Super Bowl Sliders With Hawaiian Rolls – Easy Party Food
Nothing beats a tray of warm, cheesy Super Bowl Sliders when the game is on and the commercials are good. These Super Bowl sliders are built on soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls, layered with savory beef, melty cheese, and a buttery glaze that bakes to golden perfection. They’re easy to prep, quick to bake, and always disappear fast.
Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just feeding the family, this is the kind of recipe that earns repeat requests. Make one pan, or double it—these sliders scale beautifully.
Why This Super Bowl Sliders Recipe Works
Hawaiian rolls bring a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with seasoned beef and tangy pickles, balancing salty and savory flavors. Baking the sliders as a sheet keeps everything hot and melty with minimal effort.
A simple butter sauce on top adds flavor, moisture, and a little crunch from the poppy seeds. As a bonus, they’re easy to pick up and eat, so they’re game-day friendly and mess-minimizing.
Shopping List – Ingredients
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian rolls
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juicy sliders)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8–10 slices cheddar or American cheese (or mix)
- 12–16 dill pickle chips (optional but recommended)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow or Dijon mustard
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion (or onion powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for balance)
- Hot sauce (optional, to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment or lightly grease it for easy cleanup.
- Prep the rolls. Slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally using a serrated knife.Keep the top and bottom intact as two big sheets.
- Cook the beef and onions. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced onion in a bit of oil until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns.
- Season the beef. Stir in garlic, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce if you like. Cook until no pink remains and any excess moisture has evaporated. Tip: Drain excess fat if needed to avoid soggy sliders.
- Mix the spread. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and mustard.Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt or hot sauce.
- Make the butter topping. In another bowl, mix melted butter, poppy seeds, dried minced onion (or onion powder), garlic powder, and brown sugar. This will finish the sliders with a glossy, savory crust.
- Assemble the base. Place the bottom sheet of rolls in the pan. Spread with the mayo-mustard mixture, edge to edge, so every bite is saucy.
- Add beef and cheese. Spoon the seasoned beef evenly over the rolls.Layer slices of cheese to cover the beef. Add pickle chips in a single layer if using.
- Cap and glaze. Place the top sheet of rolls on. Brush generously with the butter topping, making sure to get into the creases and around the edges.
- Bake. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted.Remove foil and bake another 5–7 minutes to toast the tops lightly.
- Rest and slice. Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes. Use a serrated knife to cut along the roll lines into individual sliders. Serve warm.
Storage Instructions
Leftover sliders keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For best texture, reheat in a 325°F oven for 10–12 minutes, wrapped loosely in foil. You can also reheat in an air fryer at 320°F for 5–7 minutes. Freezing is possible: wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat from frozen in the oven at 325°F, covered, for 20–25 minutes, then uncover to crisp the tops.
Health Benefits
- Protein: Ground beef provides protein, which supports muscle recovery—handy on a long game day.
- Calcium: The cheese adds calcium for bone health.
- Portion control: Sliders are naturally portioned, making it easier to keep servings reasonable.
- Customizable ingredients: You can substitute leaner meats, add veggies, or use reduced-fat cheese to lighten things up without losing flavor.
- Pickles and onions: These add flavor without many calories, helping you lean less on heavy sauces.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Watery beef mixture: If you don’t reduce moisture in the pan, the rolls get soggy. Cook off the liquid or drain well.
- Overbrowning the tops: Foil is your friend. Cover for the first bake, then uncover to crisp.
- Underseasoning: Rolls are sweet, so the beef needs enough salt, pepper, and Worcestershire for balance.
- Cheese gaps: Overlap cheese slices for full coverage so every slider gets melty goodness.
- Skipping rest time: A short rest helps the cheese set slightly, making cleaner cuts and less mess.
Variations You Can Try
- BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders: Add crisp bacon and a drizzle of BBQ sauce over the beef.Swap cheddar for pepper jack if you want a kick.
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Use shredded rotisserie chicken tossed with Buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Top with mozzarella.
- Italian Deli Sliders: Layer salami, ham, and provolone with banana peppers. Use an Italian herb butter on top.
- Mushroom Swiss: Sauté mushrooms with garlic and thyme; swap in Swiss cheese for a rich, savory twist.
- Veggie Cheesesteak: Use sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms with provolone and a garlic butter glaze.
- Turkey and Cranberry: Ground turkey with a smear of cranberry sauce and sharp white cheddar for a sweet-savory combo.
FAQ
Can I make these ahead?
Yes.
Assemble the sliders up to the butter glaze, cover, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Brush with the butter mixture right before baking. You may need an extra 3–5 minutes in the oven if starting cold.
What cheese works best?
American melts beautifully and gives classic burger vibes.
Cheddar, Colby Jack, or pepper jack also work well. For a richer flavor, try provolone or Swiss. Use enough slices to cover the beef completely.
How do I keep the bottoms from getting soggy?
Drain the beef and cook off excess liquid.
Spread the mayo-mustard on the bottom rolls to create a barrier. Bake on the middle rack and avoid overloading with wet ingredients.
Can I make them spicier?
Absolutely. Add hot sauce to the beef, use pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle crushed red pepper into the butter glaze.
Pickled jalapeños also give a nice kick.
What sides go well with these sliders?
Try potato wedges, sweet potato fries, chips and queso, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad. For something fresh, a simple tomato-cucumber salad cuts through the richness.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Use 93% lean turkey and add a splash of olive oil and extra seasoning (Worcestershire, garlic, onion) to boost flavor and moisture.
How many sliders should I plan per person?
For a party with other snacks, plan on 2 sliders per person.
If the sliders are the main dish, plan for 3–4 per person, depending on appetites.
Wrapping Up
These Super Bowl Sliders with Hawaiian rolls are a guaranteed win: simple to make, big on flavor, and easy to serve. The sweet rolls, savory beef, and buttery glaze bring that craveable, game-day comfort. Make a single tray for a small crew or double up for a full house—either way, they’ll be gone before halftime.
Keep the tips in mind, try a fun variation, and enjoy a stress-free, crowd-pleasing favorite.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven. Set to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment or lightly grease it for easy cleanup.
- Prep the rolls. Slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally using a serrated knife. Keep the top and bottom intact as two big sheets.
- Cook the beef and onions. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced onion in a bit of oil until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns.
- Season the beef. Stir in garlic, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce if you like. Cook until no pink remains and any excess moisture has evaporated. Tip: Drain excess fat if needed to avoid soggy sliders.
- Mix the spread. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and mustard. Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt or hot sauce.
- Make the butter topping. In another bowl, mix melted butter, poppy seeds, dried minced onion (or onion powder), garlic powder, and brown sugar. This will finish the sliders with a glossy, savory crust.
- Assemble the base. Place the bottom sheet of rolls in the pan. Spread with the mayo-mustard mixture, edge to edge, so every bite is saucy.
- Add beef and cheese. Spoon the seasoned beef evenly over the rolls. Layer slices of cheese to cover the beef. Add pickle chips in a single layer if using.
- Cap and glaze. Place the top sheet of rolls on. Brush generously with the butter topping, making sure to get into the creases and around the edges.
- Bake. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Remove foil and bake another 5–7 minutes to toast the tops lightly.
- Rest and slice. Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes. Use a serrated knife to cut along the roll lines into individual sliders. Serve warm.
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Hi, I’m Hannah — the food lover behind Every Day Quick Meals! I’m all about making cooking simple, joyful, and stress-free. Between work, life, and a million to-dos, I know how hard it can be to find time for homemade food. That’s why I create quick, tasty recipes that anyone can make — no fancy skills required. My kitchen motto? Good food doesn’t need to be complicated — just made with love.
