These Roast Beef Sliders are baked on soft Hawaiian rolls with tender deli roast beef, melty Havarti cheese, and a savory herb-butter topping. Perfect for parties, game day, or casual gatherings, these easy baked sliders come together quickly and feed a crowd with minimal effort.
Jump to Recipe
Why This Recipe Works
I make these roast beef Hawaiian rolls sliders when I want something warm, cheesy, and easy that everyone loves. Here’s what makes them special:
- Buttery and Flavorful: The herb-butter topping melts into the rolls, giving them a golden, crisp edge and rich flavor. It’s the same kind of irresistible finish you get with these Cheesy Italian Meatball Sliders.
- Perfectly Melty Cheese: Havarti melts into the roast beef for a creamy, mild flavor that ties everything together. This roast beef sliders recipe is gooey, smooth, and makes each bite extra satisfying.
- Quick to Make: These sliders come together fast and bake up beautifully in under 30 minutes. They’re perfect for busy nights or last-minute get-togethers.
- A Tangy Kick: The optional horsey sauce adds a little heat and tang that balances the richness—kind of like the flavor combo in this Steak Crostini with Horseradish Sauce. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference.
- Always a Hit: Whether it’s a family dinner, game day, or party, these sliders never last long. They’re easy to grab, perfectly portioned, and always a crowd favorite.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating. I ❤️ hearing from you!
Ingredients
- Hawaiian Rolls – Soft, slightly sweet rolls that hold together well and soak up the buttery topping. You can use any small dinner rolls if you prefer.
- Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess and helps the sauce mixture spread evenly on the rolls.
- Horsey Sauce – Brings a tangy, slightly spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with roast beef. You can skip it or mix mayo with prepared horseradish as a substitute.
- Deli Roast Beef – Thinly sliced and tender, this is the heart of the sliders. I like asking for the rarest cut from the deli so it stays juicy after baking these roast beef sliders.
- Havarti Cheese – Melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy flavor. Swiss, provolone, or white cheddar also work well.
- Dried Minced Onion – Adds a subtle onion flavor and texture to the butter mixture.
- Dijon Mustard – Brings a little tang and depth to balance the richness of the butter and beef.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a savory, umami note that complements the roast beef.
- Poppy Seeds – Give a slight crunch and visual appeal. Sesame seeds are a good alternative.
- Garlic Powder – Adds a warm, garlicky flavor that blends into the buttery topping.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Instructions
- Spread the sauce: Slice the rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom slab in a greased, parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan. Whisk together the mayonnaise and horsey sauce, then spread evenly over both cut sides of the rolls.
- Add the first layer of cheese: Lay 6 slices of Havarti evenly over the bottom half of the rolls.
- Add the roast beef: Layer the deli roast beef evenly over the cheese, keeping it loose so it heats through without compacting.
- Finish with the second cheese layer: Top the roast beef with the remaining 6 slices of cheese.
- Melt the cheese: Bake uncovered at 350°F for 10 minutes, just until the cheese melts.
- Mix the topping: While the sliders bake, whisk together the melted butter, dried onion, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
- Add the topping: Remove the pan from the oven, place the top slab of rolls over the sliders, and generously brush the butter mixture over the tops and sides.
- Bake and garnish: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake 5–7 minutes more until golden. Slice, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations:
- Cheese Options: I like using Havarti for its creamy melt, but Swiss, provolone, or white cheddar work just as well. You can even mix two kinds for extra flavor.
- Sauce Swaps: If you don’t have horsey sauce, try mixing mayo with a bit of Dijon or prepared horseradish. A touch of spicy brown mustard also works great.
- Bread Choices: Hawaiian rolls add a hint of sweetness, but brioche or potato rolls make a nice buttery base too. Use whatever you have on hand.
What to Serve with Roast Beef Sliders
Main Dishes
- These Roast Beef Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls fit right in with other hearty favorites. We love serving them alongside the Sirloin Steak Sandwich for a beef-filled spread everyone enjoys.
- They also pair nicely with the B.L.A.T. Sandwich (Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, and Tomato) or the juicy Mushroom Burger for a fun mix of flavors at a casual get-together.
Side Dishes
- For sides, we like to keep things simple and flavorful. The Roasted Potato Salad adds a warm, crispy texture that complements the soft sliders perfectly, while the Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables bring a fresh, colorful balance to the plate.
- If you’re in the mood for something a little different, try the Crispy Oven Roasted Cabbage Steaks or the comforting Roasted Squash, Garlic, Hazelnut & Crispy Sage Spaghetti for a cozy, satisfying meal.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders a few hours in advance, then cover and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, brush on the butter topping and bake as directed.
What if I can’t find horsey sauce?
You can make a quick version by mixing mayonnaise with a little prepared horseradish or Dijon mustard. It gives the same tangy flavor that complements the beef.
How can I make these sliders a little lighter?
Use light mayonnaise or skip the butter topping and brush the rolls with a bit of olive oil instead. You can also add a layer of fresh spinach or arugula for extra freshness.
How long do they keep and how should I store them?
Let the sliders cool completely before wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven, air fryer, or microwave until warmed through.
More Recipes You’ll Enjoy
- Burger Sauce Recipe – This Burger Sauce is creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor. Just a few pantry staples and five minutes turn burgers into something special.
- Mustard and Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb – This Mustard and Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb is dressed in dijon mustard, fresh garlic, and rosemary before being roasted to tender perfection.
- Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup – This Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup is my way of turning a store-bought shortcut into something that tastes completely homemade. It’s quick, nourishing, and everyone always asks for seconds.
- Roasted Tomato Soup – This roasted tomato soup is perfect when the weather is cold! It’s ready in under an hour and features the rich flavors of Campari tomatoes.
If you try this Roast Beef Sliders recipe, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!
Roast Beef Sliders
Servings: 12 sliders
These Roast Beef Sliders are baked on soft Hawaiian rolls with tender deli roast beef, melty Havarti cheese, and a savory herb-butter topping. Perfect for parties, game day, or casual gatherings, these easy baked sliders come together quickly and feed a crowd with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Sliders:
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- ⅓ cup mayonaisse
- 2 tablespoons horsey, optional
- 1 pound deli roast beef, ask for rare from deli
- 12 slices havarti cheese, or use your favorite
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped for serving
For the Herb-Butter Topping:
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted but not hot
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, or sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper. Using a serrated knife, slice the slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping all the rolls connected.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and horsey sauce, if using, then spread the mixture evenly over the cut sides of both the top and bottom halves of the rolls.
- Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared pan and layer with 6 slices of Havarti cheese, followed by the roast beef, then top with the remaining 6 slices of cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, just until the cheese begins to melt.
- While the sliders bake, whisk together the melted butter, dried minced onion, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and kosher salt until fully combined.
- Remove the pan from the oven and place the top half of the rolls over the melted cheese. Pour the herb-butter mixture generously over the tops and sides of the rolls, brushing to coat the bread evenly and allowing some butter to pool in the pan if needed.
- Cover the pan loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from the oven, cut into individual sliders, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot with pickles, fries, or a side salad.
Notes
- Keep the rolls connected when slicing to make assembly and baking easier.
- Ask for rare roast beef at the deli so it stays tender and juicy after baking.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the rolls cleanly without crushing them.
- Spread the mayo mixture evenly to keep the sliders moist and flavorful.
- Layer cheese on both sides of the roast beef to help the sliders hold together when melted.
- Don’t skip the butter topping – it gives the rolls a golden, crispy finish and rich flavor.
- Cover the sliders with foil while baking to keep them soft, then uncover to brown the tops.
- Let the sliders rest for a few minutes before cutting so the cheese sets slightly.
- Make them ahead by assembling up to the butter step, then refrigerate and bake when ready to serve.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to bring back that fresh, toasty texture.
Photography by Naomi Seiler
Leave a Reply