Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe
If you’re searching for a party-friendly, flavor-packed bite that’s guaranteed to be the star at any gathering, look no further than these Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders. Imagine tender, shredded beef coated in tangy barbecue sauce, layered with sweet pineapple and melty cheese, all tucked inside pillowy Hawaiian rolls. Every slider is a celebration of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, creating a combination that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a game day, a backyard BBQ, or a cozy family night, these sliders are always a crowd-pleaser and disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders is just how easy they are to pull together, with each ingredient adding its own special touch. Simple components come together to deliver bold flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture—so don’t skip any of these essentials!
- Shredded cooked beef (1 pound): The backbone of the sliders, this can be leftover pot roast, brisket, or chuck roast—whatever you have on hand for juicy, flavorful meat.
- Barbecue sauce (1 cup): Use your favorite brand or homemade for that classic sweet, smoky bite; spicy or honey BBQ sauces add a fun twist.
- Hawaiian sweet rolls (12): Soft, slightly sweet, and the perfect size—these rolls soak up all the saucy goodness without falling apart.
- Pineapple rings (4 slices): Fresh or canned both work; the pineapple adds a burst of tropical sweetness that makes these sliders iconic.
- Provolone or mozzarella cheese (6 slices): Melty cheese helps bind everything together and adds creamy richness to each bite.
- Butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Brushing this on top gives the rolls a golden, glossy finish and irresistible flavor.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the savory notes in the buttery topping.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the finish.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): A sprinkle of color and freshness for an extra pop just before serving.
How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light greasing to prevent sticking—this helps ensure those sweet Hawaiian rolls come out perfectly golden and easy to serve.
Step 2: Warm the Beef and Sauce
Place your shredded cooked beef in a skillet over medium heat, pour in the barbecue sauce, and stir everything together. Keep stirring until the beef is evenly coated and warmed through. This step helps the beef soak up all that amazing BBQ flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Slice the Hawaiian sweet rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact. Lay the bottom half of the rolls in your prepared baking dish. Spread the warm BBQ beef in an even layer over the rolls, then arrange pineapple slices (cut into halves or quarters to fit) on top. Layer the cheese slices over the pineapple, and finish by placing the top half of the rolls back on.
Step 4: Add the Buttery Topping
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and onion powder. Brush this savory mixture generously over the tops of the rolls. This step creates that golden, flavorful crust everyone loves on Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the sliders loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes to help the cheese melt and everything heat through. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5–7 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. The aroma at this point will have everyone rushing to the kitchen!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh and colorful finish. Serve the sliders warm and watch them disappear—trust me, no one can resist the combination of saucy beef, sweet pineapple, and melty cheese!
How to Serve Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a bright pop of color and freshness that wakes up all the flavors. For a touch of extra zing, try a few thinly sliced scallions or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
Pair your Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or a crisp garden salad. For a tropical twist, serve alongside grilled corn, sweet potato fries, or a fresh fruit platter—these sides complement the sliders’ sweet and savory profile beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the sliders on a big platter lined with pineapple leaves or lettuce for a festive, island-inspired look. If you’re feeding a crowd, set up a slider bar with extra BBQ sauce, pickled jalapeños, and slaw so everyone can customize their own Hawaiian BBQ Beef Slider experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover sliders (rare, but possible!), wrap them tightly or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making them perfect for snacking or quick lunches.
Freezing
These sliders are freezer-friendly! Let them cool completely, then wrap each slider individually in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, place sliders on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Warm them in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. For a quick fix, you can also microwave them for about 30 seconds, but the oven method keeps the rolls soft and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course, Appetizer
Absolutely! While beef is traditional, you can swap in pulled pork, shredded chicken, or even jackfruit for a vegetarian twist. Just make sure it’s cooked and shredded so it soaks up the barbecue sauce beautifully.
Do I have to use Hawaiian sweet rolls?
Hawaiian rolls really make these sliders special with their signature sweetness and soft texture, but you can substitute with any soft dinner rolls or slider buns if needed—just note the flavor will be slightly different.
What’s the best way to slice and layer the pineapple?
Both fresh and canned pineapple rings work well. Cut each ring into halves or quarters so they fit snugly on each slider, ensuring every bite gets that perfect sweet and tangy note.
Can I prepare Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders in advance?
Yes! Assemble the sliders up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure they’re heated through.
How can I make these sliders a little spicy?
If you love heat, try using a spicy barbecue sauce or add a drizzle of honey sriracha before baking. You can also sprinkle in sliced jalapeños or hot pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about sharing a platter of Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders with friends and family—each bite is full of joy, comfort, and a hint of the islands. Don’t be surprised if these sliders become your new go-to for every party or casual get-together. Give them a try, and get ready for rave reviews all around!
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Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make party appetizer or main dish featuring tender shredded beef smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, layered with sweet pineapple and melted cheese on soft Hawaiian rolls. Perfectly baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh parsley, these sliders combine savory, sweet, and smoky flavors for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- 1 pound shredded cooked beef (such as chuck roast or brisket)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Slider Assembly
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 4 slices pineapple rings (fresh or canned)
- 6 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Heat Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, combine the shredded cooked beef with barbecue sauce. Stir frequently and heat until the mixture is warmed through.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally into top and bottom halves, keeping each set intact for assembly.
- Layer Sliders: Place the bottom halves of the rolls inside a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the warm BBQ beef over the rolls, then layer pineapple slices cut into halves or quarters to fit, followed by cheese slices.
- Top and Butter: Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese. Mix melted butter with garlic powder and onion powder, then brush this over the tops of the rolls to add flavor and promote browning.
- Bake: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese has melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve the sliders warm for best taste.
Notes
- You can prepare the beef ahead of time or use leftover pot roast for convenience.
- For extra sweetness and heat, try using a spicy BBQ sauce or drizzle honey sriracha over the beef before baking.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute with dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese entirely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Hawaiian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
