Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders are the kind of snack I can’t get enough of—soft, sweet rolls stuffed with savory beef, melted cheese, and topped with buttery glaze. They’re a hit at gatherings, game nights, and even casual dinners. With every bite, I get the perfect balance of rich, cheesy goodness and that signature touch of sweetness from the Hawaiian rolls. It’s like a mini diner burger baked into warm, pull-apart perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple these sliders are to throw together, yet they deliver big on flavor. The sweet rolls perfectly complement the savory beef and melty cheese, creating a mouthwatering contrast. They’re super versatile, easy to customize, and ideal for feeding a crowd. Whether I serve them fresh from the oven or reheat them later, they never lose their gooey, satisfying texture. Best of all, I don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something everyone loves.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 Hawaiian rolls
1 pound ground beef
6 slices cheddar cheese
½ cup finely chopped onion
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
6 pickle slices (optional)
Directions
Prepare the Beef Mixture I start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. As it cooks, I break it up and stir in chopped onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Once the beef is fully cooked and the onions are soft, I drain any excess grease and set the mixture aside.
Preheat the Oven I preheat my oven to 350°F so it’s hot and ready for baking the sliders.
Slice the Rolls Without separating the rolls, I slice the entire slab horizontally. I place the bottom half in a parchment-lined baking dish and set the tops aside.
Add the Beef I spread the beef mixture evenly over the bottom layer of rolls, making sure every section is covered.
Layer the Cheese I place slices of cheddar cheese over the beef, letting them slightly overlap so the whole layer gets that melty goodness.
Add Pickles (Optional) When I want a tangy kick, I add a pickle slice to each section.
Add the Tops I carefully place the top half of the rolls over everything and press down gently.
Brush with Butter Glaze I mix melted butter with a pinch of garlic powder, brush it generously over the tops, and sprinkle sesame seeds for a classic touch.
Bake I bake the sliders uncovered for about 15 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is fully melted.
Slice and Serve Once out of the oven, I let them cool for a couple of minutes, then slice between the rolls and serve them warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 sliders, which typically serves 4 to 6 people depending on appetite. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
I like playing around with this base recipe. Sometimes I switch the cheddar for mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. If I’m feeling extra fancy, I sauté mushrooms or caramelize onions to add inside. For a lighter option, I’ll use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. When I want some heat, I add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture. And brushing the rolls with garlic butter or even honey butter makes the sliders extra irresistible.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to eat, I reheat them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes until they’re warm and the cheese is gooey again. I avoid the microwave if I can—it makes the rolls a little too soft and soggy for my liking.
FAQs
How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
I make sure to drain the beef well before assembling. Also, baking them uncovered helps the tops stay crisp while the inside stays melty.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I often prep the sliders fully (except brushing with butter) and store them in the fridge. When ready to bake, I add the butter glaze and pop them in the oven.
Can I freeze these sliders?
Absolutely. After baking and cooling, I wrap them individually in foil and freeze. To reheat, I place them in the oven at 325°F for about 20 minutes.
What sides go well with these sliders?
I usually serve them with fries, chips, or a fresh salad. For a party platter, I like pairing them with dips like barbecue sauce or aioli.
What kind of cheese works best?
I like cheddar for its melt and sharp flavor, but mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack all work great too depending on my mood.
Conclusion
These Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders bring everything I want in a bite-sized snack—comfort, flavor, and that perfect mix of sweet and savory. Whether I’m hosting a party or just craving something fun for dinner, they never disappoint. They’re easy to make, easy to customize, and always a hit. Once I started making these at home, they became a go-to favorite for any occasion.
These Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders are soft, cheesy, and full of savory beef flavor—all tucked into sweet Hawaiian rolls with a buttery glaze. Perfect for parties, game nights, or quick dinners!
Ingredients
12 Hawaiian rolls
1 pound ground beef
6 slices cheddar cheese
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
6 pickle slices (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce until browned. Drain excess grease.
Without separating the rolls, slice them in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.
Spread the beef mixture evenly over the bottom half of the rolls.
Top with cheddar cheese slices, overlapping as needed, and optional pickles.
Place the top half of the rolls over the filling.
Brush melted butter over the tops and sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
Let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
Drain beef well to avoid soggy sliders.
Prep ahead by assembling the sliders without the butter glaze. Add the glaze just before baking.
Try different cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack for variety.
Add jalapeños or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
