If you love the cozy charm of sliders but crave something with a burst of flavor and a touch of elegance, this Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Herb Butter Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, rare roast beef layered with creamy Havarti cheese, all nestled inside soft Hawaiian rolls slathered with a tangy mayo and horsey spread, then baked until melty and topped with a luscious poppy seed herb butter that adds a beautiful golden finish and unforgettable aroma. These sliders are perfect for feeding a crowd or making any casual occasion feel extra special with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, coming together to create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the buttery richness to the sharp tang of Dijon, these simple pantry staples elevate the sliders beyond your typical sandwich.
- 12 Hawaiian rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, they provide the perfect pillowy base for the sliders.
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise: Adds creamy moisture and richness to keep every bite juicy.
- 2 tablespoons horsey sauce (optional): For those who love a little kick and depth without overpowering the beef.
- 1 pound deli roast beef (rare preferred): Tender, thinly sliced for melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.
- 12 slices Havarti cheese: Mild and creamy, melts beautifully over the beef for luscious texture.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, bright finish when sprinkled on top before serving.
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted but not hot): The star ingredient in the herb butter, giving the sliders their irresistible golden color and flavor.
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried minced onion: Infuses savory depth into the butter blend.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang that complements the richness of the butter and beef.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and a little savory complexity to the herb butter.
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (or sesame seeds): For texture and a beautiful visual pop atop the sliders.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Rounds out the herbal notes with gentle warmth.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances every flavor and balances the herbs perfectly.
How to Make Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Herb Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously greasing a 9×13-inch pan. Line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice your slab of Hawaiian rolls horizontally, making sure to keep them connected like a sandwich loaf for easy assembly and baking.
Step 2: Mix and Spread the Mayo-Horsey Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and horsey sauce if you’re using it. This creamy spread adds a subtle tang and moisture, preventing the rolls from drying out during baking. Spread this mixture evenly over the cut sides of both the top and bottom halves of your rolls—this little detail really amps up the flavor and keeps things juicy.
Step 3: Layer Cheese and Roast Beef
Place the bottom half of the rolls into your prepared pan. Then layer 6 slices of Havarti cheese evenly, followed by the deli roast beef, and top with the remaining 6 slices of cheese. This layering ensures melty cheese surrounds the tender beef with every bite.
Step 4: Bake to Melt Cheese
Bake the assembled sliders uncovered for about 10 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to start melting into that delicious melty bliss without drying out the bread. This will set the base for the next steps.
Step 5: Whisk the Poppy Seed Herb Butter
While the sliders bake, combine the melted butter, dried minced onion, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and kosher salt in a bowl. Whisk everything together until completely blended. This herb butter blend is what makes these sliders shine and gives them their signature golden color and irresistible aroma.
Step 6: Assemble and Add the Herb Butter
Take the pan out of the oven and gently place the top half of the rolls over the melted cheese. Pour the prepared poppy seed herb butter mixture generously over the rolls, brushing to coat the tops and sides thoroughly. Pouring a little extra butter around the edges helps the rolls soak up that beautiful flavor as they bake further.
Step 7: Final Bake with Foil and Uncovered
Loosely cover the pan with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. This two-step bake gives you that perfect balance of soft bread with a slight crunch on top.
Step 8: Slice, Garnish, and Serve
Once out of the oven, use a sharp knife to cut the slider slab into individual sandwiches. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness. Serve your sliders hot for the best taste and texture experience.
How to Serve Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Herb Butter Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise, cutting through the richness of the butter and cheese. Add a few pickle slices on the side for a tangy crunch that complements the tender roast beef perfectly.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with classic sides like crispy fries or a fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. For a more homey feel, creamy coleslaw or roasted vegetable medleys work beautifully too, balancing the savory melt-in-your-mouth texture of the sliders.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving these sliders on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of your favorite dipping sauces such as horseradish cream or spicy mustard. For parties, add colorful toothpicks for easy grabbing and a fun presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover sliders covered tightly in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This ensures the bread stays soft and the flavors meld nicely overnight.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these sandwiches later, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To warm your sliders, preheat your oven to 325°F, place the sliders on a baking sheet covered loosely with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is gooey again. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Havarti melts beautifully and adds a mild creaminess, you can substitute Swiss, provolone, or even mozzarella depending on your flavor preference.
Is horsey sauce necessary for the recipe?
Not at all. Horsey sauce adds a little tang and spice, but if you’re not a fan, simply omit it and use mayo alone for a creamy touch without the extra bite.
How can I make these sliders ahead of time?
You can assemble the sliders up to step 6, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, finish baking and enjoy fresh, saving you time on serving day.
Can I make these vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, swap out the roast beef with grilled portobello mushrooms or slices of roasted vegetables, and layer as directed with cheese and the herb butter topping.
What kind of rolls work best?
Hawaiian rolls are the traditional choice for their softness and slight sweetness, but any soft slider roll will work well. Just avoid rolls that are too dense or crusty.
Final Thoughts
These Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Herb Butter Recipe feel like a warm hug in slider form. They bring together comfort food vibes and a touch of gourmet in one bite, perfect for parties, game days, or any time you want to impress with minimal fuss. I can’t wait for you to try them—you might just find yourself making these again and again!
Print
Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Herb Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Roast Beef Sliders are a crowd-pleasing party favorite featuring tender deli roast beef and melted Havarti cheese nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls. Topped with a flavorful poppy seed butter glaze and baked to golden perfection, these sliders are easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or game day snacks.
Ingredients
Slider Base
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 1 pound deli roast beef (preferably rare)
- 12 slices Havarti cheese (or your favorite cheese)
Spread
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons horsey sauce (optional)
Butter Glaze
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, but not hot)
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (or sesame seeds)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking pan and rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper. Using a serrated knife, slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half without separating the individual rolls.
- Make and apply the spread: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and horsey sauce if using. Spread this mixture evenly over the cut sides of both the top and bottom halves of the rolls to add moisture and flavor.
- Assemble the sliders with cheese and beef: Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared pan. Layer 6 slices of Havarti cheese evenly over the bottom rolls, then add the pound of deli roast beef in an even layer, followed by the remaining 6 cheese slices on top of the beef.
- Bake to melt cheese: Place the pan uncovered in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, just until the cheese begins to melt and the beef warms through.
- Mix the butter glaze: While baking, whisk together the melted butter, dried minced onion, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and kosher salt until fully combined to create a flavorful herb butter sauce.
- Top sliders and apply butter glaze: Remove the pan from the oven. Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the melted cheese layer. Pour the butter mixture generously over the tops and sides of the rolls, brushing to evenly coat the bread and letting some sauce pool in the pan for flavor.
- Bake covered and uncovered: Loosely cover the pan with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve: Remove sliders from the oven, cut into individual pieces. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the sliders for fresh color and flavor. Serve hot with pickles, fries, or a side salad.
Notes
- Horsey sauce is optional but adds a nice tangy kick; you can substitute with horseradish sauce if preferred.
- Using freshly sliced roast beef from the deli works best for tenderness and flavor.
- You can swap Havarti cheese with Monterey Jack or Swiss for different flavor profiles.
- Make sure the butter for the glaze is melted but not too hot to avoid soggy bread.
- These sliders are best served warm right out of the oven for gooey cheese and soft rolls.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven wrapped in foil to maintain moisture.
