Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

Some recipes are built for special occasions. Others are made for everyday comfort. And then there are those rare creations that live perfectly in both worlds—simple yet indulgent, familiar yet crave-worthy, casual yet crowd-pleasing. Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders fall squarely into this delicious category. They’re not just miniature burgers—they’re small packages of flavor-packed satisfaction, sandwiched between pillowy sweet rolls and dripping with melted cheese, savory beef, and buttery glaze.

In a culinary world filled with endless innovation, it’s often the humble, nostalgic recipes that capture hearts and taste buds the most. These sliders bring people together—whether you’re hosting a game-day get-together, planning a family movie night, prepping lunch for picky eaters, or simply feeding a hungry crowd. There’s something undeniably joyful about pulling apart a tray of warm, golden, cheese-smothered sliders, their edges just a little crispy, the insides melty and rich, and the tops glistening with seasoned butter.

At the core of this dish is the sweet Hawaiian roll—a uniquely soft and slightly sweet bread that provides a perfect contrast to the savory elements inside. Unlike standard burger buns, Hawaiian rolls hold their shape while soaking up flavor. They strike that magical balance of soft and chewy, yielding under your bite without falling apart in your hands. Their slight sweetness enhances the beef and cheese, making every bite more memorable.

The cheeseburger filling itself is a playground for customization. You can go traditional with seasoned ground beef, American cheese, pickles, and onions—or elevate it with sharp cheddar, sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, jalapeños, or even a swipe of burger sauce or aioli. The sliders are baked as one cohesive tray, allowing the flavors to meld, the cheese to melt uniformly, and the buns to toast just enough to add a satisfying textural contrast. It’s comfort food at its finest—simple in method, bold in flavor, and universally loved.

What makes Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders so universally appealing isn’t just their taste—it’s their adaptability. This is a recipe that scales up effortlessly. You can prepare a full tray in under 30 minutes and feed a hungry family, a party crowd, or a group of teenagers in a way that feels casual, fun, and deeply satisfying. They’re also excellent for meal prep, making a lunchbox staple or next-day snack that reheats surprisingly well.

In this complete guide, we’ll explore every detail of how to perfect these sliders—from choosing the best ground beef and melting cheeses to layering for maximum flavor and executing that signature buttery glaze that gives them their golden crown. Whether you’re making them for the first time or looking to refine your slider game, this walkthrough is built to help you create a dish that’s both foolproof and unforgettable.

So fire up the oven, clear some space on your table, and get ready to discover why Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders are the ultimate answer to almost any food occasion. From weeknight dinners to party platters, this is the kind of recipe that never goes out of style—and always disappears fast.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders

Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients

Before starting, ensure you have everything ready to streamline the cooking process.

Ingredients

• 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (King’s Hawaiian brand is classic)

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 ratio recommended for juiciness)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional but adds depth)

• 12 slices of cheese (American, cheddar, or your favorite melting cheese)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Optional toppings: pickles, ketchup, mustard, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, bacon

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.

2. Mix gently using your hands or a fork until all ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the meat tender.

Tip: Overmixing ground beef can make the sliders tough.

Step 3: Form the Patties

1. Divide the meat mixture into 12 equal portions—roughly 2 ounces each.

2. Shape each portion into a small, thin patty slightly larger than the Hawaiian rolls, as they will shrink when cooking.

3. Place the patties on a plate or tray and set aside.

Pro Tip: Use a round cookie cutter or a small bowl to press patties evenly shaped if you want uniform sliders.

Step 4: Cook the Patties

Stove-Top Method:

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.

2. Add the patties to the hot pan, making sure not to overcrowd (cook in batches if necessary).

3. Cook for about 3 minutes on the first side, without pressing down (to retain juiciness).

4. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes.

5. Place a slice of cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to melt.

Alternative: You can grill the patties over medium-high heat for a smoky flavor.

Step 5: Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Slice the Hawaiian roll package in half horizontally to create a top and bottom bun layer but keep them connected if possible (or slice each roll individually).

3. Place the bottom half on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.

Step 6: Assemble the Sliders

1. Layer the cooked cheeseburger patties evenly on the bottom half of the rolls.

2. Add optional toppings like pickles, ketchup, mustard, or any preferred condiments.

3. Cover with the top half of the Hawaiian rolls.

Step 7: Prepare and Apply the Butter Glaze

1. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.

2. Brush this butter mixture generously over the tops of the Hawaiian rolls.

Why This Matters: The buttery glaze creates that signature shiny, flavorful crust that makes these sliders irresistible.

Step 8: Bake the Sliders

1. Place the assembled sliders in the preheated oven.

2. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the rolls are toasted and the cheese inside is melted further.

3. Optional: For a crisper top, broil the sliders for an additional 1–2 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove sliders from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes.

2. Slice the sliders apart if baked as a whole tray.

3. Serve warm with your favorite sides—coleslaw, fries, or chips are classic companions.