Introduction

These Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders are a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors. Soft Hawaiian rolls cradle seasoned beef, melted cheese, pickles, and caramelized onions for a deliciously satisfying bite-sized treat. Ideal for parties, game days, or a fun family dinner.

Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 lbs 80/20 ground beef
12 pack Hawaiian rolls
11 slices Colby jack cheese (or American cheese)
1 large sweet onion, diced
24 dill pickles
6 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cracked pepper
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1.5 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
2 teaspoons pickled juice
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to broil.
Step 2: Slice the pack of Hawaiian rolls horizontally. Place them cut side up, side-by-side, on a lined baking sheet. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter and use a basting brush to butter the inside of all the rolls. Broil in the oven for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, watching closely to prevent burning.
Step 3: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to bake.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine ground beef with salt and cracked pepper. Mix gently, then press the seasoned beef evenly into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Bake for 20 minutes.
Step 5: While the beef cooks, sauté the diced onions in a pan over low heat with 1 tablespoon butter until browned and caramelized, about 15 minutes.
Step 6: When beef is done, drain off the pan juices thoroughly.
Step 7: To assemble the sliders, leave the buns on the baking sheet. Add a layer of dill pickles to the bottom halves. Using two spatulas, carefully transfer the cooked beef slab onto the bottom buns. Top with a double layer of cheese slices, then spread the caramelized onions evenly over the cheese. Place the top halves of the buns back on.
Step 8: Melt 1 tablespoon butter and brush it over the top buns. Optionally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Return the sliders to the oven and bake for 15 more minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickled juice, and cayenne pepper to make a zesty spread that complements the sliders perfectly.
For extra flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the ground beef.
Swap Colby jack with cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a sharper or spicier bite.
Serve sliders with a side of crispy fries or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Storage

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to keep the buns soft and the cheese melted. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and onions a day in advance and assemble the sliders just before baking. This will save time on the day of serving.

What can I use instead of Hawaiian rolls?

If Hawaiian rolls aren’t available, soft dinner rolls or slider buns work well as substitutes, but the unique sweetness of Hawaiian rolls adds a special touch to the sliders.

Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.8 from 127 reviews

These Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders are a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal featuring savory seasoned ground beef, melted Colby jack cheese, sautéed sweet onions, and tangy pickles, all sandwiched between soft and lightly toasted Hawaiian rolls with a buttery finish.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Slider Assembly

12 pack Hawaiian rolls
24 dill pickles
11 slices Colby jack cheese (or American cheese)
Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Meat & Seasoning

2 lbs 80/20 ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cracked pepper

Sautéed Onions

1 large sweet onion, diced
1 tablespoon butter

Butter & Sauces

6 tablespoons butter (4 tbsp for toasting buns, 1 tbsp for onions, 1 tbsp for brushing top buns)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1.5 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
2 teaspoons pickled juice
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Buns: Preheat your oven to broil. Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally and place them cut side up on a lined baking sheet. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter and brush the cut sides of the rolls evenly. Broil them in the oven for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Lower Oven Temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F to prepare for baking the beef.
Season and Shape Beef: In a large mixing bowl, add the 2 lbs of 80/20 ground beef along with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon cracked pepper. Mix well to combine. Press the seasoned beef evenly into a 9×13 casserole dish to form a slab.
Bake the Beef: Place the casserole dish with the beef into the preheated 350°F oven and bake for 20 minutes until cooked through.
Sauté Onions: While the beef is baking, heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over low heat. Add the diced sweet onion and sauté gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are browned and caramelized.
Drain Beef: Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the oven and carefully drain off and discard any pan juices to prevent sogginess in the sliders.
Assemble Sliders: On the baking pan with the toasted bottom buns, layer the dill pickles evenly. Using two spatulas, carefully lift and transfer the cooked beef slab onto the pickle-lined buns. Immediately top the beef with a double layer of cheese slices. Spread the sautéed onions evenly over the cheese. Close each slider with the top buns.
Butter and Broil the Tops: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and brush it over the top buns. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Return the assembled sliders to the oven and bake at 350°F for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and the tops are warmed through.

Notes

Watch closely during broiling to prevent burning the buns.
Use 80/20 ground beef for ideal juiciness and flavor balance.
You can substitute Colby jack cheese with American cheese for a classic flavor.
Sautéing onions low and slow brings out their sweetness—do not rush this step.
Optional: add a drizzle of the prepared sauce (mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickled juice, cayenne mixture) inside the sliders for extra tang and spice.

Keywords: Hawaiian Roll Sliders, Cheeseburger Sliders, Party Appetizer, Baked Sliders, Ground Beef Recipe