Roast Beef Sliders Recipe
Ready to transform your appetizer game? Roast beef sliders are your secret weapon for impressing guests with minimal effort. These miniature sandwiches pack big flavor into tiny packages, combining savory roast beef, melty cheese, and a killer garlic butter glaze. Whether you're hosting a game day party or need a quick family meal, these sliders promise to be your new go-to recipe. Curious how to create these crowd-pleasing bites that'll have everyone asking for your culinary secrets?
Recipe Highlights
- Use 12 Kings Hawaiian rolls, sliced horizontally and kept connected, as the foundational base for classic roast beef sliders.
- Layer thinly sliced deli roast beef and halved provolone cheese evenly across the bottom half of the connected rolls.
- Create a garlic butter mixture using 4 tablespoons melted butter and 1 teaspoon garlic powder to brush over the slider tops.
- Bake covered at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 2 minutes until cheese melts and rolls turn golden.
- Allow sliders to rest for 5 minutes after baking to help flavors meld and make individual slider separation easier.
History
Although sliders might seem like a modern culinary trend, their roots stretch back to the early 20th century. You'll find that "slider" originally referred to small, greasy hamburgers served in diners, popularized by White Castle restaurants in the 1920s.
These bite-sized sandwiches quickly became a working-class favorite, appreciated for their affordability and quick preparation.
As decades passed, you'll notice the concept evolved beyond hamburgers. Chefs and home cooks began experimenting with various proteins, transforming sliders into versatile party foods.
Roast beef sliders emerged as a delicious variation, combining traditional deli meats with soft, miniature rolls. They represent a perfect fusion of convenience and flavor, allowing you to serve elegant, handheld portions that appeal to diverse palates.
Recipe
Roast beef sliders are a delightful appetizer that combines tender, flavorful meat with soft, buttery rolls. These miniature sandwiches are perfect for gatherings, offering a convenient and delicious option that's sure to please a crowd.
The magic of these sliders lies in their simplicity, using just a few key ingredients to create a mouthwatering dish that's both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. With melted provolone cheese and savory roast beef nestled between sweet Hawaiian rolls, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit at any party or game day event.
Ingredients:
- 12 Kings Hawaiian rolls
- 1 pound deli roast beef, thinly sliced
- 6 provolone cheese slices, halved
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Prepare the sliders by first preheating the oven to 350°F. Carefully slice the entire package of rolls horizontally, keeping them connected as one unit. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a baking dish, creating a base for the sliders.
Layer the thinly sliced roast beef evenly across the roll bottoms, followed by the halved provolone cheese slices. Gently replace the top half of the rolls, creating a complete sandwich.
Mix the melted butter with garlic powder and brush generously over the top of the rolls. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 2 minutes to achieve a golden-brown top. Allow the sliders to rest for 5 minutes before serving, which helps the cheese set and makes them easier to separate.
For best results, prepare the sliders up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. If the tops begin to brown too quickly during cooking, keep them covered with foil throughout the baking process. Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for up to 2 days.
Cooking Steps
You'll want to start by carefully slicing your Kings Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping them connected as one large piece.
Layer the bottom half generously with thin slices of roast beef and provolone cheese, ensuring even distribution across the surface.
Prepare your garlic butter mixture, brush the tops, cover with foil, and bake until the cheese transforms into a melty, golden-brown delight that'll have everyone eager to grab a slider.
Step 1. Slice Rolls Horizontally
One precise technique transforms these Kings Hawaiian rolls into perfectly layered sliders: carefully slicing the entire package horizontally.
You'll want a long, sharp serrated knife to make a clean cut through the entire package of rolls simultaneously. Hold the rolls tightly together, keeping them connected at the bottom, and slice straight across the middle, creating a top and bottom "lid" that remains attached.
Key steps for perfect horizontal slicing:
- Use gentle, consistent pressure
- Ensure knife is parallel to the counter
- Cut through all rolls in one smooth motion
- Maintain roll structure during slicing
This method allows you to create a seamless base for layering roast beef and cheese, keeping the rolls intact and making assembly quick and uniform.
The result? A professional-looking slider preparation that'll impress your guests.
Step 2. Layer Roast Beef and Cheese
After smoothly slicing the rolls horizontally, you're ready to transform those soft Hawaiian rolls into mouthwatering sliders.
Spread the bottom half of the connected rolls evenly in your baking dish, creating a sturdy foundation for your layers.
Carefully arrange the thinly sliced deli roast beef across the rolls, ensuring full coverage without overwhelming the delicate bread.
Next, strategically place the halved provolone cheese slices atop the roast beef, creating a precise, even cheese layer that'll melt beautifully during baking.
Key layering tips:
- Use approximately 1 pound of roast beef
- Cut provolone slices in half for optimal coverage
- Distribute meat and cheese uniformly
- Avoid overstuffing to maintain slider structural integrity
Gently replace the top half of the rolls, preparing them for the butter and garlic powder finish.
Step 3. Cover With Foil
Shield your roast beef sliders with aluminum foil, creating a protective culinary tent that traps steam and ensures even, gentle heating. The foil prevents excessive browning while maintaining moisture, helping your sliders stay succulent and tender.
Key covering techniques:
- Loosely drape foil to allow slight air circulation
- Ensure complete coverage of baking dish
- Press edges gently to seal in heat
- Leave minimal gaps for steam release
When covering the sliders, use heavy-duty aluminum foil for best results. The foil barrier moderates temperature, preventing quick surface burning while allowing internal ingredients to warm uniformly.
This method guarantees your roast beef and cheese melt perfectly without drying out the delicate Hawaiian rolls.
Carefully remove foil during the final baking minutes to achieve a golden, crispy top.
Step 4. Brush With Garlic Butter
The secret to elevating these roast beef sliders lies in the luscious garlic butter brushing technique. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe dish, then whisk in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder until thoroughly combined.
Use a silicone pastry brush to generously coat the top of the connected Hawaiian rolls, ensuring even coverage across the entire surface.
Key brushing tips:
- Apply butter when rolls are at room temperature
- Use gentle, sweeping motions
- Cover every inch of the roll tops
- Allow excess butter to drip into the baking dish
The garlic-infused butter will create a golden, crispy exterior while adding rich, aromatic flavor to your sliders.
When baked, the butter helps transform ordinary rolls into a restaurant-quality appetizer that'll impress your guests.
Step 5. Bake Until Cheese Melts
Although the prepped sliders look tempting, you'll want to follow precise baking instructions to transform them into a mouthwatering dish.
Cover the baking dish with foil, ensuring a tight seal to trap moisture and help the cheese melt evenly. Place the pan in a preheated 350°F oven, and bake for 10-12 minutes, which allows the cheese to become perfectly gooey and the roast beef to warm through.
Watch for these key visual cues:
- Cheese starts to bubble and soften
- Edges of rolls turn slightly golden
- Butter mixture creates a glossy sheen
After the initial covered baking, remove the foil and return the sliders to the oven for an additional 2 minutes. This final step helps create a delicately crisp, golden-brown top that adds a satisfying textural contrast to the melted cheese and tender beef.
Final Thoughts
When preparing roast beef sliders, you'll discover a foolproof recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game day favorite. These miniature sandwiches offer versatility and convenience, allowing you to prep ahead and impress guests with minimal effort.
The key to success lies in selecting quality ingredients, particularly soft Hawaiian rolls and fresh deli roast beef. Pay attention to precise baking times, watching for golden-brown tops and perfectly melted cheese.
Experiment with additional seasonings like dried herbs or mustard to personalize your sliders. Remember that resting the dish for a few minutes after baking helps cheese set and flavors meld.
Whether serving at a party or enjoying a quick family meal, these sliders provide a satisfying, easy-to-assemble option that's sure to become a go-to recipe in your culinary repertoire.
