Roast Beef Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing mini sandwiches that bring gourmet flavor in a fun, bite-sized package. These delectable little sandwiches feature tender, thinly sliced roast beef, melty cheese, and a buttery herb topping that transforms ordinary dinner rolls into something extraordinary.
Perfect for game day gatherings, casual dinner parties, or a fun family meal, these sliders strike the perfect balance between hearty and handheld. The magic happens when they bake in the oven, allowing all the flavors to meld together while the tops of the rolls become gloriously golden and crisp.
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 45 minutes with minimal hands-on prep time
- Uses simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store
- Easily customizable with different cheeses or condiments
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or having delicious leftovers
- Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults to enjoy
Ingredients
- 12 slider rolls (e.g., King’s Hawaiian, dinner rolls, or slider buns)
- 1 ½ pounds deli roast beef, thinly sliced or shaved
- 4-6 slices white cheese (e.g., Havarti, Provolone, or Swiss cheese)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 large onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or ½ tablespoon dried rosemary)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (or ½ tablespoon dried parsley)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large frying pan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced onions and cook on low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring often, until they begin to brown. Add minced garlic and rosemary, and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Line a sheet pan or baking tray with parchment paper. Place the slider buns on top and slice them through the center, setting the tops of the buns to the side.
- Layer the bottoms of the slider buns with the roast beef. Add slices of cheese on top of the roast beef, using 4-6 slices or enough to cover. Distribute caramelized onions evenly over the cheese, then place the tops of the buns back on.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, mustard powder, garlic powder, and parsley until evenly combined.
- Use a brush to spread the garlic butter evenly over the tops and sides of the slider buns.
- Place the sliders in the preheated oven and bake for 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the buns are toasted.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes. Pull the sliders apart or cut them with a knife. Serve and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- For a more indulgent version, add caramelized onions between the roast beef and cheese layers.
- Try different cheeses like Swiss, cheddar, or pepper jack for variety.
- Make it spicy by adding sliced pepperoncini or a dash of hot sauce to the mayo mixture.
- Prep these sliders up to 4 hours ahead, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
- For a lighter version, use lean roast beef and reduced-fat cheese.
- Add fresh arugula after baking for a peppery crunch and pop of color.
Serving Suggestions
These roast beef sliders pair beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a more substantial spread, serve alongside crispy potato chips, a dill pickle spear, or a small cup of au jus for dipping.
For entertaining, arrange the sliders on a platter with small bowls of extra horseradish sauce, spicy mustard, and pickled vegetables to allow guests to customize their sliders to taste.
Notes
- Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat leftovers in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- The sliders are done when the cheese is completely melted and the tops are golden brown.
- For best results, use fresh bakery rolls rather than packaged ones.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders with other meats?
Absolutely! These sliders work wonderfully with turkey, ham, or even pastrami. The buttery topping complements any deli meat.
How do I prevent the bottoms from getting soggy?
Make sure to toast the bottom half of the rolls for 5 minutes before adding the toppings, or spread a thin layer of butter on the inside of the bottom rolls to create a moisture barrier.
Can I freeze these sliders?
Yes, you can assemble them without the butter topping, freeze, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Add the butter mixture just before baking, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the best way to slice the rolls horizontally?
Use a long serrated knife and keep it parallel to the cutting board while slicing through the middle of the rolls, keeping them connected as one slab for easier assembly.
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