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These BBQ Cheeseburger Sliders are the answer to your cravings for a quick, easy, and totally irresistible appetizer or weeknight dinner. They are the perfect little handfuls of joy, combining sweet Hawaiian rolls with juicy BBQ beef, two kinds of melty cheese, crispy onions, and smoky bacon for a flavor combination that is an absolute guaranteed hit with everyone.
I first made these for a football game party and they vanished from the platter before halftime. Now, my family requests this exact recipe any time we have people over, and I'm always happy to oblige because they are just so simple to make.
Ingredients
- One 12 count package King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls: These provide the perfect sweet and soft foundation that pairs beautifully with the savory filling
- One pound ground beef: Using an 80/20 blend ensures the meat is juicy and flavorful without being overly greasy
- One teaspoon salt: The essential flavor enhancer that brings all the other tastes to life
- One half teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle background heat
- One half teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a savory aromatic base
- One half teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic powder for a classic burger flavor
- One half teaspoon smoked paprika: This is the secret weapon for a deep smoky flavor that enhances the BBQ sauce
- Two cloves garlic minced: Fresh garlic adds a pungent kick you just can't get from powder alone
- One cup BBQ sauce: I prefer a hickory smoked variety for this recipe but your favorite brand will work perfectly
- Six slices pepper jack cheese halved: This adds a creamy melt with just a hint of spice to cut through the richness
- One cup shredded Colby Jack cheese: A great melting cheese that provides that classic golden cheesy pull
- One cup crispy fried onions: These add an amazing savory crunch and onion flavor
- Four slices bacon cooked and crumbled: Adds a salty smoky crunch that takes these sliders over the top
- Two tablespoons melted butter: Brushing this on the rolls creates a golden brown and delicious crust
- One tablespoon sesame seeds: For that classic burger bun look and a little nutty flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Toppings:
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F. While it heats up, lay your bacon slices on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake them for about 25 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel lined plate to drain off the excess grease, then crumble them into small pieces and set aside.
- Cook the Beef:
- Place a large skillet over medium high heat and add the ground beef. As it starts to cook, use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the meat into small crumbles. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika all over the beef. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 to 10 minutes until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. Carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. I find tipping the pan and using a spoon to scoop it out is the easiest way.
- Build the Flavor:
- Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for just one minute until you can smell that wonderful garlic aroma. Be careful not to let it burn, as it can turn bitter quickly. Pour in your favorite BBQ sauce and stir everything together until the beef is evenly coated. Let it simmer for a minute or two to let the flavors meld.
- Assemble the Sliders:
- Without separating the individual rolls, use a long serrated knife to carefully slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom section. Place the bottom slab of rolls into a 9x13 inch baking dish that you've lightly greased. Arrange the halved pepper jack cheese slices in an even layer across the bottom rolls, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Add the Toppings:
- Spoon the warm BBQ beef mixture evenly over the pepper jack cheese, spreading it from edge to edge. Next, sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the beef, followed by the crumbled bacon and the crispy fried onions. Try to distribute everything evenly so every single slider gets a bit of all the good stuff.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Carefully place the top slab of rolls over the fillings, gently pressing down to secure it. In a small bowl, melt the butter and then brush it evenly over the tops of the rolls. This little step is what makes them so golden and delicious. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the buttered tops. Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes. You'll know they're ready when the cheese is gloriously bubbly and the tops are a beautiful golden brown. Let them rest for a minute before slicing along the seams to separate them into individual sliders and serve immediately.
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My favorite part of this recipe is the simple magic of the Hawaiian rolls. Their slight sweetness is the perfect counterpoint to the smoky BBQ beef and salty bacon. I remember my son trying to sneak a whole corner of the baked slab before I had a chance to cut them, a testament to just how irresistible they are right out of the oven.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat and bring them back to life, the oven is your best friend. Wrapping individual sliders in foil and baking them at 300°F for about 15 minutes will warm them through and re-crisp the tops without making the bread soggy like a microwave would.
Fun Ingredient Swaps
Don't be afraid to make this recipe your own! You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If pepper jack isn't your thing, try sharp cheddar, provolone, or even Swiss. The BBQ sauce is also a great place to experiment; a honey chipotle sauce would add a sweet heat, while a Carolina-style vinegar-based sauce would offer a tangy twist.
Perfect Serving Pairings
These sliders are hearty enough to be a main course but also work great as part of a larger spread. For a simple weeknight dinner, I love serving them with a side of creamy coleslaw and some sweet potato fries. If you're making them for a party, they are fantastic alongside other appetizers like a fresh veggie platter with dip, potato salad, or a simple pasta salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or any melting cheese works great in these sliders. Choose your favorite!
- → What kind of BBQ sauce is best?
Hickory smoked BBQ sauce is recommended, but feel free to experiment! Smoky honey, spicy, or even fruit-based BBQ sauces add a unique twist.
- → Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, for a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. The cooking time will remain about the same.
- → Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders ahead of time, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- → How do I reheat leftover sliders?
Wrap leftover sliders in foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 15 minutes to prevent the bread from drying out. You can also microwave them in short bursts, but the texture may change.
- → What are some good toppings besides crispy onions and bacon?
Pickles, sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or a drizzle of ranch dressing would all be delicious additions. Get creative!