If you’re craving something that hits all the right notes—savory, buttery, melty, and packed with flavor—then this Roast Beef Sliders Recipe is absolutely going to become your new go-to. Picture tender rare roast beef nestled between soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls, layered with creamy Havarti cheese and kissed by a rich garlic-poppy seed butter glaze. Every buttery bite melts in your mouth and offers a harmony of textures that make these sliders irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this Roast Beef Sliders Recipe brings together simple ingredients that transform into a show-stopping bite every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Roast Beef Sliders Recipe uses straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of taste, texture, and color. From the tender roast beef to the buttery topping, every component is essential for that perfect handheld meal.
- 12 Hawaiian rolls: Their soft, slightly sweet bread sets the perfect base for these sliders.
- â…“ cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps balance the savory elements.
- 2 tablespoons horsey (optional): Brings a gentle kick of horseradish heat for those who want a little zing.
- 1 pound deli roast beef (ask for rare from deli): Tender, thinly sliced for juicy, flavorful filling.
- 12 slices Havarti cheese: Creamy and mild, it melts beautifully over the roast beef.
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped for serving): Freshens up the finish with a pop of color and flavor.
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted but not hot): Creates a golden, flavorful crust and keeps sliders moist.
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried minced onion: Adds subtle sweetness and pungency to the butter glaze.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Sharp and tangy, this adds depth to the butter topping.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami richness to the buttery mixture.
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (or sesame seeds): Adds crunch and a bit of nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives the butter a warm, aromatic boost.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
How to Make Roast Beef Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Rolls
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch pan generously with cooking spray, and then line it with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally—you want to keep all the rolls connected like a sandwich loaf so you can build these sliders easily.
Step 2: Spread the Creamy Sauce on the Rolls
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and horsey sauce if you decide to include that extra zing. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the cut sides of both the top and bottom halves of the rolls. This step adds a luscious, tangy layer that complements the roast beef beautifully.
Step 3: Layer Cheese and Roast Beef
Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared pan. Layer it first with half of your Havarti cheese slices, then spread your thinly sliced roast beef on top. Finish this layer with the remaining Havarti slices to lock in the juicy beef and prepare for melting.
Step 4: Bake to Melt the Cheese
Bake the assembled bottom half uncovered for about 10 minutes. You’re aiming for the cheese to start melting and the ingredients to cozy up to each other, which brings the whole slider experience together in warm, gooey harmony.
Step 5: Create the Flavorful Herb Butter Glaze
While your sliders bake, combine melted butter with dried minced onion, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and kosher salt in a bowl. Whisk everything until fully combined. This glaze is what elevates this Roast Beef Sliders Recipe from delicious to truly unforgettable.
Step 6: Add the Top Layer and Glaze
Take the pan out of the oven and set the top half of the rolls over the melted cheese carefully. Pour the herb-butter mixture over the top and sides of the rolls, brushing it evenly. Don’t hold back on that butter—it seeps into the bread and caramelizes, creating a golden crust that’s a sheer delight to eat.
Step 7: Final Bake for Golden Perfection
Cover the pan loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning, and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden and the cheese is completely melted. Your kitchen will smell absolutely fantastic by this point.
Step 8: Slice and Garnish
Remove the pan from the oven and cut the slab into individual sliders. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. These sliders are best enjoyed hot for that perfect melty bite.
How to Serve Roast Beef Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic garnish that brings a bright contrast to the richness of the sliders. You can also add a few thinly sliced pickles on the side or a small dollop of horseradish sauce for those who love an extra punch. These additions create a delightful balance and elevate the overall experience.
Side Dishes
Roast Beef Sliders go wonderfully with crispy fries, crunchy coleslaw, or a fresh side salad, balancing the sliders’ boldness with refreshing or crisp textures. For a cozy feast, pair them with classic potato chips or even some roasted veggies to round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these at a party or family gathering, arrange the sliders on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like mustard, horseradish cream, or aioli. Adding toothpicks with small flag toppers makes them easy to grab and adds charming flair. Presentation makes these little sandwiches feel as special as they taste!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover sliders tightly in aluminum foil or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making them a perfect quick lunch or dinner option for the next day.
Freezing
To freeze the sliders, slice them individually and wrap each one in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy the convenience of quick roast beef slider snacks any time you want!
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen sliders in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This prevents the bread from drying out while ensuring the cheese melts perfectly again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Roast Beef Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! While Havarti is wonderfully creamy and mild, you can swap it for Swiss, provolone, or even cheddar for a sharper flavor. Just make sure it melts well to keep that gooey goodness.
Is the horseradish sauce necessary?
Not at all. The horseradish sauce adds a subtle kick and depth, but if you prefer milder flavors or don’t have it on hand, simply omit it. The mayo alone provides plenty of creaminess and tang.
Can I prepare these sliders vegan or vegetarian?
For a vegetarian take, swap roast beef with a plant-based deli slice or grilled mushrooms, and choose a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavorful butter glaze can be made vegan by using vegan butter and adjusting the Worcestershire sauce if needed.
How many sliders does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 12 sliders, perfect for a party platter or a family meal. If you need more, just multiply the ingredients and bake in larger pans accordingly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead and refrigerate them before baking. Let them sit at room temperature for a bit before popping them into the oven to ensure even baking and melty cheese.
Final Thoughts
This Roast Beef Sliders Recipe truly hits the spot whether you’re entertaining guests or having a cozy night in. It combines comfort food vibes with simple, quality ingredients that come together effortlessly but taste like a million bucks. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a staple in your recipe arsenal—perfect for sharing, savoring, and enjoying again and again.
Print
Roast Beef Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Roast Beef Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make crowd-pleaser featuring tender deli roast beef, melted Havarti cheese, and a buttery, savory poppy seed topping baked on soft Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for parties, game days, or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Slider Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 1 pound deli roast beef (rare, from deli)
- 12 slices Havarti cheese (or your favorite cheese)
Spread
- â…“ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons horseradish sauce (optional)
Butter Mixture
- 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
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Slice Rolls: Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the slab of Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half, keeping all rolls connected to create a bottom and top layer.
- Make Spread and Apply: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and horseradish sauce if using. Evenly spread this mixture over the cut sides of both the top and bottom halves of the rolls.
- Assemble Bottom Layer: Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared pan. Layer with 6 slices of Havarti cheese, then the roast beef evenly distributed, followed by the remaining 6 slices of cheese on top.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until the cheese starts to melt slightly but the bread is not toasted yet.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: While baking, whisk together melted butter, dried minced onion, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Top and Brush Rolls: Remove pan from oven and place the top half of the rolls over the cheese. Pour the butter mixture generously over the top and sides, brushing to coat evenly. Allow some butter to pool at the bottom for flavor.
- Bake Covered: Loosely cover the pan with foil and bake for 15 minutes to heat through and soften the rolls.
- Bake Uncovered for Browning: Remove foil and continue baking for another 5 to 7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve: Remove from oven, cut into individual sliders, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot with your choice of pickles, fries, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For an extra kick, add more horseradish or spicy mustard to the mayonnaise spread.
- Use your favorite cheese, such as Swiss or cheddar, if Havarti is unavailable.
- These sliders can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep the rolls soft and buttery.
- Leftovers can be reheated covered in the oven or microwave to melt the cheese again.
