Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—small, handheld, and packed with bold flavors. These mini sandwiches, often made on soft Hawaiian sweet rolls, are perfect for game days, potlucks, birthdays, or casual weeknight meals. Their sweet-and-savory contrast, gooey melted cheese, and easy pull-apart style make them addictive.
In this ultimate guide, we share six of the best slider recipes inspired by popular favorites: Pizza Sliders, French Dip Sliders, Buffalo Chicken Sliders, Crack Chicken Sliders, Philly Cheesesteak Sliders, and White Castle Sliders. Each one uses simple ingredients and bakes in under 30-40 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving comfort food, these recipes deliver every time.
Why Hawaiian Rolls Make the Best Sliders
King’s Hawaiian rolls (or similar sweet slider buns) are key. Their soft, fluffy texture and subtle sweetness balance rich fillings like cheese, meat, and sauces. They toast beautifully with buttery toppings for a golden, crispy edge.
1. Pizza Sliders
These cheesy, saucy sliders taste like mini pizzas in a pull-apart package—ideal for pizza night without the dough hassle.
Ingredients (Serves 12 sliders):
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
- ¾ cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-30 slices pepperoni (deli-style or mini)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup salted butter, melted
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Slice the rolls horizontally in half, keeping them connected. Place the bottom half in the dish.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the bottom rolls. Layer with half the mozzarella, pepperoni slices, then remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Place the top half of rolls on top.
- Mix melted butter with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Brush generously over the tops.
- Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes. Uncover and bake 5-10 more minutes until golden and cheese melts.
- Cool slightly, slice, and serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Tips: Add olives, bell peppers, or sausage for customization.
2. French Dip Sliders
Tender roast beef, caramelized onions, and melty Swiss cheese dipped in savory au jus—these are comfort food heaven.
Ingredients (Serves 12 sliders):
- 1 package (12-15 count) Hawaiian rolls
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cups thinly sliced yellow onions
- 3 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 tsp grated garlic
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ lb thinly sliced roast beef (deli or leftover)
- ½ lb Swiss cheese slices
- 10.5 oz can French onion soup + 1 packet Au Jus mix (or 2 cups beef broth for homemade au jus)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish.
- In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter. Sauté onions with thyme, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper over medium heat until caramelized (15-20 minutes).
- Slice rolls in half. Layer bottom with roast beef, caramelized onions, and Swiss cheese. Add top rolls.
- Melt remaining butter; brush over tops.
- Bake covered 15 minutes, then uncovered 10 minutes until toasty.
- Serve with warmed au jus (mix soup mix with water or broth per package) for dipping.
Tips: Use leftover prime rib for extra flavor.
3. Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Spicy, tangy buffalo sauce with shredded chicken, cheese, and ranch—these bring heat to any gathering.
Ingredients (Serves 12 sliders):
- 1 package Hawaiian rolls
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
- ¾ cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s), divided
- 7 tbsp butter, divided
- 1 package mozzarella cheese slices or shreds
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
- 2.5 tbsp ranch seasoning
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix shredded chicken with ½ cup buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and 3 tbsp melted butter.
- Slice rolls in half. Layer bottom with chicken mixture, mozzarella, cheddar, and blue cheese crumbles.
- Add top rolls. Mix remaining butter with ¼ cup buffalo sauce; brush on top.
- Bake covered 15 minutes, uncover 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve with ranch or extra buffalo sauce.
Tips: Adjust spice level by using milder sauce.
4. Crack Chicken Sliders
Creamy, cheesy, bacon-loaded “crack” chicken on sweet rolls—addictively delicious.
Ingredients (Serves 12 sliders):
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian rolls
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 oz ranch dressing mix
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ⅓ cup green onions, sliced
- 2½ cups shredded cooked chicken
- 12 oz cooked, crumbled bacon
- 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- 2 tsp fresh chives (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix cream cheese, ranch mix, onion powder, pepper, green onions, chicken, bacon, and 1 cup cheddar.
- Slice rolls. Spread filling on bottom half, top with remaining cheddar.
- Add top rolls; brush with melted butter.
- Bake covered 20 minutes, uncover 10 minutes until golden.
- Garnish with chives.
Tips: Prep filling ahead for quick assembly.
5. Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Classic steak, peppers, onions, and provolone in mini form—Philly flavor without the sub roll.
Ingredients (Serves 12 sliders):
- 1 package Hawaiian rolls
- 1 lb thinly sliced steak (ribeye or sirloin)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 oz French onion soup mix (or garlic powder)
- Salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Sauté steak in oil until browned. Remove. Cook onions and peppers until soft; add back steak with seasonings.
- Slice rolls. Layer bottom with steak mixture and provolone.
- Top rolls; brush with melted butter mixed with soup mix.
- Bake covered 15 minutes, uncover until cheese melts.
- Slice and serve.
Tips: Add mushrooms for extra veggies.
6. White Castle Sliders (Copycat)
Mini beef patties with onions and cheese—homemade version of the iconic fast-food sliders.
Ingredients (Serves 12-24 mini sliders):
- 1-2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp Better Than Bouillon beef base
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 12-24 dinner rolls or Hawaiian rolls
- 10-12 American cheese slices
- 1 onion, finely diced
- Pickle slices
- Ketchup and mustard (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix beef with bouillon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Press thinly into a baking sheet (for easy patties).
- Bake 15-20 minutes. Drain fat; top with cheese to melt.
- Scatter diced onions on bottom rolls. Add beef patties, pickles, and condiments.
- Top with roll halves; brush lightly with butter if desired.
- Bake 5-10 minutes to warm through.
Tips: Use dried minced onions for authentic “steamed” flavor.
Conclusion
These six slider recipes showcase the versatility of Hawaiian rolls—from cheesy pizza to spicy buffalo and classic beef. They’re easy to customize, make ahead, and always a hit at parties. Whether for game day, holidays, or weeknight fun, sliders bring people together with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Try one (or all!) and watch them disappear fast!
FAQs
What are the best buns for sliders?
Hawaiian sweet rolls are top-rated for their softness and sweetness, but dinner rolls or potato buns work too.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes—assemble up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best texture.
How do I store leftover sliders?
Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 325°F for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Are these recipes freezer-friendly?
Most freeze well assembled but unbaked (wrap tightly). Thaw overnight and bake as directed. Avoid freezing with wet sauces if possible.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Substitute plant-based chicken/beef, veggies, or portobello mushrooms. Adjust seasonings accordingly.
What’s the best cheese for melty sliders?
Mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, Swiss, or American melt beautifully. Mix varieties for extra flavor.