are INCREDIBLE! Such a comforting recipe. Definitely going to make these again and again.
Thank you so much!
Caitlin
This is hands down the most delicious slider recipe – so comforting and delicious!!
Aw, that is so sweet, thank you! We love them too!
Laressa
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!!
Sharon
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!
Caroline
These look just perfect for a party – both packed with flavor and easy too!
Yes to all of the above!
Mirlene
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!!
Tayler Ross
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!
Kelley
These look mouthwatering!! I will be making these asap. Thank you for sharing!!
You are welcome!