Feeding people shouldn’t require a culinary degree or your entire weekend. These roast beef sliders solve the eternal party problem – how to make something that looks impressive but takes almost zero skill to pull off. Seriously, it’s assembly and baking, that’s it.
The secret trick here isn’t the roast beef or even the cheese combo (though Gouda and Swiss together is genius). It’s that horseradish sauce that cuts through all the richness and makes people wonder what the heck you did differently. Hawaiian rolls bring just enough sweetness to balance the punch, while that everything bagel seasoning on top exposes your stealth Martha Stewart skills.
Bake these beauties for 15 minutes and watch twelve grown adults fight over the last slider, or people casually lurking around the kitchen, hoping you’ll make another batch. No pressure.
For the Horseradish Sauce
- Mayonnaise
- prepared horseradish
- Garlic
For the Sliders
- Hawaiian rolls or slider buns
- Thinly sliced roast beef (we love using our smoked roast beef for this, but deli roast beef works fine. Just be sure to use a good thick layer of it.)
- Gouda cheese & Swiss cheese
- Salted butter, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, & everything bagel seasoning
Equipment
- 9×13 casserole dish
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Small bowls (for sauce & butter topping)
- Pastry brush (or spoon)
- Serrated knife
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions for Roast Beef Sliders
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment or coat with cooking spray.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the mayo, horseradish, and garlic. Hello, Copy-cat Horsey Sauce.
- Prep the rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half lengthwise. Place the bottom half in the casserole dish.
- Layer the fillings: Add the tender roast beef evenly over the rolls, then top with alternating slices of Gouda and Swiss.
- Add the sauce: Spread the horseradish mayo over the cheese. Place the top buns on.
- Butter topping: Stir melted butter with Italian seasoning and Worcestershire sauce. Brush over the buns, then sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
- Bake: Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes. Cover loosely with foil and bake another 5 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm: Slice into individual sliders and enjoy.
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Bread: Swap Hawaiian rolls with dinner rolls or brioche.
- Meat: Use turkey, chicken, or ham if you prefer lighter options.
- Cheese: Provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack also melt beautifully.
- Seasoning: Try herbs de Provence, dried parsley, or fresh herbs sprinkled post-bake.
- No Worcestershire? Substitute soy sauce for a similar umami kick.
💡 Meat Nerd Tips
- Use a serrated knife to slice rolls cleanly without squishing.
- Check halfway through baking: If the buns brown too fast, cover with foil early.
- Pile meat per roll: Instead of spreading flat, stack slices so cutting is easier after baking.
- Sauce placement: Spread over cheese (not the bread) to avoid sogginess.
- For extra flavor: Use leftover smoked or grilled roast beef instead of deli slices. The smoky depth takes these mini roast beef sandwiches to the next level.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Tossed salad for freshness
- Veggie platter or crudité for crunch
- French fries, chips, or onion rings for a casual dinner or game day spread
🧊 Storage and Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- Reheat: In the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, in the air fryer at 360°F for 5 minutes, or microwave at 50% power for 2–3 minutes (but, the buns will get soggy).
- Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in a sealed bag up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.
- Make ahead: Assemble the sliders, cover, and refrigerate. Brush with butter + seasoning just before baking.
Have you tried this recipe? Do us a favor and rate the recipe card with the ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ and drop a comment to help out the next reader.
Prevent your screen from going to sleep
For the Horseradish Sauce:
For the Roast Beef Sliders:
Make the horseradish sauce:
-
In a small bowl, make the horseradish aioli by stirring together the mayonnaise, horseradish, and garlic until well combined.
Make the Roast Beef Sliders:
Bake and Serve:
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Bake uncovered for 10-12 minutes. Then carefully cover with foil to prevent too much browning, and bake for another 5 minutes until golden brown, the cheese is melted, and the buns are a deep golden brown.
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Carefully remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to cool. Enjoy warm.
- Fold the roast beef instead of laying it flat. Thin layers will pull out when you bite, but folding keeps the meat stacked so every bite is meaty and satisfying.
- Add caramelized onions for a serious flavor upgrade. Sweet, jammy onions pair perfectly with the roast beef and melty cheese.
- Keep an eye on the buns. If they brown too quickly, cover with foil for the last few minutes.
- Slice with a serrated knife for clean cuts without squishing the rolls.
- Sauce on the cheese, not the bread. This keeps the sauce creamy and stops the bread from going soggy.
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 996mg | Potassium: 160mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 286IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 299mg | Iron: 1mg
❓ Roast beef Slider Recipe FAQs
Yes, but they won’t be as good. Just skip it or swap for sriracha for a little heat.
Absolutely, and we suggest it. Use two 12-packs of rolls in two pans.
Spread the sauce over the cheese, not the bread, and bake just long enough to toast the rolls.
Gouda and Swiss add richness and balance, but provolone or cheddar work great too.
Nope, any soft dinner roll will work, but Hawaiian rolls add that signature sweetness.
