Cheeseburger sliders on Hawaiian rolls
Cheeseburger sliders on Hawaiian rolls is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Bad Batch Baking on YouTube.
Prep: 17 min | Cook: 38 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min
Cost: $11.37 total, $0.95 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 pieces Hawaiian Rolls (soft sweet rolls, split horizontally)
- 3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened, divided (1 Tbsp for bottom buns, 2 Tbsp for top buns))
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 ratio, seasoned with salt and pepper)
- 1 large Yellow Onion (thinly sliced for caramelizing)
- 12 pieces Pickle Slices (for topping the bottom bun)
- 12 slices American Cheese Slices (or any meltable cheese)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (for burger sauce)
- 2 Tbsp Ketchup (for burger sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Yellow Mustard (for burger sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Pickle Juice (adds tang to sauce)
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional heat)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds (sprinkled on top buns)
- to taste Salt (for seasoning beef)
- to taste Black Pepper (for seasoning beef)
Instructions
Slice the Rolls
Place each Hawaiian roll on a cutting board and use a serrated knife to cut it horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves separate.
Time: PT5M
Butter and Toast Rolls
Spread 1 Tbsp softened butter on the cut sides of all bottom and top roll halves. Arrange them cut‑side up on the baking sheet and place under the broiler until lightly golden, about 2‑3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 500°F
Caramelize Onions
Thinly slice the onion. In a skillet over medium‑low heat, melt 1 Tbsp butter, add the onions, and cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and sweet, about 15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Bake the Beef
Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, then spread it in an even layer on a clean 9x13 baking sheet. Bake in a pre‑heated 375°F oven until the interior reaches 160°F, about 15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 375°F
Prepare Burger Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and cayenne pepper. Stir until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Assemble the Burgers
On each bottom roll, place a pickle slice, a portion of the baked beef, a generous spoonful of caramelized onions, and a cheese slice. Top with the corresponding top roll half.
Time: PT5M
Butter Top Buns & Add Sesame Seeds
Spread the remaining 2 Tbsp butter on the outer side of each top roll and sprinkle sesame seeds over them.
Time: PT2M
Final Bake Until Cheese Melts
Return the assembled burgers to the oven and bake at 375°F until the cheese is fully melted and the buns are lightly crisp, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 375°F
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 35g
- Fat
- 22g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: contains meat, contains gluten
Allergens: dairy, gluten, egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Hawaiian Rolls: sweet brioche buns, kettle corn rolls
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, olive oil spray
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground chicken
- Instead of Yellow Onion: red onion, sweet onion
- Instead of Pickle Slices: dill spears, relish
- Instead of American Cheese Slices: cheddar, Swiss
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt, aioli
- Instead of Ketchup: tomato paste diluted with water
- Instead of Yellow Mustard: Dijon mustard, spicy brown mustard
- Instead of Pickle Juice: apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Cayenne Pepper: hot sauce, red pepper flakes
- Instead of Sesame Seeds: poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning
Equipment Needed
- Serrated Knife
- Cutting Board
- 9x13 Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Measuring Spoons
- Oven with Broiler
- Tongs (optional)
- Aluminum Foil (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Caramelizing the onions until they reach a deep golden brown
- Baking the ground beef to a safe internal temperature without over‑drying
- Ensuring the cheese fully melts without burning the buns
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use room‑temperature butter for even spreading
- Pat the ground beef dry with paper towels before seasoning to improve browning
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef before baking
Troubleshooting
Buns become soggy after baking
Toast the buns under the broiler before assembling and avoid over‑saucing the burgers.
Onions are not sweet enough
Cook the onions longer on low heat; add a pinch of sugar if needed.
Cheese does not melt fully
Increase the final bake time by 2‑3 minutes or finish under the broiler for a minute.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store assembled burgers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Freezer: Wrap individual burgers tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave assembled burgers at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Caramelize the onions a day ahead and store in the fridge
- Prepare the burger sauce up to 24 hours in advance
- Cook the beef patty layer ahead of time; reheat with the assembled burgers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of sheet‑pan cheeseburgers with Hawaiian rolls in American comfort food cuisine?
Sheet‑pan cheeseburgers combine the classic American burger with the sweet, fluffy texture of Hawaiian rolls, a nod to the mid‑20th‑century popularity of Hawaiian‑style baked goods in the United States. This fusion reflects the convenience‑driven, family‑friendly meals that became staples of suburban American dining.
What regional variations exist for using sweet rolls in burger recipes across the United States?
In the Pacific Northwest, brioche buns are favored for their buttery richness, while Southern cuisine often pairs burgers with soft dinner rolls or biscuits. Hawaiian rolls are especially popular in West Coast and Midwest casual eateries for their subtle pineapple sweetness that balances savory toppings.
How is a traditional Hawaiian roll traditionally served in Hawaiian‑American cuisine?
Traditional Hawaiian rolls are served toasted with butter, used for sliders, or sliced and layered with ham and cheese for a Hawaiian‑style breakfast casserole. They are prized for their soft crumb and slightly sweet flavor, making them ideal for both sweet and savory dishes.
What occasions or celebrations are sheet‑pan cheeseburgers with Hawaiian rolls commonly associated with in American culture?
These easy‑assembly burgers are popular for casual gatherings such as backyard barbecues, game‑day parties, potlucks, and family movie nights because they can be prepared in bulk and reheated without losing quality.
What other American side dishes pair well with sheet‑pan cheeseburgers and Hawaiian rolls?
Crispy oven‑roasted potato wedges, coleslaw, pickled cucumber salad, or a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complement the sweet roll’s softness and the burger’s richness.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making sheet‑pan cheeseburgers with Hawaiian rolls?
Common errors include over‑buttering the rolls (causing sogginess), under‑caramelizing the onions (resulting in a raw bite), and baking the beef too long, which dries out the patties. Follow the critical steps for caramelization, proper broiling, and timing to ensure a perfect result.
Why does this recipe use a 9x13 sheet pan for the beef instead of individual patties?
Spreading the seasoned ground beef in a single layer on a sheet pan ensures even cooking, reduces shrinkage, and speeds up preparation. It also creates a uniform base that can be sliced into portions after baking, saving time and minimizing mess.
Can I make the sheet‑pan cheeseburgers ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Assemble the burgers, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap each burger in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until the cheese is melted and the interior is hot.
What texture and appearance should I look for when caramelizing the onions for this burger?
The onions should turn a deep, uniform golden‑brown color and develop a sweet, glossy sheen. They should be soft but not mushy, with a slightly jammy consistency that spreads easily over the beef.
What does the YouTube channel Bad Batch Baking specialize in?
The YouTube channel Bad Batch Baking focuses on approachable, one‑pan and batch‑style recipes that simplify home cooking, often featuring comfort foods, quick weeknight meals, and creative twists on classic dishes.
How does the YouTube channel Bad Batch Baking's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Bad Batch Baking emphasizes minimal cleanup, batch preparation, and using pantry‑friendly ingredients, whereas many other channels may showcase more elaborate plating or multi‑step techniques. Their videos prioritize speed, scalability, and practical kitchen hacks.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
