Beef Cheddar Sliders

Featured in: Family-Friendly Dinners Everyone Will Love

Cheddar and BBQ-dressed beef slap between soft Hawaiian rolls, brushed with buttery glaze. Crave-worthy and super simple. Perfect for your gatherings!

A woman in a kitchen with a stove and oven.
Updated on Tue, 29 Apr 2025 19:32:18 GMT
Cheesy beef slider with poppy seed bun, surrounded by others on a plate. Pin it
Cheesy beef slider with poppy seed bun, surrounded by others on a plate. | cookingkitchn.com

Juicy Beef & Cheddar Sliders Everyone Loves! 🥩🧀

These little sandwiches vanish faster than anything at my gatherings! The combo of thin-sliced beef soaked in zesty BBQ sauce topped with melted cheddar all stuffed into soft Hawaiian rolls is unbeatable. What makes them extra special? A sweet butter topping that makes the tops crispy and golden. I've brought these to game days and family get-togethers, and the tray always winds up empty.

The Magic Behind These Sliders

Folks always ask me how to make these after trying them. They're so quick to put together! You can whip them up in just a few minutes when you're running around hosting. I often get them ready the day before and just stick them in the oven when company shows up. They work perfectly whether you need something for dinner or a snack for guests.

Your Shopping List

  • The Rolls: Sweet Hawaiian rolls are your best bet - they're incredibly soft.
  • Good Beef: Ask for your roast beef cut super thin at the deli counter.
  • The Sauce: Pick whatever BBQ sauce you like - something with a touch of sweetness works great.
  • Melty Cheese: Go for sharp cheddar to give these sliders their wow factor.
  • Glaze Magic: You'll need butter, brown sugar, and Dijon to create the topping.
  • Extra Kick: A dash of Worcestershire sauce brings everything together.
  • Crunchy Touch: Don't forget poppy seeds for that finishing touch.

Assembly Steps

Prep Your Bread
Find a big cutting board and grab those Hawaiian rolls. Here's a time-saver - keep them all connected! Cut through the whole block sideways. It beats doing each roll separately. Take off the top section and set it aside for later.
Creating The Foundation
Put a light coat of BBQ sauce on the bottom part of your rolls. This keeps them from getting mushy. Next, add your super-thin roast beef. I like to bunch it up a bit as I place it - it creates pockets that trap all the good stuff.
Add The Cheese
Now comes the fun part! Add that sharp cheddar, covering every bit of the beef. I usually go for two layers - one directly on the meat and another on top. Let's be honest, there's no such thing as too much cheese here.
Put The Lid On
Before replacing the top half, brush some BBQ sauce on its underside too - this way flavor comes from all directions. Then carefully put it back on all that cheesy beef goodness.
Create The Topping
Here's what makes these stand out - that butter mixture! Combine your melted butter with brown sugar until smooth. Stir in your Dijon and Worcestershire sauce - it might look funny at first but keep mixing. Brush this all over your rolls, getting the sides too. Sprinkle those poppy seeds on top for that satisfying crunch!

Cooking Advice

After lots of trial and error, I've found that 350°F for around 20 minutes works perfectly. Watch them closely and if the tops get too dark, just cover with foil. For super tender rolls, you can keep them covered the whole time they're in the oven.

A close-up of a cheese-stuffed sandwich made with tender beef and topped with poppy seeds. Pin it
A close-up of a cheese-stuffed sandwich made with tender beef and topped with poppy seeds. | cookingkitchn.com

Prepare Them Early

These sliders make hosting so much easier. I put them together the night before but wait to add the butter mixture until right before cooking. Next day I just pour on the topping and stick them in the oven. They turn out amazing every single time.

Perfect Pairings for Your Sliders

We like eating these with crunchy fries or fresh slaw. At parties I'll put them next to some chips and raw veggies. Sometimes I'll cook up a big pot of mac and cheese when we want total comfort food. Whatever you serve alongside them, these little sandwiches will definitely be the first thing to go!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare earlier?

Sure, set it up first and butter right before baking.

→ Best BBQ sauce choice?

Your pick! Sweet or zesty both work here.

→ What makes Hawaiian rolls great?

Their sweetness pairs perfectly with tangy BBQ.

→ What’s an alternative to cheddar?

Go ahead with any melty cheese you like.

→ Why use butter topping?

It gives crispy tops and deep flavor layers.

Beef Cheddar Sliders

Soft Hawaiian rolls, cheesy BBQ beef, and a buttery glaze. Easy and done in 30 minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Sophia


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup melted butter.
02 1 teaspoon and a half of poppy seeds.
03 3/4 pound of thinly sliced deli roast beef.
04 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar.
05 8 slices of cheddar cheese.
06 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard.
07 1 cup BBQ sauce.
08 One dozen soft Hawaiian rolls.
09 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.

Instructions

Step 01

Get the oven warmed up to 350°F.

Step 02

Coat the slices of roast beef with the BBQ sauce in a bowl.

Step 03

Slice all the rolls in half and lay just the bottoms in your baking pan.

Step 04

Spread the BBQ-covered beef over the bottom halves of each roll.

Step 05

Lay the slices of cheddar cheese over the beef.

Step 06

Put the top halves of the rolls back on.

Step 07

Melt the butter, then mix in the sugar, mustard, Worcestershire, and poppy seeds. Bring it to a low boil while stirring.

Step 08

Drizzle the hot butter sauce over everything in the pan.

Step 09

Bake for about 20-30 minutes, until the tops are golden and crispy.

Notes

  1. Perfect for gatherings.
  2. Easy to prep in advance.
  3. Quick to make.
  4. Kids love these.

Tools You'll Need

  • A deep baking dish (9x13).
  • Small pot for sauces.
  • Knife with a serrated edge.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains cheese and butter (dairy).
  • Rolls have wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 15 g