If you love the vibrant flavors of the islands combined with the hearty comfort of melt-in-your-mouth beef, you’re going to fall in love with this Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe. These sliders bring together tender shredded beef smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, sweet pineapple tidbits, and melty cheese all nestled in soft, fluffy Hawaiian rolls. It’s like a little tropical vacation for your taste buds that’s perfect for game days, parties, or casual dinners. The balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors makes each bite irresistible and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—the ingredients all play a crucial role in layering flavors, bringing the right texture, and adding that classic Hawaiian touch. Each element is easily found and comes together to make these sliders a standout dish.
- Shredded cooked beef (1 1/2 lbs): Use tender cuts like chuck roast or brisket for a juicy, flavorful base.
- Barbecue sauce (1 cup): Choose your favorite brand or homemade for that perfect sweet and smoky coating.
- Hawaiian slider rolls (12): Soft and slightly sweet rolls that hold everything together beautifully.
- Pineapple tidbits (1 cup, drained): Adds a burst of tropical sweetness that balances the barbecue sauce.
- Red onion (1/2, thinly sliced): Provides crisp texture and a mild bite to complement the rich beef.
- Shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup): Melts perfectly and adds creamy richness.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Used to brush the tops of rolls for a golden, flavorful crust.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle garlicky warmth into the butter topping.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and mild herbaceous note as garnish.
How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Beef Mixture
Start by mixing the shredded cooked beef with the barbecue sauce in a large bowl. Make sure every strand of beef is well coated to infuse the smoky-sweet flavor throughout, ensuring every bite is bursting with BBQ goodness.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
Carefully slice your Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact as separate layers. Arrange the bottom halves snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to serve as the foundation. Next, layer the BBQ beef evenly over the bottom rolls, then scatter the pineapple tidbits and red onion slices on top. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over this beautiful stack, and finally, place the top halves of the rolls over everything to complete your sliders.
Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches and Bake
Mix the melted butter with garlic powder and gently brush this mixture over the tops of the rolls. This step is key to getting that golden, flavorful crust. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese melts lovely and gooey.
How to Serve Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the sliders with freshly chopped parsley to add a bright, fresh note and a pop of color that makes these sliders as visually delightful as they are tasty.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with classic Hawaiian-style sides such as macaroni salad, grilled corn on the cob, or even a crisp green salad with a tropical vinaigrette. You can also serve some crispy sweet potato fries for a fun twist.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, serve your Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe on a large wooden platter with toothpicks or decorative picks for easy grabbing. Add mini bowls of extra barbecue sauce and spicy jalapeños on the side for customization. For a party, line up sliders on a tiered stand to create an eye-catching spread that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sliders should be cooled to room temperature and stored tightly covered in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making a quick and delicious meal the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, assemble the sliders but do not bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in an oven preheated to 350°F, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out, until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again—usually about 10 to 15 minutes. For a quick fix, you can also microwave individual sliders, but the oven ensures the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use pulled pork instead of beef in this Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! Pulled pork makes a delicious alternative and complements the sweet and savory flavors just as well. Just swap it in using the same quantity and follow the assembly instructions as usual.
What kind of barbecue sauce works best?
Look for a barbecue sauce that balances sweetness and tanginess without overpowering the other ingredients. Hawaiian-style or fruit-infused barbecue sauces work brilliantly, but a classic smoky sauce is always a winner.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
While the recipe centers on beef, you can easily switch to shredded jackfruit or a hearty mushroom mix with BBQ sauce to create a flavorful vegetarian version that holds up well in these sliders.
Is there an alternative to Hawaiian rolls?
Yes, if you don’t have Hawaiian rolls on hand, soft brioche buns or small dinner rolls with a slight sweetness will also work, though the authentic Hawaiian flavor is unique to those signature rolls.
How spicy are these sliders?
This Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe is generally mild and sweet, but you can customize the heat level by adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture before assembling.
Final Thoughts
These Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe are a true crowd-pleaser that brings sunshine and comfort food all in one bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, this recipe’s balanced flavors, easy assembly, and irresistible presentation make it a keeper in your recipe box. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how fast these tasty little sliders disappear at your table!
Print
Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-American
- Diet: Dairy Optional
Description
These Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders combine tender shredded beef with sweet pineapple and tangy barbecue sauce, all nestled between soft Hawaiian rolls. Topped with melted cheese and a garlic butter glaze, they make the perfect savory and sweet party appetizer or main course that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 1 1/2 lbs shredded cooked beef (such as chuck roast or brisket)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Slider Assembly
- 12 Hawaiian slider rolls
- 1 cup pineapple tidbits (drained)
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Mix Beef and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked beef with the barbecue sauce until the beef is fully and evenly coated with the sauce.
- Prepare the Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half, keeping the top and bottom halves intact. Arrange the bottom halves in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the base for your sliders.
- Layer the Filling: Evenly spread the BBQ beef mixture over the bottom halves of the rolls. Then add the pineapple tidbits, followed by the thinly sliced red onion and lastly the shredded cheese to create a flavorful layered filling.
- Assemble the Sliders: Place the top halves of the slider rolls over the layered filling, forming the slider sandwiches.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder. Brush this garlic butter mixture over the tops of the assembled slider rolls to enhance flavor and help them brown.
- Bake Covered: Loosely cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to warm through and melt the cheese.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For extra flavor and texture, toast the bottoms of the rolls lightly before assembling the sliders.
- Add sliced jalapeños to the filling if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Leftover pulled pork can be used instead of beef for a delicious variation.
