Introduction
Cheeseburger sliders with Hawaiian rolls are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and satisfying bite-sized goodness. These mini burgers are an irresistible party snack or quick dinner idea, ideal for gatherings, game days, or just a cozy night in. With soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls as the base, topped with juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and a touch of your favorite toppings, these sliders make for an unforgettable experience. Their popularity has surged in recent years, becoming a staple in many American households. So, if you’re craving a small yet fulfilling treat, these sliders might just be the perfect answer!
The History of Cheeseburger Sliders
Sliders, the bite-sized versions of classic burgers, originated in the early 20th century. White Castle, one of the pioneers of American fast food, began serving these mini-burgers as a quick, affordable option in the 1920s. Hawaiian rolls, on the other hand, originated from the King’s Hawaiian brand, founded in the 1950s by Robert Taira, who introduced these uniquely sweet, fluffy rolls to the U.S. from Hawaii. The combination of sliders with Hawaiian rolls emerged later, fusing the best elements of American fast food with the sweetness of Hawaiian rolls to create an instant classic loved by many.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Hawaiian Rolls – Soft, sweet, and fluffy, these rolls add a unique touch to the sliders, perfectly complementing the savory meat and cheese. 2. Ground Beef (80% lean recommended) – Provides the juiciness and flavor for the burger. Choosing the right fat content ensures a moist, flavorful patty. 3. Cheese (American, Cheddar, or your favorite) – The cheese melts beautifully over the patties, adding a creamy texture. 4. Onions – Optional, but caramelized onions add a slight sweetness and a rich depth of flavor to the sliders. 5. Pickles – A classic slider topping that adds crunch and a tangy kick. 6. Butter – Used to brush the rolls, enhancing the golden, toasted exterior. 7. Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings for the patties, bringing out the beef’s natural flavors. 8. Ketchup, Mustard, or Mayo (optional) – For those who like a saucy addition to their sliders.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Prepare the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Without separating the Hawaiian rolls, slice them horizontally to create a top and bottom layer. Place the bottom half in a baking dish or tray. 2. Cook the Beef Patties: In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Mix until combined but avoid over-mixing. Shape the beef into a thin, even layer, roughly matching the size of the bottom half of the rolls. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the beef layer and cook until browned on both sides. Drain any excess grease if necessary. 3. Assemble the Sliders: Place the cooked beef layer on top of the bottom layer of rolls in the baking dish. Add a layer of cheese slices over the beef, ensuring full coverage. Add pickles, onions, or any preferred toppings. 4. Top with the Upper Layer of Rolls: Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the layered ingredients, aligning them with the bottom half. 5. Brush with Butter and Bake: Melt butter and brush it over the top of the rolls, ensuring even coverage. Optionally, sprinkle sesame seeds for a classic look. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the tops are golden brown. 6. Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing along the roll seams. Serve warm with additional dipping sauces if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger Sliders
- Choose the Right Ground Beef: An 80% lean to 20% fat ratio yields the juiciest patties. 2. Avoid Overmixing the Beef: Overworking the ground beef can make the patties tough. 3. Toast the Rolls: Brushing with butter and baking the assembled sliders makes the rolls crisp and golden, adding texture. 4. Customize the Cheese: American cheese melts smoothly, but cheddar or pepper jack are great for extra flavor. 5. Use a Sharp Knife for Slicing: This helps keep the sliders intact and neat when serving.
Variations and Customizations
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, Gouda, or Blue Cheese for unique flavors. 2. Protein Substitutions: Swap ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for dietary preferences. 3. Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the patties for a spicy variation. 4. BBQ Sliders: Use barbecue sauce instead of ketchup and add crispy onion rings for a southern twist. 5. Mini-BLT Sliders: Top with bacon, lettuce, and tomato for a BLT-inspired slider.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Cheeseburger sliders, while delicious, can be high in calories and fat, primarily from the ground beef and cheese. Opt for leaner beef or plant-based alternatives to reduce fat content. Hawaiian rolls add a touch of sweetness but also contain sugar, so those watching their sugar intake may consider whole wheat or lower-carb rolls. Adding vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, or grilled onions can increase fiber content and add vitamins, making the sliders a bit healthier. – Calories per slider (approx.): 200-250 (may vary based on cheese and toppings) – Protein: About 12-15g per slider, primarily from the beef. – Fat: Around 10-15g per slider, including cheese and butter. – Carbohydrates: Hawaiian rolls contribute 15-20g of carbs per slider.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make these sliders ahead of time? – Yes! Prepare the beef and assemble the sliders, then refrigerate. Bake right before serving. 2. Can I freeze leftover sliders? – Definitely. Wrap them individually and store them in a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven for best results. 3. What other sauces can I serve with these sliders? – Ranch, barbecue sauce, or even sriracha mayo make excellent dipping sauces. 4. How do I prevent the sliders from becoming soggy? – Avoid overloading with sauces, and bake briefly to prevent sogginess. 5. Can I use different types of bread instead of Hawaiian rolls? – Sure! Dinner rolls, potato buns, or brioche rolls work well too.
Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls
Cheeseburger sliders with Hawaiian rolls offer a delightful blend of sweetness and savory flavors, perfect for gatherings or quick dinners. This recipe is easy to customize, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s both delicious and adaptable to various preferences.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture (Note 1)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef 10% fat or medium ground beef (20% fat)
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise regular or light
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce or ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping for Rolls (Note 2)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds or Everything Bagel Seasoning
Rolls and Cheese
- 12 Hawaiian rolls 1 package, Note 3
- 8 slices cheddar cheese Note 4 or 6-8 ounces shredded cheese
- 1 tablespoon soft butter for spreading on the pan
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil (sprayed with oil). Tip: For slightly crispy, buttery bottoms, spread a thin layer of soft butter directly on the pan.
- Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Incorporate the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until most of the pink is gone, about 3 minutes. Turn off the heat. Tip: Shift the mixture to one side of the skillet, tilt it toward you, and spoon off any excess grease to avoid soggy sliders (or blot with a paper towel). Stir in the mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, and seasonings. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired.
- Assemble the Sliders: Slice the rolls in half horizontally, keeping them intact (do not separate). On the bottom half, lay down slices of cheese to cover, then add the beef mixture on top, followed by another layer of cheese slices. Place the top half of the rolls back on. The final layers from bottom to top should be: bottom half of rolls, cheese, beef, cheese, and top half of rolls.
- Glaze, Bake, and Serve: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Microwave for 25 seconds, then stir well to mix. Brush the glaze over the tops of the rolls and immediately sprinkle on sesame seeds to adhere. Place the rolls on the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 12-15 minutes. Remove from the oven, slice into individual sliders along the roll lines with a serrated knife, and serve hot.
Notes
Beef Mixture Variations:
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives.
- Replace chopped onion with 2-3 teaspoons of dried onion soup mix or dried onion flakes.
- Use Montreal Steak Seasoning instead of garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add a splash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix in cooked crispy bacon bits.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor, or keep it simple with melted butter mixed with a pinch of garlic powder.
- Lightly spray with oil instead.
- Instead of King’s Hawaiian rolls, you can use slider buns, mini brioche buns, potato rolls, mini hamburger buns, or dinner rolls. For larger rolls, increase the filling or make fewer sliders.
- Choose melty cheeses like cheddar, provolone, Gruyère, fontina, pepper jack, or American. Both shredded and sliced cheeses work, but pre-shredded varieties with anti-caking agents may not melt well.
- Serve with ketchup, mustard, relish, mayonnaise, sriracha aioli, chipotle sauce, ranch dressing, Thousand Island dressing, BBQ sauce, horseradish sauce, or pesto.
- Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- Prepare 1-2 days in advance by cooking the meat mixture, cooling it, and refrigerating it in a ziplock bag. Keep glaze ingredients in a separate cup for microwaving when needed. Grate cheese in advance if desired. Assemble and bake the sliders on the day of serving.
- For several hours ahead, prepare and assemble the sliders, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use. Bake uncovered for 15-16 minutes or until heated through.
- To freeze, assemble sliders and wrap them well in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
- Bake frozen sliders on a buttered baking sheet at 350°F (177°C) for 15-18 minutes or until heated through.