Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

These Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. They combine the sweet, pillowy softness of Hawaiian rolls with the savory satisfaction of perfectly seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar cheese. Layered with tangy pickles and classic condiments like ketchup and mustard, these mini burgers bring all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a bite-sized, shareable form.

Whether you’re hosting a game day party, planning a family dinner, or just looking for a fun recipe to switch things up, these sliders are guaranteed to impress. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes. Add sautéed onions, bacon, or jalapeños for an extra kick. Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad for a meal everyone will rave about.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 6 slices cheddar cheese, halved

  • 1/2 cup dill pickle slices

  • 1/4 cup ketchup

  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact.

  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain any excess grease.

  4. Add Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir to combine and cook for 2 more minutes.

  5. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a 9×13 baking dish.

  6. Evenly spread the cooked beef mixture over the rolls.

  7. Layer with cheddar cheese slices, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and optional mayo.

  8. Place the top half of the rolls back on.

  9. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

  10. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

  11. Slice into individual sliders and serve warm.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings (2 sliders per serving)

Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls: The Ultimate Comfort Food

If you’re looking for the ultimate party food, crowd-pleasing dinner, or fun weeknight recipe that’s both nostalgic and delicious, look no further than Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls. These bite-sized beauties combine everything you love about a classic cheeseburger, savory ground beef, melted cheddar, tangy pickles, and zesty condiments, layered onto soft, buttery, and slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls. Then they’re brushed with butter, baked to golden perfection, and served hot and gooey.

It’s like fast food met homemade love in the oven and created something unforgettable.

Let’s dive deeper into why this recipe has become such a sensation, how you can make it your own, and why it deserves a permanent spot on your meal rotation.

Why These Sliders Work So Well

1. The Perfect Flavor Combo

There’s a reason cheeseburger are a worldwide favorite, juicy beef, gooey cheese, tangy pickles, and a mix of ketchup and mustard is a time-tested formula. But when you add the sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls to the mix, you elevate the flavor game with a subtle touch of sweetness. That contrast against the savory meat and sharp cheddar is pure harmony.

2. Texture Magic

These sliders are baked in the oven, allowing the bottom of the rolls to crisp slightly while the tops remain soft and pillowy. The cheese melts perfectly, binding all the layers together, while the pickles provide a satisfying crunch in each bite. The melted butter and sesame seed topping gives it a bakery-quality finish.

3. Convenience Without Compromise

Unlike traditional burgers that require shaping patties, grilling, flipping, and assembling each sandwich individually, this method is much easier. Everything is layered in one baking dish, baked all at once, and then sliced into perfect portions. You get all the satisfaction of a cheeseburger with half the effort and clean-up.

Perfect For Any Occasion

These cheeseburger sliders are the ultimate versatile dish. Here’s when and how you can serve them:

🏈 Game Day

When you’ve got a crowd gathered around the TV, these sliders are a no-brainer. Prepare them ahead of time and pop them in the oven right before kickoff. They stay warm for a while, and they’re easy to grab and eat with one hand, perfect for cheering with the other.

🎉 Parties and Potlucks

Whether it’s a birthday bash, baby shower, or neighborhood potluck, these sliders will be the first to disappear from the table. They’re easy to double or triple for a big group, and since they’re cut into individual portions, no one has to fight over serving sizes.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Dinners

Tired of the same old spaghetti night? Surprise your family with these cheeseburger sliders instead. They’re fun, kid-friendly, and customizable based on your family’s preferences (hello, bacon lovers!). Serve with a simple salad, fries, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

⏰ Meal Prep

Yes, these can even be prepped ahead and reheated throughout the week. Just assemble, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, bake them fresh. You can also freeze them baked or unbaked and pop them in the oven straight from the freezer.

How to Customize Your Sliders

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can use the base method and create countless variations to suit your dietary needs, taste preferences, or pantry situation.

🍖 Add-Ins and Toppings

  • Bacon: Crumbled cooked bacon adds smokiness and crunch.

  • Sautéed Onions or Mushrooms: Adds sweetness and umami.

  • Jalapeños: For those who love a little heat.

  • Barbecue Sauce: Swap out ketchup for a BBQ twist.

  • Different Cheeses: Try Swiss, pepper jack, American, or provolone.

🍞 Roll Options

While Hawaiian rolls are classic and add that beautiful sweet-savory contrast, you can also use:

  • Brioche slider buns

  • Plain dinner rolls

  • Potato rolls

  • Whole wheat mini buns for a healthier twist

🧂 Butter Topping Variations

Change the butter topping to suit your mood:

  • Garlic butter with parsley

  • Italian seasoning and parmesan

  • Everything bagel seasoning for a deli-style spin

Cooking Tips for Success

1. Use Lean Beef, But Not Too Lean

Ground beef around 85/15 strikes the right balance, it’s juicy without being greasy. If you go leaner, you risk dryness; go fattier, and you may end up with soggy sliders.

2. Don’t Overfill

It can be tempting to pile on toppings but be careful not to overstuff the sliders. You want everything to melt together nicely without overflowing or making the rolls soggy.

3. Cover While Baking (At First)

Covering the sliders with foil for the first portion of baking ensures everything heats evenly and the cheese melts without burning the tops. Removing the foil in the last few minutes allows the tops to crisp up beautifully.

4. Slice Before Serving

After baking, give the sliders a few minutes to rest, then slice them along the roll seams. This keeps them neat and lets you easily lift each portion out of the baking dish.

What to Serve With Cheeseburger Sliders

Make it a complete meal with these pairing ideas:

🍟 Sides

  • Crispy French fries or sweet potato fries

  • Coleslaw (adds a crunchy, refreshing element)

  • Classic potato salad

  • Garlic green beans or roasted broccoli

🥤 Drinks

  • Iced tea or lemonade for a casual summer vibe

  • Root beer floats for a retro feel

  • A crisp lager or pilsner pairs beautifully for the adults

🍰 Desserts

  • Chocolate chip cookies

  • Brownies

  • Banana pudding (especially if you’re going for that Southern comfort theme)

Why Hawaiian Rolls?

If you haven’t cooked with Hawaiian rolls before, you’re in for a treat. These slightly sweet, soft rolls are famous for their unique texture and flavor. Originally made popular by King’s Hawaiian, these rolls bring a delicate sweetness that pairs incredibly well with savory, salty fillings like seasoned beef and melted cheese.

The pull-apart format is ideal for sliders, they bake beautifully in one piece, then separate cleanly into individual portions. The softness of the bread soaks up flavor but still holds structure, meaning no soggy sandwiches here.

Make It Ahead or Freeze It

Another bonus? These sliders can be made ahead for busy days. Simply assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven and follow the same bake instructions.

Want to freeze? Go for it! You can wrap the assembled, unbaked sliders in foil and freeze them. Bake from frozen at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes, covered, then another 5-7 minutes uncovered. You can also freeze baked sliders and reheat them in the oven or microwave.

Storage & Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Reheat: Warm them in the oven at 300°F until heated through, or microwave individual sliders for about 30–60 seconds.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls are more than just a quick meal, they’re a celebration of flavors and textures that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re prepping for a casual family dinner, a party with friends, or just a fun weekend meal, these sliders are the ultimate choice. They’re simple, satisfying, and totally customizable.

Plus, who doesn’t love the nostalgic combo of cheeseburgers and soft rolls, all in one easy-to-make dish?

Make them once, and they’ll become a regular request in your household, trust me. Give them a try, put your own twist on them, and let them become a part of your go-to comfort food lineup.

Leave a Comment