If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comfort food that combines tender slices of roast beef with a tangy, slightly sweet sauce and a delightful poppy seed crunch, look no further. This Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed and Barbecue Sauce Recipe brings everything you love about sliders and cranks it up with a luscious combo of mustard, barbecue sauce, and melted provolone cheese, all nested within soft, sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for game day, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want to impress your friends with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed and Barbecue Sauce Recipe plays its part in creating a winning flavor profile. From the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls balancing the savory roast beef to the tangy barbecue sauce spiked with poppy seeds, these essentials come together to deliver a rich, layered taste and inviting texture.
- King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (18 rolls from two 12-count packages): These soft, slightly sweet rolls form the perfect slider base that balances the savory fillings.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Adds a creamy layer that keeps the sliders moist and flavorful.
- Deli sliced roast beef (1 to 1¼ pounds, thinly sliced): The star of the show, tender and easy to fold inside each slider for a generous bite.
- Non-smoked provolone cheese (10 slices): Melts beautifully over the roast beef, adding a mild, creamy touch.
- Salted butter (½ cup): Creates a rich base for the signature poppy seed barbecue sauce.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a sharp, tangy zip that complements the barbecue sauce.
- Bottled barbecue sauce (1½ tablespoons, Sweet Baby Ray’s Original): Brings that smoky-sweet element that ties the flavors together.
- Poppy seed (1 tablespoon): Sprinkled in the sauce and on top for texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and a savory umami punch to the sauce.
How to Make Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed and Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Rolls
Start by setting your oven to 350°F so it’s nice and ready. Slice the rolls in half and separate the tops from the bottoms. Arrange all the bottoms closely in a 9×13 baking dish, making sure they’re touching. This helps the sliders stay together and bake evenly. Set the tops aside for now.
Step 2: Layer the Bottom Rolls With Mayonnaise and Roast Beef
Spread a thin, even layer of mayonnaise on each bottom roll—this adds moisture and a little tangy creaminess. Then, fold and layer 1 to 2 slices of deli roast beef on each bottom roll. Folding helps the meat fit perfectly and makes these sliders easy to pull apart once cooked.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Top Rolls
Lay slices of provolone cheese evenly over the roast beef layers. Then, gently place the tops of the rolls onto the cheese. Press down very lightly to ensure all the layers meld during cooking without squishing the bread too much.
Step 4: Make the Poppy Seed Barbecue Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. Let the sauce cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until it starts to boil, then remove it from the heat. This warm, flavorful sauce is the magic that ties all the components together.
Step 5: Pour Sauce and Bake
Pour the warm sauce evenly over your assembled sliders. For an even poppy seed distribution, feel free to use a pastry brush to spread seeds on the tops of the rolls. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes until the tops are lightly browned, and the cheese has fully melted.
How to Serve Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed and Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a vibrant color and a hint of freshness that perfectly contrasts the richness of these sliders. Consider adding a few thinly sliced pickles or red onions for a crisp, tangy bite that cuts through the buttery sauce wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Crispy kettle-cooked chips or classic coleslaw make fantastic companions to these sliders, adding texture and balancing the savory flavors. For a heartier meal, try pairing them with baked beans or a fresh garden salad tossed with a light vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these sliders on a rustic wooden board or in a stylish baking dish at your next party to wow your guests visually. You can also elevate the experience by skewering them with cocktail sticks tied with colorful ribbons for an easy grab-and-go appetizer that looks festive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap the sliders tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days while maintaining good flavor and texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the fully assembled and baked sliders in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep their deliciousness for up to 2 months and can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the sliders covered in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the rolls soggy — oven warmth keeps everything pleasantly soft yet slightly crisp on top.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While provolone melts beautifully and adds a mild flavor, Swiss or mozzarella can work wonderfully depending on your taste. Just opt for a good melting cheese to keep that gooey slider texture.
What if I don’t have King’s Hawaiian rolls?
While the sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls complements these sliders perfectly, you can substitute with any soft, slightly sweet slider buns if needed. Just avoid dry or dense breads to keep the right balance of flavors and mouthfeel.
Can I prepare these sliders without mayonnaise?
Yes, though mayonnaise adds creaminess and moisture, you can swap it with a thin spread of butter or even a mild mustard instead, depending on your preference. Just be mindful the sliders remain moist after baking.
Is the barbecue sauce essential?
The barbecue sauce provides a sweet and tangy depth that’s key to this recipe’s signature flavor. You can experiment with different barbecue sauce brands or homemade versions, but omitting it entirely will change the character of the dish.
How can I make these sliders spicier?
To add a spicy kick, stir in a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the butter sauce before pouring it over the sliders. You can also add sliced jalapeños between the roast beef layers for fresh heat.
Final Thoughts
These Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed and Barbecue Sauce Recipe have become one of my go-to recipes whenever I want to impress without stress. They’re easy to assemble, full of mouthwatering layers of flavor, and always disappear in a flash. Trust me, once you try these sliders, they’ll be a permanent favorite at your gatherings too!
Print
Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed and Barbecue Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 18 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Roast Beef Sliders are perfect for parties and casual gatherings, featuring soft King’s Hawaiian rolls layered with tender roast beef, melted provolone cheese, and a flavorful buttery sauce infused with Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. Baked to golden perfection, these sliders are both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Slider Components
- 18 King’s Hawaiian brand sweet rolls (from two 12-count packages)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 to 1¼ pounds deli sliced roast beef (no more than ⅛ inch thick or sandwich sliced)
- 10 slices non-smoked provolone cheese (approximately â…› inch thick, from an 8-ounce package)
Butter Sauce
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1½ tablespoons bottled barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s Original used)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seed
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Prepare the rolls: Slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half, separating the tops from the bottoms. Place all the bottoms into a 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring they touch each other to keep the sliders close. Set the tops aside for now.
- Spread mayonnaise: Evenly spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bottom halves of the rolls in the pan. This adds moisture and flavor.
- Add the roast beef: Layer 1 to 2 slices of deli roast beef on each roll bottom. Fold the slices as needed so they fit neatly, which also makes the sliders easier to pull apart after baking.
- Layer the cheese and top rolls: Place the sliced provolone evenly over the roast beef. Then, place the top halves of the rolls on the cheese layer. Gently press down on the sliders to keep everything together and ensure even heating.
- Make the butter sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce boils, then remove from heat.
- Pour the sauce: Pour the warm butter sauce evenly over the entire pan of sliders. Optionally, use a pastry brush to spread poppy seeds on the tops for added texture and flavor.
- Bake the sliders: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes until the tops are lightly browned and the cheese has fully melted.
Notes
- Use King’s Hawaiian rolls for their signature soft, sweet flavor that complements the savory roast beef.
- Folding the roast beef slices helps fit the meat neatly on the sliders and makes them easier to separate after baking.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce to the butter sauce mix.
- These sliders can be assembled a few hours ahead and refrigerated, then baked just before serving.
- For a crispier top, broil the sliders for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
