Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Beef Mixture
01 -
2 teaspoons olive oil
02 -
1 pound lean ground beef (10% fat) or medium ground beef (20% fat)
03 -
1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 -
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (regular or light)
05 -
2 tablespoons BBQ sauce (or ketchup)
06 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
08 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Topping for Rolls
09 -
2 tablespoons butter
10 -
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
11 -
1 tablespoon brown sugar (or maple syrup)
12 -
2 teaspoons sesame seeds (or Everything Bagel Seasoning)
→ Rolls and Cheese
13 -
12 Hawaiian rolls (1 package)
14 -
8 slices cheddar cheese (or 6-8 ounces shredded cheese)
15 -
1 tablespoon soft butter (to spread on pan)
# Instructions:
01 -
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.
02 -
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.
03 -
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.
04 -
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.
05 -
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.
06 -
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.
07 -
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.
08 -
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.
09 -
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.
10 -
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.
# Notes:
01 -
For a different protein option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based ground beef. The cooking method remains the same.
02 -
These sliders can be made several hours ahead - prepare and assemble, cover, refrigerate, then bake for 15-16 minutes when ready to serve.
03 -
Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
04 -
For make-ahead freezing, assemble the sliders completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 15-18 minutes until heated through.