Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

Name: Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean or medium ground beef (10–20% fat); 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 teaspoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce or ketchup; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 12 Hawaiian rolls (1 package); 8 slices cheddar cheese or 6–8 oz shredded cheese; 1 tablespoon soft butter (for pan); 2 tablespoons butter (for glaze); 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or maple syrup); 2 teaspoons sesame seeds or Everything Bagel Seasoning

Jump to Recipe

There’s something nostalgic and comforting about a cheeseburger—whether it’s from a summer cookout, a quick weeknight bite, or a casual get-together. I remember making these sliders one Friday night when my friends popped over unexpectedly. With a pack of Hawaiian rolls, some ground beef, and cheese in the fridge, I pulled together a meal that looked and tasted like I’d planned it for days. These easy cheeseburger sliders with Hawaiian rolls quickly became my go-to for any casual gathering—and they’ll be yours too.

This lemon herb chicken recipe… just kidding. This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks because it skips the usual burger-by-burger flipping. With one sheet pan, no grill needed, and minimal cleanup, it’s a fast, foolproof way to enjoy juicy, cheesy burgers without the mess. Plus, it’s easy to make healthier with simple swaps, and it only takes around 30 minutes from start to finish.

Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

Why This Recipe is Special

These cheeseburger sliders offer everything you want in a meal—bold flavor, gooey cheese, and warm, buttery rolls—with none of the fuss. Instead of forming individual patties and standing over the stove, you cook the seasoned ground beef in a skillet and layer it into fluffy rolls with cheese. They’re perfect for game days, potlucks, or even a satisfying weeknight dinner. The buttery glaze on top adds a golden finish that makes them totally irresistible. The best part? They’re flexible enough to adjust to dietary needs or pantry constraints, making them ideal for beginners who want dependable results.

Ingredients and Preparation

Hawaiian Rolls
These slightly sweet, soft rolls hold the beef and cheese perfectly. Their small size makes them ideal for bite-sized sliders. If you can’t find them, substitute with mini brioche buns, potato rolls, or dinner rolls.

Ground Beef
Opt for lean or medium ground beef for juicy, flavorful sliders. Avoid extra-lean beef as it can dry out. You can also use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for a lighter option.

Onions
Onions add depth and sweetness to the beef mixture. If short on time, you can sauté them lightly or use dried onion flakes or onion soup mix.

Cheese
Melty cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or American work best. You can use slices for convenience or shred your own for better melting. Avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents as it doesn’t melt as smoothly.

Seasonings
A blend of garlic powder, BBQ sauce, mayo, salt, and pepper creates a rich, tangy, savory mix. You can also experiment with steak seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce to kick things up a notch.

Topping Glaze
Brushing the tops with a mix of butter, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar gives a sweet-savory finish. Sesame seeds add texture and visual appeal. You can simplify this by using just butter or add flair with Everything Bagel Seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil. For extra flavor and a golden bottom crust, lightly butter the surface of the pan.

Step 2
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions in a bit of oil for 5-6 minutes until golden. Add ground beef and break it up with a spatula, cooking until most of the pink is gone—about 3-4 minutes. Drain excess grease carefully by tipping the skillet and spooning it out.

Step 3
Turn off the heat and mix in BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This mixture forms the flavorful heart of your sliders.

Step 4
Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally as a single slab—keep them connected. Lay down a layer of cheese slices on the bottom half, then spread the beef mixture evenly over the top. Add another layer of cheese and replace the top half of the rolls.

Step 5
In a small bowl, microwave butter, Dijon, and brown sugar for about 25 seconds. Stir to combine, then brush generously over the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Step 6
Place the assembled sliders on your prepared pan and bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is melty. Slice along the roll lines and serve hot.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Avoid Soggy Sliders: Always drain the beef well and use cheese both below and above the filling to create a moisture barrier.

Time-Saving Hacks: Use pre-sliced cheese and substitute dried onions if needed.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Cook the beef mixture in advance and assemble the sliders later. Fully assembled sliders can even be frozen and baked directly from frozen.

If your beef mixture turns out too greasy, don’t panic—just blot with a paper towel. If the tops brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these easy sheet pan sliders with classic sides like fries, chips, or tomato soup for a hearty meal. For a lighter take, pair with coleslaw, a crisp salad, or baked sweet potato wedges.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through. You can also freeze assembled sliders for up to 3 months—just bake from frozen when ready to enjoy.

Conclusion

These cheeseburger sliders with Hawaiian rolls are the definition of comfort food made easy—juicy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re new to cooking or just short on time, this lemon herb chicken… (just checking again!)—this quick and healthy meal is a winner. Give it a try, mix up the flavors to suit your style, and let me know in the comments how it went. I’d love to hear your twist on these easy sheet pan dinners!

FAQ About Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

Q1: Can I make these cheeseburger sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. For best results, assemble the sliders just before baking. Fully assembled sliders can also be frozen and baked later.

Q2: What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?

Melty cheeses like cheddar, provolone, American, or pepper jack are ideal. You can use slices or freshly shredded cheese for better melt quality. Avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents if possible.

Q3: How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?

To prevent soggy rolls, drain the cooked beef well, place cheese on both the top and bottom of the filling, and bake uncovered. You can also blot the beef mixture with paper towels before assembling.

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