Cheeseburger Sliders With Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

There's something truly irresistible about these Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls. The savory smell of sizzling beef, melted cheese, and warm, buttery rolls will have everyone lining up in the kitchen before dinner is even served.

I first made these sliders for a game day gathering, and they quickly became the highlight of the spread. The sweet Hawaiian rolls pair perfectly with the juicy, seasoned beef and gooey cheese, creating a bite-sized burger that's as fun to make as it is to eat. Let’s dig into what makes this recipe such a crowd-pleaser.

Why You'll Love These Cheeseburger Sliders

Get ready to meet your new favorite party dish. These Cheeseburger Sliders are packed with flavor and designed to make entertaining a breeze.

First off, they’re incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal ingredients and just a few simple steps, you can have a batch of sliders ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a last-minute gathering or a weeknight meal the whole family will enjoy.

They’re also perfect for feeding a crowd. Because you prepare and bake them all at once, there's no need to stand over the stove flipping individual burgers. Plus, the pull-apart style is as fun to serve as it is to eat, especially for kids.

And let's talk about the flavor combination. The sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls balances the savory beef and cheese beautifully, while a brush of buttery, garlic topping makes every bite even more delicious. Trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds.

Finally, these sliders are highly customizable. You can easily switch up the cheese, add toppings like pickles or caramelized onions, or make a vegetarian version. It’s a recipe you'll want to play around with and make your own.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Cheeseburger Sliders lies in a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Let’s break them down so you know exactly what you need.

Hawaiian Rolls: The fluffy, slightly sweet rolls are the heart of this recipe. They toast up beautifully in the oven and provide the perfect contrast to the savory burger. If you can’t find Hawaiian rolls, any soft dinner roll will work, but the unique sweetness of Hawaiian rolls adds something special.

Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend of ground beef for the juiciest sliders. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use 90/10, but keep in mind that the sliders may not be as moist. Season the beef with simple salt and pepper for a classic burger flavor, or add Worcestershire sauce for a deeper taste.

Cheese: Classic American cheese is my go-to for these sliders because it melts so smoothly and has a creamy, nostalgic taste. Feel free to swap in cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack if you’re craving something different.

Onions: Finely diced onions add a subtle sweetness and texture to the beef. If you're not an onion fan, you can skip this or use onion powder for a milder flavor.

Garlic Butter Topping: A mix of melted butter, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds brushed over the rolls before baking adds an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. This step is optional but highly recommended.

Special Equipment: You'll need a baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet to keep the sliders contained and allow them to bake evenly. A pastry brush for the garlic butter topping also comes in handy.

How To Make These Cheeseburger Sliders

Creating these delicious sliders couldn’t be easier. Let me walk you through the process step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven heats up, prepare your ground beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the beef until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like.

Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess grease and stir in finely diced onions. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. This adds a subtle sweetness and great texture to your sliders.

Next, slice your Hawaiian rolls in half, keeping the rolls connected in a block. Place the bottom half in a greased baking dish. Spread the cooked beef evenly over the bottom half of the rolls, then layer on the cheese slices. Cover with the top half of the rolls.

Make the garlic butter topping by melting butter and stirring in minced garlic. Brush this mixture generously over the top of the rolls. For an extra special touch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for that classic burger bun look.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Total prep and cooking time should be around 30 minutes, making this an ideal quick meal or appetizer.

Storage Options

If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here are the best ways to store and reheat them.

Refrigerate: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rolls may soften slightly, but they will still taste amazing when reheated.

Freeze: You can freeze cooked sliders for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming them in the oven.

Reheating: For best results, reheat sliders in a 350°F oven until warm. This helps restore the crispy texture of the rolls. You can also microwave them for 30-60 seconds, but the rolls may become soft.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about these Cheeseburger Sliders is how versatile they are. Here are some fun variations to try.

Cheese Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar adds a sharp flavor, while Swiss gives a nuttier, more complex taste. Pepper jack is perfect if you like a bit of spice.

Toppings Galore: Add extra flavor with toppings like crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions. You can even spread a layer of barbecue sauce or sriracha mayo on the rolls for an extra kick.

Make Them Spicy: Mix some diced jalapeños into the beef or add a layer of sliced pickled jalapeños for a spicy twist. Pepper jack cheese also complements this variation nicely.

Healthier Version: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can also use whole wheat rolls and a lower-fat cheese to make the sliders a bit lighter.

Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute or black bean patties instead of beef. Pile on extra veggies like sliced tomatoes, avocado, or grilled mushrooms for a hearty meatless meal.

Don't be afraid to get creative and make these sliders your own. No matter how you customize them, they’re bound to be a hit at your next gathering!

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