Cheeseburger sliders on Hawaiian rolls are the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet. These mini sandwiches pack all the flavor of a classic cheeseburger into soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls, making them ideal for parties, game day, family dinners, or quick weeknight meals. Easy to prepare in large batches and incredibly customizable, they’re guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to treat your family to something fun and delicious, these sliders are simple to make and even easier to love. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best cheeseburger sliders on Hawaiian rolls.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy to Prepare Ready in under an hour, these sliders require minimal hands-on time.
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Perfect for Parties and Gatherings Great for feeding a crowd, these sliders can be made in one batch and served warm straight from the oven.
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Sweet and Savory Flavor Combo The soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls pair perfectly with the savory ground beef and melted cheese.
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Customizable for Everyone Add your favorite toppings or sauces to suit every taste.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need for this cheeseburger slider recipe:
For the Sliders:
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1 package of 12 Hawaiian rolls (King’s Hawaiian recommended)
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1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 tsp garlic powder
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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8–12 slices of cheddar cheese or American cheese
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Pickle slices (optional)
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Ketchup and mustard (optional)
For the Topping Butter:
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4 tbsp butter, melted
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1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tbsp finely chopped parsley (optional)
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
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Servings: 12 sliders
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheeseburger Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped onions until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add ground beef, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
Slice the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls horizontally without separating the individual rolls. You’ll end up with a top and bottom slab. Place the bottom half in a greased baking dish.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the bottom layer of rolls. Add cheese slices to cover the beef. Top with pickles, ketchup, or mustard if desired.
Step 4: Add the Top Layer
Place the top slab of rolls over the cheese and fillings, pressing down slightly to secure.
Step 5: Make the Butter Topping
In a bowl, mix melted butter with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, sesame seeds, and parsley. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5–8 minutes, or until tops are golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
Step 7: Serve
Remove from oven and let cool slightly before slicing into individual sliders. Serve warm.
Pro Tips for Success
Don’t Separate the Rolls Before Baking
Keep the rolls together during slicing and baking for even assembly and to keep everything intact.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese
While sliced cheese works, freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a gooier texture.
Cover with Foil First
This helps prevent the tops from browning too quickly before the cheese melts.
Topping and Filling Ideas
Looking to customize your sliders? Try these:
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Bacon: Add crispy bacon slices for extra indulgence.
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Jalapeños: For a spicy kick.
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Caramelized onions: Adds a touch of sweetness.
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BBQ Sauce: Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
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Coleslaw: Serve inside or on the side for a crunchy contrast.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Meal Prep
You can prepare and assemble the sliders a few hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, then bake as directed.
Freezing
Assemble sliders and wrap them tightly before baking. Freeze for up to 1 month. To bake from frozen, add about 10 extra minutes to baking time, keeping them covered with foil initially.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Sliders
These sliders are delicious on their own but can be elevated with simple sides:
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French fries or potato wedges
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Sweet potato fries
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Pickles or pickled veggies
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Macaroni or pasta salad
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Coleslaw or garden salad
Perfect for game nights, birthday parties, or backyard barbecues.
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerator
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to retain texture.
Reheating
Place in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual sliders for 30 seconds, but they may soften.
Variations to Try
Spicy Cheeseburger Sliders
Add pepper jack cheese and sliced jalapeños.
Mushroom Swiss Sliders
Use sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese instead of cheddar.
BBQ Bacon Sliders
Use BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese.
Breakfast Sliders
Swap ground beef for breakfast sausage and add scrambled eggs and cheese.
Nutritional Information (Estimated Per Slider)
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Calories: 290
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Fat: 18g
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Protein: 14g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 4g
These values may vary depending on brands and optional toppings used.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, but Hawaiian rolls provide the best sweet and soft texture. Slider buns or dinner rolls also work.
What’s the best ground meat to use?
Ground beef (80/20) is traditional, but ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles can also be used.
How do I keep the bottom of the rolls from getting soggy?
Let the cooked beef cool slightly before layering, and avoid adding too many wet toppings like ketchup or pickles directly on the bread.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free rolls and double-check all seasoning and sauces for gluten content.
Can I reheat leftovers in the microwave?
You can, but the rolls may become soggy. Reheating in an oven or toaster oven is better for texture.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger sliders on Hawaiian rolls are a guaranteed hit wherever they go. Their combination of juicy beef, gooey cheese, and soft, slightly sweet rolls make them irresistible for adults and kids alike. The recipe is adaptable, easy to make ahead, and ideal for feeding a group without fuss.
So the next time you need a satisfying appetizer or a no-fuss dinner that still feels like a treat, these sliders should be your go-to. Serve them warm and watch them disappear fast.