These roast beef sliders are warm, cheesy, tender, and irresistibly buttery—perfect for parties, game days, or a simple weeknight dinner. With thinly sliced roast beef, melty provolone, and rich caramelized onions tucked inside soft Hawaiian rolls, every bite is savory and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sliders deliver everything you love about a roast beef sandwich in miniature form. They’re quick to assemble, customizable, freezer-friendly, and ideal for feeding a crowd. Using deli-sliced roast beef and simple pantry ingredients keeps this recipe easy while still delivering big flavor. The caramelized onions add depth, the cheese melts beautifully, and the buttery sauce ensures the rolls bake up golden and delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Sliders
1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
12–18 slices thinly sliced deli roast beef
10–12 slices provolone cheese (or sharp white cheddar, Havarti, or Swiss)
1–2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons salted butter
Prepared horseradish (optional)
For the Sauce
½ cup melted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard (or Dijon or yellow mustard)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Sauté the sliced onions, stirring occasionally, until soft, browned, and caramelized—about 15–30 minutes. Reduce heat as needed.
Without separating the rolls, slice the entire slab horizontally, keeping the bottom thicker than the top. Place the bottom half into the baking dish.
Spread a thin layer of horseradish on the bottom rolls if desired.
Layer the roast beef evenly over the rolls, followed by the cheese slices. Spoon the caramelized onions over the cheese. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
In a small saucepan, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Warm until the sugar dissolves.
Pour the sauce evenly over the sliders, brushing to ensure full coverage. Cover with lightly greased foil.
Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 7–10 minutes until the tops are lightly browned.
Serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 11 servings, depending on portion size.
Prep time: approximately 20 minutes (including onion prep).
Cook time: 25–40 minutes total (20 minutes covered, 7–10 minutes uncovered, plus 15–30 minutes for caramelizing onions).
Total time: 45–60 minutes.
Variations
Use brioche slider rolls, whole wheat rolls, or soft pretzel slider buns.
Swap spicy brown mustard for Dijon, yellow mustard, or honey mustard.
Use sweet onions, red onions, or yellow onions for caramelizing.
Add pickle slices between the cheese and onions for tang and crunch.
Sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top before baking.
Make gluten-free sliders by using gluten-free rolls.
For a low-carb version, use keto slider buns and replace the brown sugar with a substitute.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
To freeze, wrap unbaked or baked sliders tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or bake from frozen at 325°F (165°C), covered with foil, for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake until warmed and lightly browned.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the sliders up to 12 hours in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely. Havarti, Swiss, sharp white cheddar, or provolone all melt beautifully.
Do I have to caramelize the onions?
No, but caramelized onions add great flavor. You can use lightly sautéed onions if short on time.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes—simply use gluten-free slider rolls.
How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
Slice the bottoms slightly thicker than the tops and avoid overloading with sauce. The cheese layer also helps shield the bread.
Can I use leftover roast beef instead of deli slices?
Yes, thinly slice it so it warms evenly.
Do these freeze well?
They freeze extremely well either before or after baking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales easily for large gatherings.
What can I serve with roast beef sliders?
They pair well with chips, fries, salads, or simple roasted vegetables.
Can I make them in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fry at 325°F (165°C) for 4–5 minutes, brush with sauce, then air fry 2 more minutes.
Conclusion
These roast beef sliders are easy, crowd-pleasing, and packed with flavor thanks to tender roast beef, melted cheese, and rich caramelized onions. Whether you’re hosting guests or looking for a quick comfort-food dinner, this recipe delivers warm, satisfying sliders that everyone will love. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or prepare ahead for effortless entertaining.
These roast beef sliders are warm, cheesy, tender, and irresistibly buttery—perfect for parties, game days, or a simple weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
12–18 slices thinly sliced deli roast beef
10–12 slices provolone cheese (or sharp white cheddar, Havarti, or Swiss)
1–2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons salted butter
Prepared horseradish (optional)
½ cup melted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard (or Dijon or yellow mustard)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Sauté the sliced onions, stirring occasionally, until soft, browned, and caramelized—about 15–30 minutes. Reduce heat as needed.
Without separating the rolls, slice the entire slab horizontally, keeping the bottom thicker than the top. Place the bottom half into the baking dish.
Spread a thin layer of horseradish on the bottom rolls if desired.
Layer the roast beef evenly over the rolls, followed by the cheese slices. Spoon the caramelized onions over the cheese. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
In a small saucepan, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Warm until the sugar dissolves.
Pour the sauce evenly over the sliders, brushing to ensure full coverage. Cover with lightly greased foil.
Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 7–10 minutes until the tops are lightly browned.
Serve warm.
Notes
Caramelized onions add rich flavor, but you can use lightly sautéed onions if short on time.
Make ahead: assemble up to 12 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
Use gluten-free rolls for a gluten-free version.
To reheat, bake at 325°F (165°C) for 15–20 minutes.
