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Roast Beef and Cheddar Sliders

Big flavor in every little bite.

BAILEY SISSOM

November 17, 2024

We’re hosting Thanksgiving at our house for the first time ever, and I couldn’t be more excited—though I’ll admit, I’m also a little nervous. Joe’s parents and his brother’s family will be staying for a few days, bringing us to a full house of twelve. The boys are in charge of the turkey, and the girls are handling the rest of the meal, so Thanksgiving itself is covered. But we can’t live on leftovers for three days, so I’m planning make-ahead breakfasts, lunches, and dinners that can go straight from the fridge or freezer into the oven.

For lunch on Friday, I’m making a triple batch of these roast beef and cheese sliders. Soft Hawaiian rolls with melty cheese, savory roast beef, and a special sauce with just the right kick. I’ll set them out with individual bags of chips and a veggie tray or some fruit—nothing fancy, just easy options everyone can grab whenever they’re hungry.

The slider sauce is delicious and not to be skipped—but since it’s bold, I’ll also make a meat-and-cheese-only version for the kids and any picky eaters. I’ll likely skip the sesame seeds on top, too—because, honestly, I’d rather not spend ten minutes picking every seed off Cruz’s bun.

PRO TIP: Make more than you think you need—people love these. Both Sam’s Club and Costco carry large bags of King’s Hawaiian rolls, which freeze well, so I keep a stash on hand.

-Bailey

These Roast Beef and Cheese Sliders are the definition of easy crowd-pleasers. To make them, start by mixing up a quick, punchy sauce—mayo, garlic, poppy seeds, horseradish, and a few other flavors. Slice a block of Hawaiian rolls in half, slather on half the sauce, then layer on roast beef topped with shredded cheddar cheese. Spread the remaining sauce on the top layer of rolls, place them on top, and brush everything with a little melted butter. Bake until golden and melty.

Hosting a crowd for Thanksgiving weekend (or anytime!) calls for meals that are easy to make ahead, simple to reheat, and satisfying for everyone. These recipes keep things low-stress while still feeling special, giving you more time to enjoy with your guests.

Lunches and Dinners:

Quick Breakfasts:

Appetizers:

Roast Beef and Cheese Sliders with Zesty Sauce

Servings: 4-6 people

Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Sliders:

Hawaiian King Rolls (12 rolls, keep attached as one block)
Roast beef (1 lb, thinly sliced)
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup)
Butter (1 tbsp, melted)
Sesame seeds (1/2 tbsp, optional)

For The Special Sauce:

Mayo (1/4 cup)
Garlic (1 tbsp, minced)
Poppy seeds (1 tbsp)
Spicy mustard (1 tbsp)
Horseradish (1 tbsp)
Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp)
Hot sauce (1/2 tsp)
Salt (1/4 tsp)
Pepper (1/4 tsp)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven (2 minutes): Set your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, or use foil lightly coated with cooking spray or butter.

Make the Special Sauce (5 minutes): In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup mayo, 1 tbsp minced garlic, 1 tbsp poppy seeds, 1 tbsp spicy mustard, 1 tbsp horseradish, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp hot sauce, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Mix until well blended and set aside.

Prepare the Rolls (3 minutes): With a sharp knife, carefully slice the block of 12 Hawaiian Rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact. Place the bottom half of the rolls on the prepared baking sheet.

Assemble the Sliders (5 minutes): Spread half of the special sauce over the bottom layer of rolls on the baking sheet. Layer on 1 lb roast beef. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the roast beef. Spread the remaining sauce on the cut side of the top half of the rolls, then place it over the assembled sliders.

Brush and Top (2 minutes): Brush the 1 tbsp melted butter over the tops of the rolls, then sprinkle with 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds if desired.

Bake (10–12 minutes): Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.

Serve (1 minute): Once baked, remove from the oven, slice into individual sliders, and serve warm. Enjoy!

Cooking for a Crowd: This recipe makes 12 sliders, but it’s easy to double or triple. You can assemble them ahead and keep them in the fridge overnight, so they’re ready to bake and serve when you need them.

Freezer: To freeze, assemble the sliders according to the recipe directions. Wrap the assembled (unbaked) sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, add the sesame seeds (if desired), then bake until heated through.

Kid-Friendly: The sauce has a bold flavor, so if you’re serving kids or picky eaters, consider making a separate batch with just the meat and cheese. You can also skip the sesame seeds on top if they’re not a hit with younger eaters.

Nut-Free: Already is!

Gluten-Free: Swap out the King’s Hawaiian Rolls for a gluten-free alternative like Schär or Canyon Bakehouse dinner rolls, or any other gluten-free slider buns you prefer.

Dairy-Free: Replace the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free option like Daiya or Violife, and swap the butter for a plant-based margarine or vegan butter alternative.

Power Up: For an extra protein boost, add a layer of thinly sliced turkey or ham along with the roast beef, or tuck in a few slices of cooked bacon for added flavor and protein.