If you are craving a party-worthy sandwich that will have everyone coming back for more, look no further than this Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy SeedBarbecue Sauce and Melted Provolone Recipe. These sliders masterfully combine tender, thinly sliced roast beef with creamy melted provolone and a uniquely tangy, slightly sweet poppy seed barbecue sauce all nestled inside soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls. Each bite delivers an irresistible mix of flavors and textures that feels both comforting and delightfully indulgent, making these sliders perfect for game day, family gatherings, or any casual get-together that calls for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy SeedBarbecue Sauce and Melted Provolone Recipe just right only requires a handful of simple, purposeful ingredients. Each one plays its part, bringing balance, richness, or that special touch that elevates the entire dish.
- King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls: Their soft texture and subtle sweetness provide the perfect base to complement the savory filling.
- Deli sliced roast beef: Thinly sliced for tender layers of meaty goodness that fold perfectly on each slider.
- Non-smoked provolone cheese: Melts beautifully over the roast beef, adding a mild, creamy flavor that ties the sandwich together.
- Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness to the bottom rolls without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salted butter: Forms the base of the delicious poppy seed barbecue sauce, giving it a rich, silky finish.
- Dijon mustard: Offers a gentle kick and depth to the sauce, balancing its sweetness and richness.
- Bottled barbecue sauce: Brings familiar smoky sweetness, making the sliders irresistibly saucy and flavorful.
- Poppy seeds: Provide a nice little crunch and a visually appealing touch sprinkled on top.
- Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami, adding complexity and enhancing every bite.
How to Make Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy SeedBarbecue Sauce and Melted Provolone Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rolls and Roast Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get it ready for baking. Slice each King’s Hawaiian roll horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms. Arrange all the bottom halves tightly in a 9×13 baking dish – having them snug ensures they’ll cook evenly and stay soft. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on each bottom roll to add creaminess without sogginess. Next, layer 1-2 slices of deli roast beef on each roll, folding the slices gently to fit but keeping them substantial enough to savor.
Step 2: Add the Cheese and Top Rolls
Place the provolone cheese slices evenly over the roast beef layers to coat the meaty goodness in creamy, melty flavor. Then, carefully put the tops of the rolls back onto the cheese. Gently press them down so the layers stick together well, ensuring the sliders will hold their shape during baking while allowing the cheese to melt perfectly.
Step 3: Make the Poppy SeedBarbecue Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter completely. Stir in the Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. Keep cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the sauce reaches a gentle boil and all flavors meld together beautifully. This sauce is the magic that makes the sliders pop with tangy, sweet, and savory notes all at once.
Step 4: Pour Sauce and Bake to Perfection
Pour the warm poppy seed barbecue sauce evenly over the assembled sliders. For an extra pretty finish, you can use a pastry brush to distribute more poppy seeds on top of the rolls. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 5 to 10 minutes until the tops are lightly golden brown and the provolone cheese is melted to gooey perfection.
How to Serve Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy SeedBarbecue Sauce and Melted Provolone Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your sliders, consider garnishing them with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions. These add a burst of freshness and color, balancing the rich, savory flavors with a bright contrast that’s just delightful on the palate.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair perfectly with classic sides like crispy french fries or a tangy coleslaw that adds crunch and acidity to cut through the richness. For a lighter option, a fresh garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette complements the sandwiches beautifully and adds vibrant greens to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the sliders on a large wooden board or platter, separating them slightly for easy grabbing. You can also thread small decorative toothpicks through each slider for a charming, party-friendly presentation. If you want a more elevated vibe, serve them alongside ramekins of extra barbecue sauce or horseradish cream for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover sliders in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. This recipe’s combination of sauce and bread ensures they stay moist and flavorful even after being stored.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked sliders by wrapping the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking according to the original instructions.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated sliders in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 10 to 15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Removing the foil near the end will help re-crisp the tops and melt the cheese back to luscious perfection.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of provolone?
Absolutely! While provolone melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, you can substitute with mozzarella for a gooier texture or even Swiss for a nuttier taste. Just choose a cheese that melts well to keep the sliders delicious and cohesive.
Is it okay to use a different brand of sweet rolls?
King’s Hawaiian rolls are preferred for their signature sweet softness, but any sweet, soft rolls will work nicely. Just make sure they are fresh and soft to complement the savory roast beef and sauce.
How thick should the roast beef slices be?
The roast beef should be deli thin, no thicker than â…› of an inch, to make folding easier and to layer multiple slices without the sliders becoming bulky. Thin slices ensure every bite is tender and flavorful.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the poppy seed barbecue sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Warm it gently before pouring over the sliders for baking to soften it up and bring back its perfect consistency.
Are these sliders suitable for large gatherings?
Definitely! This recipe yields 18 sliders, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. You can easily double the sauce or adjust quantities depending on your guest list to ensure everyone gets a delicious helping.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up the Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy SeedBarbecue Sauce and Melted Provolone Recipe is like inviting a party of incredible flavors to your kitchen. They’re easy to make, full of comforting textures, and bursting with bold tastes that will leave everyone smiling. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply want a tasty bite for yourself, these sliders promise a satisfying experience that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Give them a try and watch them disappear fast!
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Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy SeedBarbecue Sauce and Melted Provolone Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 18 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Roast Beef Sliders featuring King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls, layered with tender roast beef, provolone cheese, and a flavorful buttery sauce infused with dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for gatherings or game day snacks, these sliders are baked until golden and gooey.
Ingredients
Slider Ingredients
- 18 King’s Hawaiian brand sweet rolls (from two 12-count packages)
- 1–1¼ pounds deli sliced roast beef (no more than â…› inch thick or sandwich sliced)
- 10 slices non-smoked provolone cheese (approximately â…› inch thick, from an 8-ounce package)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Sauce Ingredients
- 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half, separating the tops from the bottoms. Arrange all the bottom halves in a 9×13-inch baking pan, placing them close together to touch. Set the tops aside.
- Spread Mayonnaise: Evenly spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bottom rolls in the baking dish to add flavor and moisture.
- Add Roast Beef: Layer each bottom roll with 1 to 2 slices of deli roast beef, folding slices as needed to fit the roll. This layering helps make the sliders easy to pull apart after baking.
- Layer Cheese and Tops: Place the provolone cheese slices evenly over the roast beef layers. Then place the tops of the rolls onto the cheese. Gently press down on the assembled sliders to ensure they hold together and heat evenly during baking. Set aside.
- Make Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce just begins to boil, then remove from heat.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the warm sauce evenly over the assembled sliders. Optionally, use a pastry brush to distribute poppy seeds on top of the rolls for an even coating.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the tops of the sliders are lightly browned and the cheese has melted completely.
Notes
- The roast beef should be sliced thinly (no more than 1/8 inch) for the best texture and ease of rolling.
- You can fold the beef slices to fit better on each roll and to make pulling apart the sliders easier after baking.
- Using King’s Hawaiian rolls adds a sweet and soft flavor contrast to the savory ingredients.
- Feel free to substitute the barbecue sauce with your favorite brand or flavor to customize the taste.
- Covering the sliders while baking helps melt the cheese and warm the contents evenly without drying out the rolls.
- Make sure to press the tops gently but firmly to keep the sliders intact for serving.
