Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

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Introduction

If you love the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger but want something a little more fun and bite-sized, then you’re going to love these Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls. These mini burgers offer the perfect combination of savory beef, melted cheese, and a slightly sweet and fluffy roll, creating an irresistible snack or meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family get-together, a game day party, or simply craving a delicious twist on a classic, these sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

In this article, we’ll explore why Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls are the ultimate fusion of flavors, provide step-by-step instructions on how to make them, and share tips and variations to personalize these sliders to your liking. If you love cheeseburgers, you’ll love these sliders!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Mini Burger Magic: These sliders pack all the flavor of a regular cheeseburger but in a fun, bite-sized format. They’re perfect for serving guests or for quick, easy weeknight dinners.
  • Sweet and Savory: The combination of the sweet Hawaiian rolls with the savory beef patty creates an irresistible flavor profile that will have you coming back for more.
  • Customizable: You can easily personalize these sliders by swapping in your favorite cheeses, adding extra toppings like pickles, onions, or tomatoes, or even experimenting with different condiments.
  • Quick and Easy: These sliders come together in just a short time, making them a great choice for busy nights or last-minute entertaining.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a casual family dinner, a tailgating event, or a BBQ party, these sliders are sure to be a hit. They’re also great for meal prep!

Preparation Time and Servings

  • Total Time: 40 minutes (10 minutes for prep, 30 minutes for baking)
  • Servings: This recipe makes about 12 sliders, perfect for serving a crowd or a small family.
  • Nutrition Facts (per slider): Calories: 300, Protein: 15g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 20g.

Ingredients

For the Sliders:

  • 12 Hawaiian rolls: These soft and slightly sweet rolls are the perfect base for your sliders. They’re light and tender, providing a sweet contrast to the savory beef patties.
  • 1 lb ground beef: Opt for lean beef for a juicier patty. Ground beef provides the classic burger flavor, and it pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: For cooking the beef and preventing it from sticking.
  • 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the beef and brings out its natural juices.
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a bit of spice to balance the richness of the beef.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a touch of savory flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: This ingredient adds depth and richness to the beef, complementing the savory notes of the burger.
  • 12 slices of cheddar cheese: Classic cheddar cheese adds a creamy, melty layer on top of the patties.
  • Pickles (optional): For extra crunch and tang.
  • Lettuce (optional): Fresh lettuce adds a bit of crispness and freshness to the sliders.
  • Tomato slices (optional): Adds color, juiciness, and flavor to the sliders.

For the Hawaiian Roll Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For brushing the tops of the rolls before baking. It adds flavor and helps achieve a golden-brown finish.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy bite to the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon honey: Adds a hint of sweetness to complement the savory beef and cheese.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A savory touch that ties all the flavors together.
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley: Adds color and a fresh, herbaceous note.

Step-by-Step Preparation

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE BEEF PATTIES

  1. Season the Beef: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Use your hands to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as that can make the patties tough.
  2. Form the Patties: Divide the seasoned beef into 12 equal portions and shape them into small, slider-sized patties. Make sure each patty is slightly smaller than the Hawaiian rolls since they will shrink slightly as they cook.
  3. Cook the Patties: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef patties to the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. If you prefer your burgers well-done, cook them a bit longer. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.

SECOND STEP: PREPARE THE HAWAIIAN ROLLS

  1. Prepare the Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half, keeping the rolls attached in a connected block. You’ll need to slice through the entire set of rolls at once to ensure each slider has a bottom and top bun.
  2. Arrange the Rolls: Place the bottom halves of the rolls in a baking dish, making sure they fit snugly. This will keep the sliders together and help them hold their shape while baking.

THIRD STEP: ASSEMBLE THE SLIDERS

  1. Add the Beef Patties: Place a cooked beef patty on top of each bottom roll. Press down gently to ensure the patties stay in place.
  2. Add the Cheese: Place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty. If you prefer a meltier cheese, you can add two slices of cheese per patty or use a different type of cheese, such as American or Swiss.
  3. Add Pickles and Lettuce: For extra flavor, top the cheese with a couple of pickle slices. If you like, you can also add a few leaves of lettuce on top for crunch and freshness.

FOURTH STEP: MAKE THE HAWAIIAN ROLL SAUCE

  1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in the Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, and chopped parsley. Continue stirring until the mixture is well combined and heated through.
  2. Brush the Sauce: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the sauce over the top of the Hawaiian rolls. This will give the sliders a beautiful, golden finish and add flavor.

FIFTH STEP: BAKE THE SLIDERS

  1. Bake the Sliders: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled sliders (with the top buns) in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
  2. Check for Doneness: The sliders should be slightly crispy on top, and the cheese should be perfectly melted. Keep an eye on them so they don’t over-brown.

FINAL STEP: SERVE AND ENJOY

  1. Slice and Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and slice them into individual sliders. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, or barbecue sauce.
  2. Garnish: If desired, garnish with extra parsley or fresh pickles for a burst of color and extra flavor.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls are perfect for a variety of occasions, and they can be served in many ways. Here are some great ideas for serving:

1. As a Party Snack

These sliders are perfect for parties, whether it’s a birthday, a casual get-together, or a football game. They’re easy to eat, shareable, and loved by both kids and adults.

2. Pair with Fries or Onion Rings

Serve these sliders with classic side dishes like French fries, sweet potato fries, or crispy onion rings. The combination of sliders and fries is a guaranteed hit.

3. Serve with a Salad

For a lighter, more balanced meal, serve the sliders with a simple salad. A fresh green salad with vinaigrette or a creamy coleslaw pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the sliders.

4. As a Weeknight Dinner

These sliders are quick and easy, making them an excellent option for a family dinner. They can be assembled in advance and baked when you’re ready to eat.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

You can assemble the sliders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes them perfect for meal prep or make-ahead meals.

Additional Tips

  1. Make Ahead: You can prepare the sliders ahead of time by assembling them and storing them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. This can save you time when hosting a party.
  2. Customizing the Beef: If you prefer a different type of ground meat, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or lamb. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
  3. Spicy Version: For a spicy kick, consider adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture or as a topping.
  4. Vegetarian Version: You can make a vegetarian version by replacing the beef patties with veggie patties or portobello mushrooms for a meaty texture.

Recipe Variations

While the classic cheeseburger sliders are a favorite, there are many ways to tweak this recipe:

1. Use Different Cheeses

Experiment with different types of cheese, like mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack, for a unique twist on the classic cheeseburger flavor.

2. Add Extra Toppings

Feel free to load your sliders with extra toppings like sautéed onions, sautéed mushrooms, or even fried egg for added richness.

3. Make It Gluten-Free

If you need a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps instead of Hawaiian rolls.

Freezing and Storage

These sliders can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use. After baking, allow them to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze the assembled sliders for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

Special Equipment

  • Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish works best for assembling and baking these sliders.
  • Skillet: A large skillet is necessary for cooking the beef patties.
  • Pastry Brush: For brushing the Hawaiian roll sauce over the tops of the rolls.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of roll?

Yes! You can use other types of rolls, such as slider buns or brioche buns, if you prefer. However, Hawaiian rolls add a unique sweetness that complements the savory beef.

2. Can I make these sliders without cheese?

Yes! If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can simply skip the cheese and add extra toppings like avocado or sautéed vegetables.

3. Can I prepare these sliders in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the sliders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bake them until the cheese is melted and the rolls are golden.

4. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative to beef if you’re looking for a leaner option. You may need to adjust the seasoning to account for the milder flavor of turkey.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls are a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a classic cheeseburger in bite-sized form. Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding a crowd, or just craving something tasty, these sliders are the perfect choice. With their sweet and savory flavors, they’re sure to be a favorite for everyone at the table.

The versatility of these sliders makes them ideal for any occasion, and the best part is that you can customize them to suit your taste. From adding extra toppings to swapping the beef for turkey or even going vegetarian, these sliders offer endless possibilities.

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a casual meal, Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls are sure to be a hit. Enjoy every delicious bite!

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