⭐ Why Melinda Loves Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

There’s so much to love about these cheeseburger sliders, making them a personal favorite for any meal or gathering. Here’s why they consistently earn a top spot on my recipe rotation:

Sliders are incredibly easy to make! This recipe is a true time-saver, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast. They come together with minimal fuss and are ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes from start to finish. This quick turnaround makes them ideal for last-minute gatherings or as a convenient, satisfying dinner for the family. Plus, the recipe is easily scalable – make a small batch for your household or double (or even triple!) it to effortlessly feed a large crowd without extra stress.

Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are a convenient and flavorful foundation. These distinctively sweet and soft rolls are widely available in most grocery stores, making them a hassle-free ingredient to source. Their unique flavor profile, with a hint of sweetness and tropical essence, perfectly complements the savory beef and cheese, creating a harmonious balance that makes these sliders truly stand out. They’re a convenient shortcut to gourmet taste!

You can easily make them ahead of time. Planning ahead is key to stress-free entertaining and meal prep, and these sliders fit the bill perfectly. You can assemble the cheeseburger sliders in advance, cover them, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to pop them into the oven. This flexibility means you can prepare them hours before a party or earlier in the day for a quick dinner, saving you valuable time when it matters most.

🍞 Ingredients to Have on Hand

Ground Beef: A single pound of lean ground beef is all you need for this recipe, regardless of whether you’re making 12 or 16 sliders. It provides the hearty, savory foundation for these mini burgers. Opt for a leaner blend (like 80/20 or 85/15) to minimize grease, but any ground beef will work. Be sure to drain any excess fat after cooking for the best texture and flavor in your sliders.

American Cheese: This cheese is truly the secret weapon for achieving that signature melty, gooey, and irresistibly cheesy bottom layer in your sliders. Its pre-sliced format makes it incredibly easy to handle and arrange, and when heated, it melts beautifully and spreads evenly across the rolls. American cheese also holds a special place in many hearts, being a top choice for classic hamburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches for decades, offering a somewhat nostalgic and comforting flavor that’s hard to beat.

Bacon: While this is an optional ingredient, I highly recommend including it for that distinctive salty, smoky, and savory crunch that makes these cheeseburger sliders utterly irresistible. The crispy bacon bits add another layer of texture and a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the subtle sweetness of the Hawaiian Sweet Rolls. You can easily cook and crumble 4-5 slices of your favorite bacon, or for extra convenience, use pre-packaged real bacon crumbles.

Worcestershire Sauce & Dried Onion Flakes: These two ingredients are crucial for seasoning the ground beef, infusing it with a rich, umami depth and a subtle onion flavor that mirrors a classic diner burger. The dried onion flakes rehydrate and soften beautifully during cooking, providing flavor without the raw crunch of fresh onions, while the Worcestershire sauce adds a savory punch.

📖 Customization & Substitutions

One of the many joys of making sliders is their incredible versatility. Just like a classic full-sized cheeseburger, these mini versions are easily customizable to suit your personal tastes, dietary preferences, or whatever ingredients you happen to have on hand. Feel free to get creative and make these sliders truly your own!

Cheese: While American cheese is highly recommended for its impeccable melting properties and nostalgic flavor (it rarely separates or becomes greasy when heated, making it pretty much foolproof), you have other excellent options. If you’re looking for a different flavor profile or prefer other types of cheese, consider swapping it for slices of Havarti, Provolone, Monterey Jack, or Colby-Jack cheese. All of these varieties are known for their excellent meltability and will create a wonderfully gooey layer. You can even experiment with sharper cheeses like aged cheddar, though they may not melt as smoothly as American cheese.

Rolls: I’m undeniably a big fan of the **King Hawaiian Sweet Rolls** for this recipe; their unique sweetness and soft texture are truly a perfect match. However, if Hawaiian rolls aren’t available or if you prefer a different bread, you can certainly use other pre-baked dinner rolls. The key is to use rolls that come attached in a block rather than separated individual rolls, as this makes slicing and assembling the sliders much easier. Simply slice the entire block down the middle horizontally (as shown in the photo above) to create a clear top and bottom layer. Potato rolls or even soft brioche rolls would make excellent alternatives, offering a slightly different but equally delicious base.

Sesame Seeds: While you certainly don’t have to sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the sliders after brushing them with melted butter, it’s a lovely touch that adds both visual appeal and a subtle nutty flavor, reminiscent of classic burger buns. It elevates the look of these mini cheeseburgers, making them even more appetizing. If you’re out of sesame seeds or want to try something different, you could easily use (affiliate link) Everything Bagel Seasoning instead – it adds a fantastic savory, garlicky, and oniony crunch that pairs beautifully with the cheeseburger flavors. Alternatively, if you prefer to keep it simple, skipping the topping altogether won’t compromise the deliciousness of the sliders.

Onions: Instead of dried onion flakes, you could use about 2 tablespoons of finely diced fresh onion. Cook it in the skillet before adding the ground beef until softened and translucent, then proceed with the recipe as directed. This will give a slightly more prominent, fresh onion flavor.

Step 1: Brown the Beef. Begin by placing a medium-sized skillet on your stovetop over medium-high heat. Lightly spray the pan with cooking spray (like Pam) or add a few teaspoons of vegetable oil to prevent the beef from sticking. Once heated, add the pound of ground beef to the skillet. Use a fork or spatula to break the beef into crumbles as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. Continue cooking until no longer pink and fully cooked through. (See Photo #1 for visual reference).

Step 2: Season the Beef. Once your ground beef is cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet using a spoon or by tilting the pan and scooping out the fat. Return the beef to the skillet over medium heat. Now, add the dried onion flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and your cooked bacon bits (remember, bacon is an optional but highly recommended addition for extra flavor!). Sprinkle a few tablespoons of water over the ingredients in the skillet. Cook and stir this mixture for about one to two minutes, or until the onion flakes have softened and the water has evaporated, ensuring all the flavors are well combined and the beef is perfectly seasoned. (See Photo #2 showcasing the seasoned beef mixture).

Step 3: Prepare the Rolls. Take the entire package of Hawaiian Sweet Rolls and, using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice them in half horizontally. This action creates a distinct bottom layer and a top layer of rolls, keeping them all connected for easy assembly. Place the bottom layer of rolls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. (Photo #3 illustrates the bottom layer of rolls on the baking sheet).

Step 4: Layer the American Cheese. Next, arrange the slices of American cheese evenly over the entire bottom layer of the Hawaiian rolls. If you’re using more than the standard 5 slices – which I highly recommend for extra cheesiness – simply overlap the additional cheese slices slightly to ensure complete and even coverage of the rolls. This generous cheese layer will melt into a deliciously gooey foundation for your sliders! (Photo #4 demonstrates the cheese slices neatly covering the bottom rolls).

Step 5: Add the Ground Beef. Now, spoon the thoroughly cooked and seasoned ground beef mixture directly from the skillet onto the American cheese slices, distributing it as evenly as possible. (Photo #5 shows the ground beef being added).

Step 6: Spread the Beef Evenly. Using the back of your spoon or a spatula, gently spread the cooked meat across the entire surface of the cheese layer. This critical step ensures that each individual slider will have a generous and even portion of flavorful beef. Don’t worry if a few pieces of ground beef happen to fall off the edges of the sweet rolls – these delicious bits can easily be scooped up and enjoyed when it’s time to serve the sliders. (Photo #6 depicts the beef mixture being spread uniformly).

Step 7: Sprinkle with Cheddar Cheese. Evenly sprinkle the grated Cheddar cheese directly on top of the ground beef layer. This adds another dimension of cheesy flavor and creates a beautiful, melted top layer once baked. (Photo #7 illustrates the shredded Cheddar cheese being added).

Step 8: Distribute the Cheddar. Gently spread the grated Cheddar cheese across all of the ground beef, ensuring it forms an even layer over the meat. This guarantees maximum cheesiness in every slider. (Photo #8 shows the Cheddar cheese spread evenly).

Step 9: Add the Top Rolls & Butter. Carefully place the top half of the Hawaiian Sweet Rolls back onto the assembled beef and cheese layers. Once the top rolls are in place, use a pastry brush to lightly brush each roll with melted butter. This butter layer will help them achieve a beautiful golden brown crust and a delightful richness during baking. (Photo #9 shows the top rolls being placed and brushed with butter).

Step 10: Garnish with Sesame Seeds. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the buttered tops of the rolls. This adds a classic burger bun appearance and a subtle nutty flavor. Take a moment to admire those incredible layers of beefy, cheesy goodness – they’re almost ready for the oven! (Photo #10 highlights the finished assembly with sesame seeds).

Step 11: Bake to Perfection. Place the baking sheet with your assembled sliders into the preheated oven. Check the sliders after approximately 10 minutes of baking. Since all of your fillings (ground beef, bacon) are already cooked and the rolls are pre-baked, the primary goal here is simply to melt the cheese thoroughly and allow the tops of the rolls to become lightly browned and toasted. This quick bake ensures everything is warm and gooey without drying out the rolls. (Photo #11 shows the sliders after baking, perfectly golden and melted).

Step 12: Slice and Serve. Once baked to perfection, remove the sliders from the oven. To make serving easier and ensure neat portions, use a serrated knife – or any sharp slicing knife – to gently separate the rolls along their natural lines. This allows for individual sliders to be easily picked up and enjoyed by everyone. Serve them warm with your favorite condiments! (Photo #12 demonstrates the slicing process for easy serving).

Pro Tip: Maximizing Cheesiness

For those who truly love an extra cheesy slider (and who doesn’t?!), I highly recommend using a few extra slices of American cheese on the bottom layer beyond the recipe’s minimum. This simple trick adds a substantial boost of gooey, melty goodness to each mini burger, creating a more decadent and satisfying experience. I often find myself using 8 slices of American cheese for a 12-count pack of rolls, or even going for a double layer with 10 slices, overlapping them slightly to ensure every inch of the rolls is covered. This pro tip guarantees an even more irresistible result!

Absolutely, using fresh onions is a delicious option and can add a vibrant, slightly sharper flavor to your sliders. If you choose to do so, finely dice about 2 tablespoons of fresh onion. Cook these diced onions in the skillet first, before adding the ground beef, until they are softened and translucent. This step ensures their flavor mellows and integrates well with the beef. Then, proceed with the rest of the recipe as instructed, omitting the dried onion flakes. You can find more details about this and other customizations under the Substitutions heading above.

Storing and reheating these cheeseburger sliders is quite simple, making them great for meal prep! To store, allow any leftover sliders to cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

For reheating, the microwave is often the easiest and quickest option. Place one or more sliders on a microwave-safe plate and warm them up at half power for about 45 seconds to 1 minute, or until the cheese is softened and the rolls are warm and tender. This gentle heating prevents the rolls from becoming tough.

Alternatively, you can reheat them in an oven. Place the sliders on a baking sheet and bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melty again. The oven method can help re-crisp the rolls slightly.

Yes, these cheeseburger sliders freeze surprisingly well, making them an excellent option for future quick meals or emergencies. After baking the sliders, allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Then, for best results, wrap each individual slider tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Once wrapped, place them in a larger airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To defrost and reheat, unwrap the frozen sliders. You can either let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or bake them directly from frozen. Place them on a baking sheet in an oven preheated to 325°F (160°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are thoroughly warmed through and the cheese is melted and gooey.

You absolutely can, and it’s a fantastic idea for any serious cheese lover! Using American cheese on both the bottom layer (under the beef) and the top layer (over the beef, perhaps replacing the Cheddar or in addition to it) would make your sliders extraordinarily cheesy and incredibly gooey. The excellent melting properties of American cheese ensure that both layers will become wonderfully soft and luscious, enhancing the overall experience. This customization is perfect for those who want to maximize the “cheesy” factor in their cheeseburger sliders!

🥓 What to Serve with Cheeseburger Sliders

Cheeseburger sliders are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a wide array of side dishes and condiments, turning a simple meal into a delightful feast. Here are some of my favorite recommendations:

Condiments: Elevate your slider experience by offering a selection of classic and creative condiments. Naturally, any condiment you’d typically serve with traditional hamburgers will be delicious here, including ketchup, mustard (Dijon, honey mustard, or spicy brown!), and mayonnaise. However, for an incredible flavor boost, I highly recommend our Homemade Fry Sauce – it’s a game-changer! Don’t be afraid to experiment; sharing your favorite BBQ sauce, a gourmet aioli, or even a variety of sweet and spicy mustards can add an exciting twist and allow everyone to customize their perfect bite.

Classic Cheeseburger Sides: No matter the season, classic burger accompaniments are always a welcome addition to sliders. Consider lighter, refreshing options such as a bright Sweet Corn Pasta Salad, which offers a lovely textual and flavor contrast. A Crunchy Cole Slaw provides a refreshing, tangy crunch, while a creamy English Pea Salad adds a unique sweetness. For a heartier option, my favorite Red Potato Salad is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs perfectly with the savory sliders.

Pickles and Tomatoes: Fresh, crisp elements are essential for balancing the richness of the cheeseburger sliders. A platter of sliced dill pickles, sweet bread and butter pickles, or even a crispy cucumber salad offers a tangy, acidic counterpoint. Thick slices of ripe, fresh tomatoes also provide a juicy freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully, making each slider feel complete.

French Fries: As a food blogger proudly based in Idaho, I would be absolutely remiss not to emphasize the essential role of potatoes in this recipe! Crispy French fries, whether classic shoestring, hearty steak fries, or savory sweet potato fries, are the ultimate companion to any cheeseburger. Serve them hot alongside your sliders for a truly satisfying and complete meal experience. Don’t forget that homemade fry sauce for dipping!

Pro Tip: Don’t Overbake!

It’s crucial to be careful not to overbake these delicious sliders. The beauty of this recipe is that the ground beef is already fully cooked and the Hawaiian rolls are pre-baked before assembly. Therefore, the goal of baking is primarily to melt the cheese until it’s wonderfully gooey and to give the top of the rolls a lovely, light golden-brown “toasting.” There’s no need to cook them for an extended period. I’ve consistently found that 10 to 15 minutes in a preheated oven is almost always plenty of time to achieve the perfect melty, warm, and toasted result without drying out the rolls. Keep a close eye on them!

🍽 More Crowd-Pleasing Recipes for Game Day

Cheeseburger Sliders with Sweet Hawaiian Rolls are renowned for being hearty, incredibly cheesy, and an undeniable crowd favorite – making them perfect for any gathering, especially game day! If you’re planning a menu to feed a lively game day crowd or just looking for more delicious, easy-to-share recipes, here are some other fantastic options from my kitchen that I know you and your guests will absolutely enjoy. These recipes are designed to be flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for sharing with friends and family.