Roast Beef Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

Generous layers of roast beef and cheese on Hawaiian rolls with a sweet glaze make a memorable party slider.

A creamy sauce made of mayo and horseradish add a little something extra to these Roast Beef Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls.

Roast Beef Sliders Recipe

Roast beef sliders with two layers of meat and provolone cheese, sautéed onions, white sauce and a buttery glaze are simple, yet delicious.

We enjoy these baked Roast Beef Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls during a tailgate, a party with finger foods or for a quick family dinner. This slider recipe is sub shop quality because of the sautéed onions and glaze.

These sliders were inspired by our Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes and Mushroom Swiss Burger Sliders.

White cheese is like a homemade twist on Arby’s Beef and Cheddar sandwiches that are so popular. These sliders remind my husband of a throw back to Rax roast beef sandwiches.

He loves the creamy mayo and horseradish sauce. The kids prefer plain sliders. I love that it’s so easy to add sauce to half of the batch and make one meal that pleases the whole family.

If someone prefers Swiss cheese it is very easy to put provolone on half and Swiss on half. So these sliders are easy to customize while keeping mealtime stress free.

Sliced provolone cheese really makes these sliders great and we use leftover cheese on our Air Fryer Pizza Sliders or Texas Toast.

Why This Recipe Works:

• There’s something about a warm meat sandwich with melty cheese that makes meal time enjoyable. 
• Sliders make portion control easier and kids often prefer the smaller sandwich.
• The beefy flavor in these sandwiches is a great way to mix up the mealtime routine that often features ham or turkey.
• I have made these with chopped and a generous layer sautéed mushrooms, peppers and onions and I love that version too.

Ingredients Needed:

• Slider Rolls – We like Hawaiian rolls because they are sweet and buttery. The Kings Hawaiian Brand has smaller rolls, so 18 of those work well. Store brands or others have bigger rolls to make a heartier slider.
• Roast Beef – Thinly sliced deli meat is the main ingredient in these sliders. I like to pick up a tub of sealed and pre-sliced meat.
• Provolone Cheese – 12 round slices will give you two generous layers of cheese. Swiss or mozzarella are popular substitutes.
• Onions – Sweet onion that is chopped and sautéed in butter adds some magic in a warm, earthly flavor.
• Minced Garlic – Mixes into the onions so nicely.
• Mayonnaise – An optional ingredients to add more creaminess to the little sandwiches.
• Horseradish – Another optional add-in adds a little tang and pairs well with roast beef.

Glaze For Roast Beef Sliders

• Butter – Melts to add flavor and help distribute all of the other flavors.
• Worcestershire Sauce – A dark salty, soy based sauce that pairs so well with red meat.
• Dijon Mustard – Adds a flavor dynamic, but is not a stand-out flavor.
• Poppy Seeds – Create a nice texture and eye appeal that people look for in baked sliders.

What Type of Cheese is Best:

Since roast beef has a strong flavor a mild cheese works best. Provolone and mozzarella are mild cheeses.

Some people enjoy Swiss or cheddar. If using cheddar we prefer a mild cheddar.

We have tested American and it is fine if that is the only option that you have on hand.

The mayo and horseradish pair best with white cheese.

How to Make Roast Beef Sliders

Roast or sauté onions, and garlic in melted butter or oil. Set aside until ready to use.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Place sliders in a foil lined 9 x 13″ pan or on a baking sheet covered with a non-stick liner. Use a long bread knife to slice slider rolls in half.

In a small dish stir together horseradish and mayonnaise. Spread sauce over bottom half of rolls.

Layer half of the roast beef slices. Fold the slices and face the fold outwards to help square up the edges and get even coverage of meat across each and every roll.

Add a layer of 6 slices, or half of the provolone cheese.

Repeat layers of half of the beef and half of the cheese.

Spread sautéed onions as the last layer.

Place top half of rolls on the bottom to make a sandwich.

Melt 5 tablespoons of butter and stir in Worcestershire sauce, mustard and poppy seeds. Use a basting brush or spoon to spread evenly over top of sliders.

Bake for 10 – 15 minutes until sliders are warmed through and cheese is melted.

Party Sliders

Football games, tailgate parties, March Madness, there are so many fun reasons to have a little party.  Whether it’s just our family doing something different for a celebration or having friends over sliders are one of our go-to party foods.

It all began with our Ham, Swiss and Ranch Party Sliders then got adapted to become Turkey, Cheddar and Bacon Sliders.  These two were combined to make Ham & Turkey Melt Sliders and next I’m going to try Pulled Pork Sliders.

I made these roast beef sliders for the first time when there was a good sale on thicker sliced, carving board style roast beef at Kroger.  So choose a flavor you’ve been craving or choose ingredients based on budget.  Whatever slider you make for your next party will be a winner!

A few other handheld recipes that work great for parties and are similar to our sliders are Taco Crescents, Easy BBQ Pulled Pork Crescents and Chicken Crescent Swirls.

Tips for Making Roast Beef Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls

• We prefer thicker sliced roast beef deli meat.
• I like to cut ham and turkey sliders with a bench scraper, but a sharp, serrated knife is best for cutting roast beef sliders.

Can Sliders Be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes! These slider rolls can be made the night before. This includes pouring the glaze over the top.

When making ahead I like to use a 9 x 13″ pan with a lid.

I would toast the bottom half of the rolls slightly before adding the mayo layer or omit the mayo and serve on the side to prevent from becoming soggy.

Other Easy Party Food Ideas:

• BBQ Chicken Sliders
• Italian BMT Sliders
• Bacon Quesadillas
• Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Fruit Salad for A Crowd

Originally shared on November 11, 2019 with updates made on July 12, 2023.