Cheeseburger Hawaiian Sliders

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

These cheeseburger sliders with Hawaiian rolls are a quick and crowd-pleasing option, ready in about 30 minutes. Soft, sweet rolls are filled with a seasoned beef and onion mixture, layered with melty cheddar cheese, then topped with a buttery Dijon glaze and sesame seeds before baking. Perfect for game day, parties, or an easy weeknight meal, these sliders eliminate the fuss of forming patties and flipping burgers. The result is a batch of juicy, cheesy sliders that are both satisfying and fun to share with family and friends.

A woman wearing glasses smiles for the camera.
Published By Ioana
Updated on Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:38:36 GMT
A plate of cheeseburger sliders with Hawaiian rolls. Bookmark
A plate of cheeseburger sliders with Hawaiian rolls. | ioanacooks.com

Cheeseburger sliders with Hawaiian rolls are the kind of dish that always brings people together. The recipe skips the fuss of forming mini patties and instead layers seasoned beef, melty cheese, and a buttery glaze over soft rolls for a meal that is both comforting and crowd friendly. Perfect for game days or a casual family dinner, these sliders are ready in just about thirty minutes.

I remember making these for the first time on a busy weeknight and being amazed at how quickly they disappeared. Now they are a tradition whenever we have friends over.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: gives the filling its hearty base and should have some fat for juiciness
  • Onion: adds sweetness and depth when sautéed until golden
  • Mayonnaise and BBQ sauce: keep the meat moist and balanced in flavor
  • Garlic powder salt and pepper: are essentials for seasoning
  • Hawaiian rolls: offer a soft and slightly sweet bun that pairs beautifully with the savory filling
  • Cheddar cheese: melts perfectly for that gooey layer everyone loves
  • Butter Dijon mustard and brown sugar: form a glaze that crisps and flavors the top of the rolls
  • Sesame seeds: give a classic burger finish with a hint of crunch

Step by Step Instructions

Sauté the Onions:
Cook finely chopped onion in olive oil over medium heat until browned and fragrant This forms the base of the beef mixture
Cook the Beef:
Add ground beef to the pan and cook until fully browned Break it apart with a spoon and spoon off excess grease
Season the Mixture:
Stir in mayonnaise BBQ sauce garlic powder salt and pepper Mix thoroughly so the flavors combine evenly
Prepare the Rolls:
Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally as a whole block keeping them connected for easy assembly
Layer Cheese:
Arrange cheese slices over the bottom half of the rolls to create a barrier that keeps them from getting soggy
Add Beef Mixture:
Spread the seasoned beef evenly over the cheese layer making sure to cover all corners
Add Top Cheese:
Place another layer of cheese slices on top of the beef mixture for extra melt and flavor
Glaze the Buns:
Mix melted butter Dijon mustard and brown sugar Brush this glaze generously over the top of the rolls and sprinkle with sesame seeds
Bake the Sliders:
Transfer the assembled rolls to a buttered baking pan and bake uncovered at 350°F or 175°C for 12 to 14 minutes until golden and the cheese is melted
Slice and Serve:
Cut the block of sliders into individual pieces and serve warm with your favorite condiments
A plate of cheeseburger sliders with Hawaiian rolls. Bookmark
A plate of cheeseburger sliders with Hawaiian rolls. | ioanacooks.com

My favorite part is the glaze It always reminds me of my grandmother who topped her buns with butter and sugar before baking It adds that irresistible finish that keeps everyone reaching for seconds

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat in the oven for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter option Provolone or pepper jack cheese are great swaps for cheddar

Serving Suggestions

Pair with fries or coleslaw for dinner or serve alone as a hearty appetizer Condiments like chipotle mayo or ranch dressing elevate the flavors even more

Cultural Note

Sliders have long been a staple of American party food but this version using Hawaiian rolls adds a sweet island inspired twist that balances the savory beef beautifully

A plate of cheeseburger sliders with Hawaiian rolls. Bookmark
A plate of cheeseburger sliders with Hawaiian rolls. | ioanacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ How many sliders should I serve per person?

As an appetizer, plan for one to two sliders per person. For a main meal, serve two to three depending on appetite and sides.

→ Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and assemble the sliders a few hours or even a day in advance. Bake just before serving for best results.

→ What cheese works best for these sliders?

Cheddar, provolone, gruyere, pepper jack, or American cheese all melt beautifully. Shredded or sliced cheese can be used.

→ How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?

Spoon off excess grease from the beef mixture, sandwich the filling between layers of cheese, and bake uncovered.

→ Can I substitute the Hawaiian rolls?

Yes, slider buns, mini brioche, potato rolls, or dinner rolls work well as substitutes for Hawaiian rolls.

→ Can I freeze these sliders?

Yes, assemble and freeze before baking. When ready to serve, bake from frozen and extend the cooking time slightly.

Cheeseburger Hawaiian Sliders

Juicy cheeseburger sliders baked with Hawaiian rolls and melted cheese, ready in just 30 minutes.

Time Needed to Prep
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Easy to Make

Type of Cuisine: American

Number of Portions: 6 How Many It Serves (12 sliders)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Beef Mixture

Ingredient 01 2 teaspoons olive oil
Ingredient 02 1 pound ground beef (10–20% fat)
Ingredient 03 1 medium onion, finely chopped
Ingredient 04 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Ingredient 05 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce or ketchup
Ingredient 06 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Ingredient 07 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Ingredient 08 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Topping for Rolls

Ingredient 09 2 tablespoons butter
Ingredient 10 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Ingredient 11 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup
Ingredient 12 2 teaspoons sesame seeds or Everything Bagel Seasoning

→ Rolls and Cheese

Ingredient 13 12 Hawaiian rolls (1 package)
Ingredient 14 8 slices cheddar cheese or 6–8 ounces shredded cheese
Ingredient 15 1 tablespoon soft butter for greasing pan

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook onions until browned.

Step 02

Add ground beef and cook through, then spoon off excess grease.

Step 03

Stir in mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Step 04

Slice Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected.

Step 05

Place a layer of cheese slices on the bottom half of the rolls.

Step 06

Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the cheese layer.

Step 07

Place another layer of cheese over the beef mixture.

Step 08

Melt butter, mix with Dijon and brown sugar, then brush over tops of rolls. Sprinkle sesame seeds.

Step 09

Arrange rolls on a buttered baking pan and bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes.

Step 10

Cut baked rolls into individual sliders and serve warm with desired condiments.

Extra Tips

  1. Drain excess grease from beef mixture to prevent soggy rolls.
  2. Sandwich the beef between two layers of cheese for best texture.
  3. Bake uncovered for a lightly crisp top and bottom.
  4. Assemble sliders just before baking for optimal freshness.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking pan
  • Brush for glaze

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains gluten (Hawaiian rolls)
  • Contains dairy (cheese, butter, mayonnaise)
  • Contains egg (mayonnaise)
  • Contains mustard (Dijon mustard)
  • Contains sesame (optional topping)