If you’re craving a sandwich that packs a punch of flavor but with an irresistibly tender bite, these Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Barbecue Sauce Recipe will soon become your go-to. Picture soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls hugging layers of thinly sliced roast beef, melted provolone, and a luscious homemade barbecue sauce bursting with tang and a hint of crunch from poppy seeds. Perfectly baked until golden and melty, these sliders bring together a harmony of textures and tastes that are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or cozy dinner. Ready to dive into a snack that feels like a warm, flavorful hug? Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for these sliders is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. From the soft King’s Hawaiian rolls to the sharp dijon mustard and velvety provolone, every element adds something special to the dish’s flavor, texture, and color.
- King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls: Their fluffy, slightly sweet nature is the perfect contrast to the savory fillings.
- Deli sliced roast beef: Thinly sliced for tender, easy-to-eat layers that are packed with meaty goodness.
- Provolone cheese: Melts beautifully over the roast beef, adding a mild and creamy texture.
- Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that keeps each bite juicy.
- Salted butter: Forms the base for the rich, flavorful poppy seed barbecue sauce.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a delicious sharpness to balance the sweetness of the rolls and barbecue sauce.
- Barbecue sauce: Sweet Baby Ray’s Original adds that iconic smoky-sweet flavor; feel free to pick your favorite brand.
- Poppy seeds: Add a delightful crunch and a pop of visual interest on top of the rolls.
- Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the sauce’s umami profile with its savory punch.
How to Make Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Rolls and Meat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get it ready for baking. Slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half, separating the tops and bottoms carefully. Arrange all the bottom halves closely together in a 9×13 baking pan so they form a cozy bed for the filling. This ensures every slider bakes evenly and stays moist. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on each bottom roll to add moisture and a bit of creamy richness that pairs perfectly with the roast beef.
Step 2: Layering the Roast Beef and Cheese
Next, layer the deli-sliced roast beef over the mayonnaise, folding the slices if needed so each slider is nicely piled without spilling over. The thin slices ensure every bite tastes tender and flavorful. Then, place slices of provolone cheese evenly over the top of the beef, making sure each slider is generously crowned with cheesy goodness. Finally, don’t forget to place the reserved tops of the rolls on the cheese and gently press down—they’ll stick together nicely and bake evenly this way.
Step 3: Making the Poppy Seed Barbecue Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter which will serve as the luscious base of your sauce. Stir in dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce, combining all these bold flavors into one heavenly glaze. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it just starts to boil, then remove it from heat. When you pour this shiny, fragrant sauce over your sliders, it creates that signature sticky, tangy coating bursting with poppy seed crunch.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
Pour the warm sauce over the sliders evenly—take a moment to brush on some extra poppy seeds on the top rolls if you want to amp up the texture and visual appeal. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture during baking. Pop it into the oven for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the tops are perfectly browned and the cheese has melted into gooey, savory layers. The aroma alone here will have everyone ready to dig in right away!
How to Serve Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your sliders even more, try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives on top before serving. These add a lovely pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the richness beautifully. A few dill pickle spears on the side also bring a bright, vinegary crunch that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Barbecue Sauce Recipe pair wonderfully with light, crisp sides. Think classic coleslaw for a refreshing crunch, baked sweet potato fries for a touch of sweetness, or a simple garden salad to lighten up the meal. These sides round out the sliders without overpowering that signature tangy-sweet barbecue flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual get-togethers, serve the sliders on a wooden board with little bowls of extra barbecue sauce and mustard for dipping. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh herbs and place toothpicks in each slider to keep them neat and easy to grab. Another fun idea is to create a slider bar where guests can customize their sandwiches with extra toppings like caramelized onions, horseradish cream, or jalapeño slices—this makes the experience interactive and even more delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your feast, wrap any leftover Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Barbecue Sauce Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate them for up to 3 days. This keeps the meat tender and the sauce flavorful, so they still taste delicious when enjoyed later.
Freezing
If you want to save the sliders for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual sliders in parchment paper, then foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
To bring your Roast Beef Sliders back to life after storage, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove any plastic wrap and cover the sliders loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Warm them for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and the cheese re-melts. This method keeps the rolls soft and the filling juicy, almost as good as fresh!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While provolone melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that pairs well with roast beef, you can substitute with Swiss, mozzarella, or even cheddar for a slightly different taste and texture.
Is it possible to use fresh roast beef instead of deli-sliced?
Fresh roast beef can be used if sliced very thinly, but deli-sliced roast beef is recommended for convenience and consistency in thickness, which helps the sliders heat evenly and stay tender.
Can I make the poppy seed barbecue sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just warm it gently before pouring it over the sliders to make sure it spreads easily and evenly.
How spicy is the barbecue sauce in this recipe?
The sauce in this recipe is mild and slightly sweet, relying on Worcestershire sauce and mustard for depth rather than heat. You can add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier kick.
Can I make smaller or larger batches of these sliders?
Definitely! The recipe scales well, so you can halve it for a small gathering or double the ingredients for a party. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if making a much larger or smaller batch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the combination of soft, sweet rolls, tender roast beef, melty cheese, and that unforgettable poppy seed barbecue sauce. These Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Barbecue Sauce Recipe offer a perfect balance of comfort and excitement in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a flavor-packed meal, these sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser worth making again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a slider experience that’s bursting with love and flavor!
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Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Barbecue Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 18 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Roast Beef Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring tender deli roast beef, melted provolone cheese, and a flavorful butter-based sauce with Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, and poppy seeds, all served on soft King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls. Perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings, these sliders bake in the oven to a melty, savory perfection that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Sliders
- 18 King’s Hawaiian brand sweet rolls (from two 12-count packages)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 to 1¼ pounds deli sliced roast beef (no more than ⅛ inch thick or sandwich sliced)
- 10 slices non-smoked provolone cheese (approximately â…› inch thick, from an 8-ounce package)
Sauce
- 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 the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Prepare the rolls: Slice the rolls in half horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms. Arrange all the bottom halves close together in a 9×13 inch baking pan, ensuring they touch to form a compact base. Set aside the tops.
- Spread mayonnaise: Apply a thin layer of mayonnaise evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls in the baking dish for added moisture and flavor.
- Add roast beef: Layer 1 to 2 slices of deli roast beef on each bottom roll. Fold the slices if needed to fit the rolls comfortably and to facilitate easy pulling apart after baking.
- Add cheese and assemble: Evenly place the provolone cheese slices over the roast beef. Then cover with the reserved tops of the rolls. Gently press down to compact the sliders, ensuring they heat evenly.
- Make the sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. Allow the mixture to cook for 2-3 minutes until it just reaches a boil, then remove from the heat.
- Apply the sauce: Pour the warm sauce evenly over the assembled sliders in the baking pan. Optionally, use a pastry brush to distribute the poppy seeds evenly on top of the rolls.
- Bake the sliders: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until the tops are lightly browned and the cheese has melted completely.
Notes
- Ensure the roast beef slices are thin (no more than â…› inch) for easy folding and layering.
- You can prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling the sliders and refrigerating them before baking.
- Use a pastry brush to evenly distribute the butter sauce for best flavor and an attractive finish.
- For extra flavor, consider adding caramelized onions or pickles inside the sliders before baking.
- Adjust bake time slightly if using a different size or type of baking dish to ensure even heating.
