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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.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Sliders

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.
Topping Variations:
  • 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.
Roll/Bun Substitutes:
  • 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.
Cheese Options:
  • 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.
Condiments and Dipping Sauces:
  • Serve with ketchup, mustard, relish, mayonnaise, sriracha aioli, chipotle sauce, ranch dressing, Thousand Island dressing, BBQ sauce, horseradish sauce, or pesto.
Make-Ahead Options:
  • 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.
To Heat/Reheat:
  • Bake frozen sliders on a buttered baking sheet at 350°F (177°C) for 15-18 minutes or until heated through.
Keyword Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls