There’s something irresistibly comforting about a tray of hot, cheesy sliders fresh from the oven. These Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls take the classic burger experience and transform it into a crowd-pleasing, shareable treat that’s perfect for game days, family gatherings, or an elevated weeknight dinner. The sweet, pillowy Hawaiian rolls create the perfect contrast to the savory beef and melted cheese.
What makes these sliders special is how they capture all the flavors of a traditional cheeseburger in a convenient, handheld package. The butter topping with sesame seeds gives you that authentic burger bun experience, while the juicy beef and classic toppings deliver all the satisfaction of your favorite fast-food indulgence—but made with love in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick preparation—ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or having delicious leftovers
- Customizable with your favorite burger toppings and condiments
- Kid-friendly while still appealing to adult tastes
- The sweet Hawaiian rolls add a unique twist to the classic cheeseburger flavor
Ingredients
- 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
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or maple syrup)
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (or Everything Bagel Seasoning)
- 12 Hawaiian rolls (1 package)
- 8 slices cheddar cheese (or 6-8 ounces shredded cheese)
- 1 tablespoon soft butter (to spread on pan)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and spray it lightly with cooking oil. For buttery, slightly crispy bottoms on your sliders, spread a thin layer of the soft butter directly on the surface of your pan before adding the rolls.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and fragrant. This caramelization adds wonderful depth of flavor to the beef mixture.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed onions. Use a spatula to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until most or all of the pink disappears, about 3 minutes. Don’t overcook the beef as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Turn off the heat. To prevent soggy sliders, remove excess grease from the pan by either: tilting the skillet toward you and spooning off the excess grease, or carefully blotting the mixture with paper towels to absorb the grease.
- Add the mayonnaise, BBQ sauce (or ketchup), garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to suit your preference.
- Keep the Hawaiian rolls connected and use a large serrated knife to slice them in half horizontally, creating one connected top half and one connected bottom half. Place the bottom half of the rolls on your prepared baking pan.
- Begin assembling your sliders by first laying cheese slices (or sprinkling shredded cheese) evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. Next, spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Add another layer of cheese on top of the beef mixture. Finally, place the top half of the rolls over everything to complete the assembly.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar (or maple syrup). Microwave for about 25 seconds, just enough to melt the butter. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Using a pastry brush, generously brush the glaze over the tops of the rolls. Immediately sprinkle the sesame seeds (or Everything Bagel Seasoning) over the glazed tops so they stick to the surface before the glaze sets.
- Place the assembled sliders in your preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 12-15 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted. Once done, remove from the oven and let them rest for 1-2 minutes. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut along the roll lines, separating them into individual sliders. Serve immediately while warm and gooey.
Tips & Variations
- For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Add crispy bacon bits to the meat mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Try different cheese varieties like pepper jack for a spicy kick or Swiss for a milder flavor.
- Make it a “Big Mac” style by adding shredded lettuce and a simple special sauce (mayo, ketchup, relish, and a dash of vinegar).
- Prep these sliders ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- For a deluxe version, add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the beef mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These cheeseburger sliders pair perfectly with classic burger sides like crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, or a simple potato salad. For a lighter option, serve with a fresh green salad or coleslaw to balance the richness of the sliders.
Set up a slider bar with extra toppings like sliced tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, and various condiments so everyone can customize their sliders to taste. Don’t forget some pickle spears on the side for that authentic burger joint experience!
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- You’ll know the sliders are done when the cheese is completely melted and the tops are golden brown.
- For best results, don’t skip the butter topping—it adds flavor and prevents the rolls from drying out.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them up to the point of baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze these sliders?
While you can freeze them, the texture of the rolls may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
What if I can’t find Hawaiian rolls?
Any soft dinner roll will work, though the slight sweetness of Hawaiian rolls does add a special touch. Brioche slider buns make an excellent substitute.
How can I make these spicy?
Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture, use pepper jack cheese instead of American or cheddar, and mix some hot sauce into your condiment spread for a spicy kick.
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