Name: Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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 (from dill pickles); 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

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Whenever I’m craving a fun, flavorful twist on classic cheeseburgers that’s perfect for parties or casual weeknight dinners, I turn to my Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe. These little sliders are juicy, cheesy, and topped with a tangy homemade burger sauce that just ties everything together beautifully. What I love most is how the sweet softness of the Hawaiian rolls contrasts with the savory filling — it’s like the ultimate bite-sized flavor party.

This recipe is a real crowd-pleaser and super versatile. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends for game night, these sliders come together quickly and look ridiculously good on the plate. Plus, they bring that nostalgic, comfort-food vibe everyone loves, but with a gourmet touch thanks to the easy yet flavorful sauce. Trust me – once you make these Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders, they’ll become a go-to recipe you keep coming back to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe are simple but they work together to create a balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and creamy. You’ll want fresh, quality ground beef and those iconic sweet Hawaiian rolls for that perfect fluffy base.

Ground beef (80/20): The fat content is important here for juicy, flavorful sliders without drying out.
Hawaiian rolls: Make sure to get the sweet rolls—they’re what make these sliders uniquely delicious.
Colby jack or American cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture that everyone loves.
Sweet onion: Adds a mild crunch and subtle sweetness to complement the beef.
Dill pickles: The tangy crunch keeps every bite exciting and fresh.
Butter: Used to brush the tops for a golden, shiny finish that’s downright irresistible.
Salt and cracked black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out beef’s natural flavor.
Mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickled juice, and cayenne pepper: Combined for an easy, creamy burger sauce that gives a little kick and extra zing.

Variations

I love to make this Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe my own by switching up a few ingredients here and there, so don’t be shy about tweaking it based on what you like or have on hand.

Cheese swap: I sometimes use sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a bolder flavor, which adds a nice kick.
Spicy sliders: Adding a pinch more cayenne or swapping pickled juice for hot sauce amps up the heat for spice lovers.
Turkey or chicken sliders: For a leaner option, ground turkey works great—just be careful to not overcook.
Vegetarian option: You can skip the beef and try a black bean patty instead, with the same sauce and toppings for a satisfying meatless slider.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, separate the Hawaiian rolls and slice them in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms attached in their original group so you can easily add the fillings and put them back together later without losing buns or crumbs.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef along with diced sweet onion, salt, and cracked black pepper. Use a spatula to break the meat into bite-sized pieces. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions have softened, usually about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat but keep the flavor in the pan.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Place the bottom half of the rolls in a baking dish. Evenly spread the cooked beef and onion mixture over the buns, then layer with slices of cheese (I like to cover any spots that aren’t covered with meat). Add a few dill pickle slices on top of the cheese for that satisfying crunch.

Step 4: Prepare the Burger Sauce

Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickled juice, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle or spread a generous amount of this easy burger sauce over the pickles before placing the top half of the rolls back on to finish your sliders.

Step 5: Butter and Bake

Mix melted butter with a tiny sprinkle of salt and brush it all over the top of the rolls—this makes the tops golden and irresistible after baking. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted perfectly and the rolls are warmed through. Then, remove the foil and bake another 5 minutes to get those tops extra toasty.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a few extra pickle slices on the side and sometimes a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for color and freshness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of coleslaw or a little sliced jalapeño adds a great pop.

Side Dishes

These sliders go wonderfully with classic sides like crispy French fries, onion rings, or even a fresh garden salad if you want something lighter. For a fun party spread, I often serve them alongside chips and homemade salsa or a cold pasta salad.

Creative Ways to Present

I once plated these Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe on a large wooden board, nestled between bowls of dipping sauces and pickled veggies—it was a hit at a game day gathering. You can also skew them with decorative toothpicks to make them easier to grab and eat finger-food style at casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (they rarely last long in my house), store the sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually wrap them in foil to keep the bread soft and the fillings intact.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these sliders before with good success—just assemble and wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil before popping them in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them later, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I suggest warming them in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 10-15 minutes wrapped in foil to retain moisture. If you want that crispy top back, remove the foil for the last few minutes. Microwaving is doable but can make the rolls a little soggy.

FAQs

Can I make Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes them perfect for busy days or entertaining.
What kind of ground beef is best for sliders?

I recommend 80/20 ground beef because the fat content keeps the sliders juicy and flavorful without being too greasy.
Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! Cheddar, pepper jack, or even Swiss cheese are great substitutions depending on your flavor preferences.
How do I keep the Hawaiian rolls from getting soggy?

Brushing the tops with butter before baking helps keep the bread from getting soggy and adds a delicious golden texture. Also, don’t add too much sauce inside before baking to prevent sogginess.
Can I add veggies or extras inside the sliders?

For sure! Sliced tomatoes, lettuce, or even sautéed mushrooms can be added to customize your sliders exactly how you like them.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s so easy, fun, and endlessly adaptable. Whenever I bring these to a gathering, I get asked for the recipe, and I love that it’s approachable enough for anyone to make. Give it a try—you’ll find that juicy beef, melty cheese, sweet rolls, and that tangy sauce create something really unforgettable. It’s like little comfort food hugs in slider form, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).