These easy baked cheeseburger sliders are the perfect solution for busy weeknights or game day gatherings. Made with juicy ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and sweet Hawaiian rolls, they come together in just 30 minutes.
The whole family loved these mini cheeseburgers, and I couldn’t believe how easy they were to make—both of my kids had seconds and they are typically very picky!
- Julie K.
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Bailey's Thoughts ...
Now, I’m not saying these sliders will change your life, but they just might save your Tuesday night. They’re quick, easy, and the kids will eat them without a single complaint (which, if we're being real, is a small miracle).
Start with soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls, layer them with a generous amount of cheddar cheese, perfectly seasoned beef, and then top them off with a bit more cheese (because, why not?). The whole thing is finished with a swipe of creamy, tangy burger sauce that takes these sliders from good to unforgettable.
I’ve kept this recipe simple, sticking to the basics. Could you add onions to the ground beef? Absolutely, but I didn’t—my kids would revolt. I set out dill pickles, lettuce, crispy bacon and some sliced grape tomatoes, and let everyone handle their own toppings.
For sides, I used the air fryer to warm up some frozen sweet potato fries—honestly, it’s the best + easiest way to get them perfectly crispy. If you’re after something healthier but want to stick to the easy recipe theme, go for fresh fruit and sliced veggies with a dip.
-Bailey
Ingredients
Cooking Spray: Use any brand of non-stick cooking spray to prevent the wonton wrappers from sticking to the muffin tin.
Wonton Wrappers: Found in the refrigerated section near the tofu or fresh Asian products. These create the crispy shell for your taco cups.
Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (85% lean or higher) to keep things on the lighter side while still packing in flavor.
Taco Seasoning: You can find this in the spice or Mexican food aisle.
Petite Diced Tomatoes (or Rotel for a spicier taco cup): Adds moisture and a touch of sweetness to the filling. For more heat, use Rotel, which includes diced tomatoes with green chilis.
Shredded Cheese: Grating your own cheese gives a better texture and melt, but pre-shredded cheese is perfectly fine and keeps things simple. Cheddar cheese, pepper jack or a Mexican blend works best.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare a baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves attached.
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your favorite burger seasoning and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Assemble the sliders by layering slices of cheese, followed by the cooked ground beef, and topping with shredded cheese. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and, if you like, sprinkle with sesame seeds for a little extra texture. Bake until cheese is melted and tops are golden brown.
- Prepare the special sauce by mixing together mayo, mustard, and seasonings.
- Serve the sliders warm with the special sauce for dipping, or spread it directly on the sliders.
Top Tip
You need that second layer of cheddar cheese. Not only does it make these sliders extra cheesy, but it also keeps the bottom half of the buns from getting soggy. Don’t skip it!
Substitutions
Ground Beef: Sub for ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner alternative, or ground pork for a richer flavor.
Store-Bought Burger Seasoning: Make your own burger seasoning by combining the following: 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon thyme, and ½ teaspoon brown sugar. This will make more seasoning than you need—store the extras to have on hand.
King’s Hawaiian Rolls: Replace with dinner rolls of your choice.
Cheddar Cheese (sliced and shredded): Swiss, Monterey Jack, or provolone are all great options.
Butter: Sub for olive oil or vegan butter.
Sesame Seeds: Swap for poppy seeds or bagel seasoning at a 1:1 ratio, or omit them altogether if preferred.
Variations
Nut Free: This recipe is already nut free.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the King’s Hawaiian Rolls with a gluten-free alternative, such as gluten-free slider buns or dinner rolls.
Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based alternative. Cook it the same way as you would the ground beef.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative that melts well, and replace the butter with olive oil.
Equipment
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- large skillet - I love this non-stick pan and own all 3 sizes.
- pastry brush - used for coating the top of the rolls with butter. If you don't have a pastry brush, you can use olive oil spray in place of butter for easy application.
Storage
Make Ahead: Assemble the sliders, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezing: To freeze, assemble the sliders without baking, wrap the entire loaf in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake according to recipe directions.
Leftovers: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
FAQ - Cheeseburger Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
The extra layer of cheese helps prevent soggy sliders by creating a barrier between the meat and the bread.
Fries (regular or sweet potato), fresh veggies with dip, or a simple green salad are great options to serve alongside these sliders.
Related - More Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas
📖 Recipe
Easy Baked Cheeseburger Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 mini cheeseburgers 1x
- Category: Quick and Easy
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
These easy baked cheeseburger sliders are the perfect solution for busy weeknights or game day gatherings. Made with juicy ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and sweet Hawaiian rolls, they come together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Sliders:
- 1 lb. ground beef (90/10 blend recommended)
- ½ tablespoon store-bought burger seasoning
- 16-pack King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- 6 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for topping the rolls)
- ½ tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for topping the rolls)
For the Special Sauce:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons white sugar
- ½ teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Tools:
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Baking sheet
- Sharp knife/cutting board
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl
- Pastry brush
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the 16 Hawaiian Rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 lb. ground beef. Sprinkle with ½ tablespoon burger seasoning. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat (this is important so burgers don't get soggy) and set the beef aside.
- Assemble the sliders: Place the bottom halves of the Hawaiian rolls on the prepared baking sheet. Layer with 5-6 slices of cheddar cheese, evenly distribute the cooked ground beef over the cheese, and sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top. Place the top halves of the rolls over the shredded cheese.
- Brush and top: Melt 1 tablespoon butter and brush it over the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle with ½ tablespoon sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake the sliders: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
- Prepare the special sauce: While the sliders are baking, whisk together ¾ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 2 teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon white vinegar, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder in a small bowl. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool slightly. Slice into individual portions and serve with the special sauce on the side, or spread a bit of sauce directly onto each slider. Offer additional toppings like pickles, lettuce, and sliced grape tomatoes for customization.
Notes
Cooking for a crowd: This recipe makes 12 sliders, but it’s a breeze to double, triple, or quadruple if you’re feeding a crowd. You can even pre-assemble them and stash them in the fridge overnight until it’s time to bake and serve.
Freezer: To freeze these sliders, skip the sauce and toppings for now. Wrap the entire loaf of assembled (not baked) burgers tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then pop them in the oven until they’re heated through.
Nut Free: This recipe is already nut free. Check specific ingredients if concerned with cross-contamination.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the King’s Hawaiian Rolls with a gluten-free alternative, such as gluten-free slider buns or dinner rolls. Look for brands like Schär, Canyon Bakehouse, or any other gluten-free bread option that you prefer.
Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based alternative, such as Beyond Meat, Impossible Burger, or any other vegetarian ground beef substitute you prefer. Cook it the same way as you would the ground beef.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative like Daiya or Violife, and replace the butter with a plant-based margarine, vegan butter, or olive oil.
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