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Juicy cheeseburger sliders with soft Hawaiian rolls are the ultimate answer when you need a fun appetizer or snack that satisfies everyone. These sliders come together in just half an hour making them perfect for busy weeknights or hosting a last minute crowd. Plus the sweet rolls pair so well with melty cheese and flavorful beef you might never want a regular burger again.
I first tried these for a Super Bowl party and now they are a family tradition for every game night birthday and even weeknight splurges when time is tight.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef or medium ground beef: gives the patties their classic juicy flavor choose beef with some fat for moisture
- Finely chopped onion: brings sweetness and extra savory depth yellow or white onions work best
- Mayonnaise: adds creaminess and helps bind the beef mixture regular or light is fine
- BBQ sauce or ketchup: brings tang and richness go with a BBQ sauce you love or swap with ketchup for a classic note
- Garlic powder: adds savory aroma try to use fresh or recently opened spice for the best flavor
- Kosher salt and black pepper: ensure every bite is seasoned well seek out coarse kosher salt for balance
- Olive oil: helps the onions soften evenly use a good everyday olive oil for sautéing
- Hawaiian rolls: become soft and golden on the outside while staying pillowy inside fresh bakery rolls are ideal
- Cheddar cheese: for meltiness and rich flavor slices or freshly shredded from a block will melt best avoid pre-shredded if possible
- Butter: for the pan and topping gives the sliders that craveable golden bottom real butter is worth it here
- Dijon mustard: adds a subtle zing in the glaze choose smooth Dijon for easy brushing
- Brown sugar or maple syrup: brings the glaze together with a hint of sweetness packed brown sugar melts most evenly
- Sesame seeds: make the tops look like classic burgers and add crunch everything bagel seasoning is a fun twist
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Baking Pan:
- Spread a very thin layer of soft butter directly onto your pan for those signature buttery crispy bottoms. Lay out parchment or foil if you want simple cleanup.
- Brown the Aromatics:
- Heat oil in a large skillet to medium high. Add the chopped onions and sauté for up to six minutes until deeply golden stirring every so often. This builds a sweet base.
- Cook the Beef:
- Add ground beef to the onions and break it up as it cooks. Let it cook three minutes until little to no pink remains. To prevent soggy sliders drain or blot off extra grease before moving on.
- Mix in Flavorings:
- With heat off stir in mayonnaise BBQ sauce or ketchup garlic powder salt and pepper. Taste and tweak the seasoning as you like for balanced flavor.
- Slice and Layer the Rolls:
- Without separating the rolls completely slice them in half horizontally. Lay the bottom halves in the pan and cover with half the cheese. Layer on all the beef mixture then top with the rest of the cheese. Cap with the top half of the rolls.
- Make the Glaze and Bake:
- Melt butter with Dijon and brown sugar in the microwave for about 25 seconds and mix very well. Brush generously over the tops of the rolls and sprinkle on sesame seeds while the glaze is warm. Bake uncovered in a 350 degree oven for around 13 minutes until the cheese bubbles and tops are golden.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice along the roll lines with a serrated knife and serve immediately so everyone gets gooey cheese and crispy edges.
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My favorite ingredient is the soft Hawaiian rolls. Tasting the combo of golden buttery tops sweet bread and savory beef filling always brings back memories of family movie nights when we’d all reach for just one more slider before the credits rolled.
Storage Tips
Cheeseburger sliders keep well refrigerated in a sealed container for up to three days. To reheat just bake at 350 until hot and the cheese re-melts about 10 minutes. You can also freeze assembled unbaked sliders for up to three months wrap them tightly and bake straight from frozen for quick snacks anytime.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground chicken or turkey works great instead of beef for a lighter take. Try plant based ground if you want to go meatless. Out of Hawaiian rolls Try potato buns or mini brioche. Mix and match the cheese – American is extra gooey pepper jack brings a little kick or try gruyere for a more grown up taste. BBQ sauce ketchup or even a tangy Thousand Island all work in the beef mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sliders hot from the oven with extra dipping sauces set out on the side. Ketchup mustard chipotle aioli or even ranch dressing makes each bite customizable. They are fantastic alongside crispy pickles coleslaw or sweet potato fries if you want to go all out.
Cultural and Historical Context
The idea of sliders comes from American diners starting in the early twentieth century where mini burgers were easy to eat on the go. Hawaiian rolls add their uniquely soft and sweet flavor thanks to Portuguese bread making traditions brought to Hawaii and adapted with pineapple juice. These cheeseburger sliders marry both traditions for a crowd pleasing treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative can be used in place of ground beef for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- → What cheeses work best for these sliders?
Cheddar is classic, but you can also use provolone, gruyere, fontina, pepper jack, or American cheese. Both sliced and shredded varieties melt well.
- → Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook the beef mixture, store it refrigerated, and assemble the sliders the day of serving. You can also assemble and refrigerate a few hours in advance before baking.
- → Are there alternatives to Hawaiian rolls?
Mini brioche buns, potato rolls, slider buns, or small dinner rolls all make excellent substitutes if Hawaiian rolls aren't available.
- → How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat baked sliders in a 350F oven for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. Frozen unbaked sliders should be baked a little longer, about 15-18 minutes.
- → Can I adjust the glaze on top?
Yes. Try different combinations like only butter and garlic powder, or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor. Sesame seeds or everything seasoning are great toppings.