One rainy afternoon, my neighbor Iris dropped by with a stack of old magazines and a craving for something “cheesy and warm” after spending the morning volunteering at the library. We sat at my kitchen table, flipping through pages while sipping hot tea, and we ended up talking more about food than books.
She mentioned a trip to Ohio years ago where she tried the best roast beef sandwich of her life—”smothered in cheese, tucked into a roll, and brushed with something buttery on top,” as she described it.
Inspired, I walked over to the fridge, grabbed the leftover deli roast beef, a half-used jar of barbecue sauce, and some Hawaiian rolls I had planned to save for Sunday brunch. It only took 20 minutes to pull together the first version of these sliders, and let me tell you, they didn’t even make it to the dinner table. Iris called them “a hug in a bun.”
Since that day, I’ve made these for book club nights, after-school snacks, and even once during a power outage with a little help from my toaster oven and flashlight. Simple, cheesy, and full of comfort, they’re the kind of recipe that makes you feel at home wherever you are.
Short Description
These Roast Beef and Cheddar Sliders are savory, cheesy, buttery, and baked until golden. Perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or cozy afternoons with a good friend.
Key Ingredients
- 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian rolls
- 12 ounces deli roast beef, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Arby’s original sauce or barbecue sauce
- 1 cup cheddar cheese sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 teaspoons everything bagel seasoning
Tools Needed
- Serrated knife
- Baking sheet
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Oven
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prep the Rolls
Using a serrated knife, slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls horizontally without separating them. Place the bottom halves on a baking sheet.
Step 3: Layer the Filling
Evenly distribute roast beef across the rolls. Spoon or drizzle the Arby’s sauce (or BBQ sauce) on top of the meat. Drop spoonfuls of cheddar cheese sauce on each slider, then gently spread.
Step 4: Top with Roll Lids
Place the top halves of the rolls back on.
Step 5: Make the Butter Topping
Mix melted butter with garlic powder and onion powder in a small bowl. Brush the mixture over the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle evenly with everything bagel seasoning.
Step 6: Bake
Bake on the middle oven rack for 12–14 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Step 7: Serve
Slice into individual sliders and serve warm. Offer extra sauce on the side.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: Bold roast beef, creamy cheddar, and tangy sauce all wrapped in soft, sweet rolls.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep, one pan, and under 30 minutes start to finish.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game days, potlucks, or casual dinners.
Customizable: Swap sauces or cheeses to suit your mood.
Comfort Food Classic: Satisfies cravings without being overly heavy.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overloading with sauce: Makes the rolls soggy.
Solution: Use a light hand, and serve extra on the side.
Undercooked cheese: Sauce can stay cold in the center.
Solution: Spread the cheese sauce evenly and bake until bubbly.
Burned tops: Garlic butter can brown fast.
Solution: Keep an eye after 10 minutes; tent with foil if needed.
Using dry beef: Roast beef should be thin and moist.
Solution: Ask your deli to slice it fresh and thin.
Skipping the brush: Dry rolls = missed flavor.
Solution: Don’t skip the butter mixture—it elevates everything.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve as the main dish with coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans.
Pair with sweet tea, sparkling lemonade, or cold beer.
Serve family-style straight from the tray for casual gatherings.
Slice and stack on a platter with pickle spears and napkins.
Great for brunches, lunches, or movie nights.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in oven at 325°F for 10–12 minutes, covered loosely with foil.
Avoid microwave if possible—it makes the bread rubbery.
Freeze before baking for up to 1 month; thaw and bake as usual.
Keep sauces separate if storing unbaked sliders.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
2. What cheese sauce should I use?
Any store-bought cheddar sauce works, or you can melt Velveeta with a splash of milk.
3. Can I use a different roll?
Brioche or soft dinner rolls work too, but Hawaiian rolls add that perfect sweetness.
4. Can I add veggies?
Yes, caramelized onions or sliced jalapeños are delicious additions.
5. How do I make them spicier?
Use pepper jack cheese or mix hot sauce into the barbecue sauce.
Tips & Tricks
Toast the bottom rolls slightly before assembling to avoid sogginess.
Warm the beef slightly before layering to speed up melting.
Use a pizza cutter for clean slices after baking.
For a crispier top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Swap everything bagel seasoning for poppy seeds or sesame if needed.
Recipe Variations
Philly Style: Swap roast beef for thin-sliced steak, add sauteed peppers and onions, use provolone.
French Dip: Use Swiss cheese, serve with warm au jus on the side.
Buffalo Beef Sliders: Mix hot sauce into the cheese, add blue cheese crumbles.
Vegetarian Option: Use grilled mushrooms or eggplant with BBQ sauce and cheese.
Breakfast Style: Replace beef with scrambled eggs and sausage patties, use cheddar and maple syrup drizzle.
Final Thoughts
After Iris left that rainy day, I packed two extra sliders into a little foil pouch and walked them down to Mr. Kemp, our elderly neighbor who’s always outside tending to his rose bushes. He gave me a wink and said, “Tastes like you’ve got a restaurant hiding in your kitchen.” It’s funny how a few humble ingredients can spark so much joy.
These sliders aren’t fancy, but they’ve got a way of turning a quiet afternoon into something a little more special. They warm hands, fill bellies, and bring people closer and that, to me, is the best kind of recipe.
Roast Beef And Cheddar Sliders
Print ThisIngredients
- 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian rolls
- 12 ounces deli roast beef, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Arby's original sauce or barbecue sauce
- 1 cup cheddar cheese sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 teaspoons everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cut the Rolls
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves on a baking sheet.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Layer roast beef on the rolls. Drizzle with Arby’s or BBQ sauce. Add cheese sauce and spread gently.
Step 4: Add the Tops
Place the top halves of the rolls back on.
Step 5: Brush and Season
Mix melted butter with garlic and onion powder. Brush on top, then sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 12–14 minutes, until tops are golden and cheese is melted.
Step 7: Serve
Cut into sliders and serve warm with extra sauce.
