Roast Beef Hawaiian Sliders

These roast beef sliders on Hawaiian rolls bring together tender layers of roast beef and melty provolone cheese with a buttery glaze and a creamy mayo horseradish sauce that makes every bite a little celebration. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or any casual gathering, these sliders have become a favorite for their bold flavors and easy customization.

I first made these sliders on a chilly football Sunday, and now they're requested every game day because they taste like an upgraded deli sandwich that everyone loves.

Ingredients

• Hawaiian slider rolls: add a soft, sweet base. Smaller rolls work best to control portion size
• Thinly sliced roast beef deli meat: for tender, beefy flavor. Look for fresh pre sliced tubs for convenience
• Provolone cheese: provides a mild, melty layer that pairs beautifully with the roast beef. Swiss or mozzarella are great alternatives
• Sweet onion: adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed. Choose fresh, firm onions without blemishes
• Minced garlic: to infuse the onions with savory aroma. Avoid pre chopped garlic that can lose potency
• Mayonnaise: creates a creamy base to balance the flavors. Opt for full fat for richness
• Horseradish: adds tang and a bit of heat that cuts through the richness. Adjust quantity to taste
• Butter: brings everything together with richness and helps the glaze stick. Use unsalted for better control of salt levels
• Worcestershire sauce: for its deep, savory tang that complements roast beef beautifully
• Dijon mustard: gives a subtle zing to the glaze without overpowering
• Poppy seeds: add texture and a classic pop of visual appeal on top of the sliders

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat two tablespoons of butter or oil in a skillet over medium low heat. Add chopped sweet onions and cook gently for about 8 to 10 minutes until they turn translucent and slightly caramelized for a natural sweetness. Add minced garlic in the last two minutes, stirring often to avoid burning and bring out its mild spicy notes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare Your Sliders:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a long serrated bread knife, slice the Hawaiian slider rolls horizontally, creating top and bottom halves. Line a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with foil or prepare a baking sheet with a nonstick liner to hold the sliders for baking.

Spread the Sauce:

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and horseradish until smooth and creamy. Spread this sauce evenly over the bottom half of each slider roll to add moisture and a creamy tang.

Layer the Meat and Cheese:

Take half of your roast beef slices and fold each piece in half with the fold facing outward. Arrange these neatly over the mayo spread to cover the rolls evenly. Place six slices of provolone cheese on top of the roast beef to form the first cheese layer. Repeat this process by adding the remaining roast beef and provolone cheese to stack another flavorful layer.

Add the Onions and Assemble:

Spread the sautéed onion and garlic mixture carefully over the top layer of cheese, distributing it evenly. Place the top halves of the slider rolls gently on each assembled sandwich to complete the sliders.

Make and Apply the Glaze:

Melt five tablespoons of butter in a small bowl. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds until combined smoothly. Using a basting brush or spoon, generously spread the glaze over the top of all the slider rolls. This glaze will create a glossy, flavorful crust when baked.

Bake the Sliders:

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the sliders for 10 to 15 minutes until they are thoroughly warmed through and the cheese is melted perfectly. Watch for the tops to become golden brown and deliciously inviting.

One of my favorite moments with these sliders was the first time my husband told me they reminded him of the roast beef sandwiches he loved as a kid. The creamy horseradish mayo really makes the flavors pop and brings back nostalgic flavors for us all.

Storage Tips

Leftover sliders keep well when stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven to bring back that lovely glaze crust without sogginess. For longer storage, wrap individual sliders tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have provolone cheese, mild Swiss or mozzarella slices are great alternatives. Sharp cheddar melts nicely but changes the flavor profile a bit. Mayonnaise can be swapped with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, and prepared horseradish sauce or fresh grated horseradish can be used depending on your preferred heat level.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders with crunchy pickles, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. They are fantastic alongside potato chips or baked fries for a casual party spread. A cold beer or sparkling soda pairs well with the savory and sweet notes of the sliders.

These sliders are perfect for gatherings and very easy to customize to suit any crowd. They reheat well and can be prepared ahead for stress free entertaining.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What type of cheese works best for these sandwiches?

Mild cheeses like provolone and mozzarella complement the strong roast beef flavor well. Swiss and mild cheddar are also good alternatives.

→ How should the glaze be prepared and applied?

Melt butter and stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds. Brush the mixture evenly over the top of the slider rolls before baking.

→ Can these sliders be made ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the sliders and add the glaze the night before. Cover and store in the fridge, then bake when ready to serve.

→ What is the purpose of the sautéed onions in this dish?

Sautéed onions add a warm, earthy sweetness that enhances the overall flavor and provides texture between layers.

→ Is the creamy sauce necessary for these sliders?

The mayo and horseradish sauce add a tangy creaminess that balances the richness of the beef and cheese, but it can be omitted or served on the side if preferred.

→ Why are Hawaiian rolls used for these sandwiches?

Hawaiian rolls are sweet and buttery, providing a perfect contrast to the savory roast beef and a soft texture that holds the layers well.