Cheeseburger Sliders (Hawaiian Roll Sliders Recipe)
CHEESEBURGER SLIDERS (Hawaiian Roll Sliders Recipe) is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 242 calories per serving. Recipe by Natashas Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $17.20 total, $1.43 per serving
Ingredients
- 0.5 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra virgin, divided)
- 0.5 medium Yellow Onion (finely diced)
- 2 pounds Ground Beef (90% lean / 10% fat)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 0.25 cup Mayonnaise (real, full‑fat)
- 6 ounces Cheddar Cheese (medium sharp, shredded)
- 8 slices Cheddar Cheese (medium sharp, for bottom layer)
- 24 pieces Dinner Rolls (soft, split in half; can use two 12‑pack)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds (to sprinkle on tops)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (177°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the ingredients.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Prep Ingredients
Dice half a medium yellow onion, shred 6 oz of cheddar, slice 8 cheese slices in half, and split the 24 dinner rolls horizontally with a long serrated knife.
Time: PT5M
Cook Beef
Heat the large skillet over medium‑high heat, add ½ tbsp olive oil, then sauté the diced onion for about 30 seconds. Add the 2 lb ground beef, break it up with a firm spatula, and season with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is just cooked through, about 8 minutes.
Time: PT8M
Drain Fat & Add Mayo
Turn off the heat, tilt the pan and spoon out any excess fat. With the skillet still off the burner, stir in ¼ cup real mayonnaise until evenly incorporated.
Time: PT2M
Butter Baking Sheet
Spread the melted butter over the bottom of a rimmed baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Time: PT2M
Assemble Sliders
Place the bottom halves of the rolls on the buttered sheet. Cover each with sliced cheese (or half a slice if needed). Evenly spread the beef‑mayo mixture over the cheese, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar on top. Lay the top halves of the rolls over the cheese, brush the tops with the remaining melted butter, and generously sprinkle sesame seeds.
Time: PT8M
Bake
Bake on the center rack for 15 minutes, or 18 minutes if the sliders were assembled ahead and refrigerated, until the cheese is fully melted and the tops are lightly golden.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool & Serve
Remove from the oven, let cool 2‑3 minutes, then slice each slider along the seam and serve with pickles, fries, or your favorite sauce.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 242
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains wheat, Contains dairy
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Egg (may be present in some mayonnaise brands)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Yellow Onion: white onion, shallot
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground chicken
- Instead of Salt: kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic (1 clove)
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt (1/4 cup)
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: American cheese, Monterey Jack
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Swiss slices, provolone slices
- Instead of Dinner Rolls: mini brioche buns, slider buns
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, olive oil spray
- Instead of Sesame Seeds: poppy seeds
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Spatula
- Box Grater
- Long Serrated Knife
- Rimmed Baking Sheet
- Basting Brush
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking the beef just until done and draining excess fat.
- Incorporating mayonnaise into the hot beef mixture.
- Layering cheese on both sides of the meat to keep buns from getting soggy.
- Baking until the cheese is fully melted but not over‑browned.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use 90/10 lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Real mayonnaise is the secret – it keeps the meat moist without adding extra liquid.
- Shredded cheddar melts faster and more evenly than pre‑sliced cheese.
- Butter the bottom of the sheet and the tops of the buns for a golden crust.
Troubleshooting
Beef turns out dry.
Make sure to add the mayonnaise after draining the fat; it adds moisture. Also avoid over‑cooking the beef.
Bottom buns become soggy.
Place a layer of sliced cheese directly on the bottom bun before the beef, and add shredded cheese on top of the meat. This creates a barrier.
Cheese does not melt fully.
Increase baking time by 2‑3 minutes or finish under the broiler for a minute.
Sliders stick to the baking sheet.
Butter the sheet generously and use parchment paper if needed.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in microwave 15‑20 seconds per serving.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or freezer‑safe bag; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge and bake 18‑20 minutes.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the sliders up to the butter‑brush step, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake 3 minutes longer.
- The beef mixture can be made a day ahead; keep refrigerated and stir before assembling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cheeseburger sliders in American cuisine?
Cheeseburger sliders are a modern twist on the classic American cheeseburger, sized for easy finger food at parties, picnics, and casual gatherings. They reflect the American love for convenience, portion control, and the iconic beef‑cheese‑bun combination.
What are the traditional regional variations of cheeseburger sliders in the United States?
In the Midwest, sliders often feature a buttery brioche bun and a touch of mustard. In the South, they may be topped with pickles and a dash of hot sauce. West Coast versions sometimes swap cheddar for pepper jack and add avocado slices.
How are cheeseburger sliders traditionally served in American gatherings?
They are typically arranged on a platter, served warm, and accompanied by pickles, ketchup, mustard, and a side of fries or potato chips. They are a staple at barbecues, game‑day parties, and casual brunches.
What occasions or celebrations are cheeseburger sliders traditionally associated with in American culture?
Cheeseburger sliders are popular at Super Bowl parties, birthday celebrations, family reunions, and casual get‑togethers because they are easy to eat while socializing and can be made in large batches.
How does the cheeseburger slider fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?
It combines two beloved comfort foods—cheeseburgers and soft rolls—into a bite‑size format, delivering the familiar savory, cheesy, and buttery flavors that define American comfort cooking.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for cheeseburger sliders versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include 90/10 lean ground beef, real mayonnaise, sharp cheddar cheese, buttered dinner rolls, and sesame seeds. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey, Greek yogurt for mayo, Swiss or provolone cheese, and brioche mini buns.
What other American dishes pair well with cheeseburger sliders?
They pair perfectly with classic sides like seasoned French fries, onion rings, coleslaw, or a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
What makes cheeseburger sliders special or unique in American cuisine?
The mini size makes them portable and perfect for sharing, while the layered cheese technique keeps the buns from getting soggy and adds extra meltiness, creating a gourmet twist on a fast‑food staple.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cheeseburger sliders at home?
Common errors include over‑cooking the beef, skipping the mayonnaise, and not adding cheese on both sides of the meat, which can lead to dry meat and soggy buns. Follow the recipe’s layering steps for best results.
Why does this cheeseburger slider recipe use mayonnaise instead of another binder?
Mayonnaise adds fat and moisture without adding extra liquid, keeping the beef juicy while blending smoothly with the warm meat. It also imparts a subtle tang that enhances the overall flavor.
Can I make the cheeseburger sliders ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Assemble the sliders, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When ready, bake for an additional 3‑5 minutes beyond the original time to ensure they are heated through and the cheese melts fully.
What does the YouTube channel Natashas Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Natashas Kitchen focuses on family‑friendly, easy‑to‑make American comfort foods, meal‑prep ideas, and quick dinner solutions that use simple, accessible ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel Natashas Kitchen's approach to American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Natashas Kitchen emphasizes practical shortcuts—like the mayo trick for juicier burgers—and provides clear, step‑by‑step visuals aimed at busy home cooks, whereas many channels focus on gourmet techniques or elaborate plating.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
