Roast Beef on Hawaiian Rolls

These roast beef sliders on sweet Hawaiian rolls bring together layers of tender roast beef and melty provolone cheese, finished with a buttery glaze that gives them a golden, irresistible crust. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or parties, these sliders strike just the right balance of savory and sweet with a creamy horseradish mayo that adds a gentle kick. I first made these sliders for a casual get together and was amazed at how quickly they disappeared, now they are one of our most requested recipes.

I love how these sliders are simple enough to throw together at the last minute but still taste like you spent a fortune or hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Slider Rolls: Hawaiian rolls provide a sweet, soft base that perfectly complements savory roast beef. Choosing a quality brand like King’s Hawaiian ensures consistent size and flavor.
• Roast Beef: Thinly sliced deli roast beef delivers rich, meaty flavor. Look for freshly sliced or packaged roast beef with minimal preservatives.
• Provolone Cheese: Mild and creamy, provolone melts beautifully without overpowering the beef. Swiss or mozzarella also work well if you prefer a different flavor.
• Onions: Sweet onions add a subtle earthiness when sautéed. Choose firm onions free of blemishes for the best taste.
• Minced Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the onion layer. Use fresh or thawed minced garlic.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the sauce layer. Use full fat mayo for best flavor.
• Horseradish: Provides a tangy, peppery kick that pairs beautifully with roast beef. Adjust quantity to taste.
• Butter: Used to sauté onions and create the glaze, butter adds richness and helps meld the flavors.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A savory sauce that enhances the beefy flavor with its unique umami qualities.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang to the glaze without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Poppy Seeds: Gives the glaze an appealing texture and a classic slider look.

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook slowly until they are soft and caramelized, about 8 to 10 minutes. In the last two minutes, stir in the minced garlic to prevent burning while allowing its flavor to infuse the onions.

Prepare the Rolls and Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a long serrated bread knife, carefully slice the Hawaiian slider rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in a foil lined 9 by 13inch baking pan or on a baking sheet lined with nonstick foil.

Make the Creamy Sauce:

In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the mayonnaise and horseradish together until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bottom slider rolls to add moisture and a flavorful tang.

Layer the Meat and Cheese:

Arrange half of the thinly sliced roast beef evenly over the mayo covered rolls. Fold the slices neatly with the fold facing outward to create uniform layers. Next, cover the meat with half of the provolone slices, making sure cheese pieces slightly overlap.

Repeat Layers:

Add the remaining roast beef on top of the cheese followed by the remaining provolone slices. This double layer approach builds a hearty slider with plenty of cheesy, beefy goodness.

Add the Sautéed Onions:

Evenly spread the warm sautéed onions and garlic over the final layer of cheese. This adds a rich, earthy sweetness that complements the roast beef flawlessly.

Top and Glaze:

Place the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls over the layered fillings, gently pressing to form sandwiches. Melt 5 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl, then whisk in 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 and a half teaspoons of Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds. Using a basting brush or spoon, generously coat the tops of the sliders with this flavorful glaze.

Bake Until Melty and Golden:

Place the assembled sliders in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese has melted. The glaze should form a beautiful golden crust on the rolls.

This recipe is a family favorite because of how comforting and satisfying the layers of roast beef and cheese feel. My husband especially loves the creamy horseradish sauce, it reminds him of classic deli sandwiches from his childhood. Making these sliders always brings back a flood of happy memories shared around the table.

Storage Tips

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through to keep the bread soft and the cheese melted. These also freeze well, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try Swiss or mozzarella cheese for a milder taste or swap provolone for cheddar if you want a sharper flavor. You can replace horseradish with spicy mustard if you prefer less heat. Using regular sandwich rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls will change the flavor profile but still produce tasty sliders.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders with classic sides like coleslaw, potato chips, or a crisp green salad. Pickles or a side of pickled vegetables add a nice acidity to balance the rich sliders. They also pair wonderfully with a cold beer or iced tea for game day.

These roast beef sliders are quick to make and perfect for gatherings. They reheat well and remain flavorful.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What cheese works best with roast beef in these sliders?

Mild cheeses like provolone or mozzarella complement the robust flavor of roast beef without overpowering it. Swiss and mild cheddar are also good alternatives.

→ How do you prepare the glaze for the rolls?

The glaze is made by melting butter and mixing in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds. It's brushed over the top of the rolls before baking for a golden, flavorful crust.

→ Can I customize the sauce for these sliders?

Yes, the creamy sauce is a mixture of mayonnaise and horseradish, but you can adjust the amount of horseradish or omit it for a milder flavor.

→ Are these sliders suitable for making ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the sliders the night before, apply the glaze, cover them, and bake right before serving to keep them fresh and warm.

→ What type of roll is recommended?

Sweet Hawaiian slider rolls are preferred because they add a subtle sweetness and soft, buttery texture that pairs well with the savory beef and cheese layers.

→ How should the onions be prepared?

Chopped sweet onions are sautéed in butter along with minced garlic until tender and golden, providing a warm, earthy flavor atop the cheese layers.