Roast Beef Cheddar Sliders

These roast beef sliders will win over any crowd with gooey melted cheddar and a buttery poppy seed topping all nestled inside soft Hawaiian rolls. I love serving these at family gatherings because they vanish as fast as I can bake them and they require hardly any fuss in the kitchen.

I started making these for my game night crew and now they are requested for birthdays and every big Sunday afternoon. You will get all the classic comfort of a deli sandwich in fun pull apart form.

Ingredients

• Hawaiian rolls: eighteen count the soft and slightly sweet bread is the ideal slider vessel look for golden tops and gentle give when pressing the package
• Mayonnaise: just a thin swipe helps keep everything moist choose real mayo for the richest taste
• Medium cheddar cheese: sliced fresh cheddar melts beautifully and packs good flavor go for softer blocks without excess moisture
• Sliced roast beef: deli sliced or homemade makes every bite hearty choose bright red slices without dryness
• Salted butter: melted adds richness and helps the topping turn crisp and glossy
• Dijon mustard: for a touch of sharp tang use a good brand for stronger flavor
• Barbecue sauce: a hint of smoke and sweetness pick one with visible spices for extra flavor
• Poppy seeds: scattered on the buttery topping for a pleasant little crunch use fresh seeds for best taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Slice the Rolls:

Keeping the rolls connected use a large bread knife to slice horizontally through the whole sheet creating a top and bottom slab. This keeps filling neatly inside and means quicker assembly.

Make the Base Layer:

Lay the bottom half of rolls into a nine by thirteen glass baking dish. Spread a thin, even layer of mayonnaise over the bottom slab to lock in moisture.

Add Cheese and Roast Beef:

On the mayo layer lay sliced cheddar making sure to slightly overlap. Add all sliced roast beef on top forming an even mound. Finish with another even layer of cheddar.

Close and Butter the Sliders:

Place the reserved top half of rolls over the layered filling making sure they line up with the base. In a small bowl whisk melted butter with Dijon mustard barbecue sauce and poppy seeds until fully blended.

Coat and Bake:

Drizzle this flavored butter mix evenly across the tops letting it seep down the sides. Use a pastry brush to make sure every roll is covered completely.

Bake Until Golden:

Cover the dish snugly with foil to trap heat and bake in a three hundred fifty degree oven for thirty minutes. Uncover and bake five minutes more until tops are golden and slightly crisp.

Serve Hot:

Use a sharp knife to cut between each slider. Serve while cheese is melty and the tops are fragrant.

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One of my favorite parts is the poppy seed butter mixture on top it creates a savory crunch that transforms the rolls. My family always crowds around the oven drawn by the smell as they bake. It reminds me of holidays with my cousins waiting impatiently.

Storage Tips

Let completely cooled sliders be wrapped individually or stacked between pieces of wax paper in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage freeze the wrapped sliders and reheat in a low oven for fifteen minutes for best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have Hawaiian rolls try soft potato rolls or brioche buns. Any melty cheese such as Swiss or provolone swaps nicely for cheddar. For a zestier note replace some mayonnaise with horseradish sauce.

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Serving Suggestions

These sliders shine on a party buffet with coleslaw potato salad or crunchy pickles. For dinner serve with a green salad and roasted sweet potatoes. Offer extra barbecue sauce for dipping if you wish to amp up the smokiness.

Cultural Context

Sliders became popular as bite sized versions of American classics like burgers and pulled pork. The Hawaiian roll variation brings a sweeter touch making this a beloved choice for gatherings especially in the Midwest and South.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of roll?

Yes, but Hawaiian rolls add a signature sweetness. Any soft dinner roll works as a substitute.

→ What cheese works best for these sliders?

Medium cheddar melts well and adds bold flavor, but Swiss or provolone are delicious alternatives.

→ Is there a way to prepare these ahead of time?

You can assemble and refrigerate before baking. Add the butter topping just before putting in the oven.

→ Can I make these sliders without poppy seeds?

Absolutely! The poppy seeds add texture and visual appeal but can be left out or swapped for sesame seeds.

→ How can I keep the sliders from becoming soggy?

Layer cheese below and above the beef to create a moisture barrier, and serve soon after baking for best texture.