If you’re on the hunt for a sensational party appetizer or a comforting snack that bursts with flavor, these Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Dijon Butter Recipe are about to become your new favorite obsession. Imagine tender, thinly sliced roast beef layered with creamy provolone cheese and spread with a delicate mayo coating, all nestled in soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls. But the real magic comes from a warm, buttery glaze infused with dijon mustard, savory barbecue sauce, Worcestershire, and a delightful poppy seed crunch that blankets the sliders as they bake to bubbly perfection. Every bite is a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, tangy, and buttery goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things beautifully simple with ingredients you can easily find in your pantry or local grocery store. Each component plays a crucial role—from the soft sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls to the punchy richness of the poppy seed dijon butter that ties everything together.
- King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls (18): These rolls bring that iconic sweet and pillowy texture which balances the savory roast beef perfectly.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Adds a light creaminess to the base layer that keeps the sliders moist and flavorful.
- Deli sliced roast beef (1–1¼ pounds): Choose thinly sliced, tender roast beef for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Provolone cheese, non-smoked (10 slices): A mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully over the roast beef.
- Salted butter (½ cup): The foundation for the luscious butter sauce that makes these sliders stand out.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a tangy bite that cuts through the richness.
- Bottled barbecue sauce (1½ tablespoons): Sweet Baby Ray’s Original pairs amazingly, adding a smoky-sweet twist.
- Poppy seed (1 tablespoon): Gives a subtle crunch and delightful texture contrast.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Infuses a deep umami savoriness into the butter glaze.
How to Make Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Dijon Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Slice your King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms. Arrange all the bottoms tightly together in a 9×13 inch baking dish so they’re just touching—this helps the sliders bake into a soft, pull-apart delight. Set the roll tops aside for now.
Step 2: Layer the Base
Lightly spread mayonnaise evenly across each roll bottom in the baking dish. This adds moisture and a touch of richness to keep every bite luscious.
Step 3: Add the Roast Beef
Fold your deli-sliced roast beef slices as needed to fit comfortably on the rolls, using 1-2 slices per slider to build a hearty layer. Folding also helps the meat hold together and makes them easier to pull apart once baked.
Step 4: Cheese and Top It Off
Place the provolone cheese slices evenly over the roast beef layer, then press the reserved tops of the rolls on gently to keep everything snug and ready for baking.
Step 5: Create the Poppy Seed Dijon Butter
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Stir in the dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. Let this mixture come to a gentle boil for 2-3 minutes until everything melds beautifully, then remove from heat.
Step 6: Glaze and Bake
Pour the warm poppy seed dijon butter sauce evenly over the assembled sliders, making sure to coat the tops well. For extra poppy seed goodness, you can use a pastry brush to distribute them across the rolls. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake another 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts and the tops are lightly golden.
How to Serve Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Dijon Butter Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these sliders even further, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions on top after baking for a pop of color and freshness. A light dusting of cracked black pepper adds just the right hint of spice to contrast the sweet rolls.
Side Dishes
Sliders love company, so serve these with crisp coleslaw or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness. Crispy potato chips or baked kettle chips are also crowd favorites that bring a satisfying crunch alongside every slider.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange your sliders on a wooden serving board with toothpicks to keep them intact and easy to grab. You can also layer them in a tiered platter with small bowls of extra poppy seed dijon butter or barbecue sauce for dipping. It makes for a stunning and inviting presentation that your guests will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for enjoying the next day without any loss in flavor or texture.
Freezing
These sliders freeze wonderfully, too! Wrap them tightly in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method keeps the rolls soft and the cheese melty, just like fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the King’s Hawaiian rolls for your favorite gluten-free slider buns. The poppy seed dijon butter glaze and fillings remain the same, so you won’t miss a beat.
What’s the best cheese substitute if I don’t have provolone?
Mild mozzarella or even a sharp white cheddar work great as alternatives. They melt nicely and complement the flavors of the roast beef and butter sauce.
Can I prepare these sliders in advance and bake them later?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just wait to pour the butter glaze on until right before baking for the most vibrant flavors.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
While this version focuses on roast beef, you can substitute the meat with hearty grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based roast slices and follow the same instruction for a delicious vegetarian slider.
How spicy is the poppy seed dijon butter glaze?
It’s perfectly balanced—not spicy in a heat sense, but tangy with a mild kick from dijon mustard and a taste complexity from Worcestershire sauce. If you prefer heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper!
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend trying this Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Dijon Butter Recipe enough if you’re craving a dish that feels both festive and comforting. The combination of sweet rolls, tender roast beef, gooey cheese, and that unforgettable butter glaze makes every bite a delight. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to treat yourself to something special, these sliders promise to bring smiles and satisfy appetites. Give them a go—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Dijon Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 18 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delicious Roast Beef Sliders feature tender deli roast beef layered with provolone cheese on sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls, baked to melty, warm perfection with a buttery poppy seed glaze. Perfect for parties or casual get-togethers, this easy-to-make recipe combines savory roast beef with a tangy Dijon-mustard and barbecue butter sauce to create irresistible sliders that are sure to please any crowd.
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)
- 10 slices non-smoked provolone cheese (approximately â…› inch thick)
Sauce
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1½ tablespoons bottled barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s Original recommended)
- 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 horizontally to separate the tops from the bottoms. Place all the bottom halves into a 9×13-inch baking pan, arranging them closely together so they touch. Set the tops aside.
- Spread Mayonnaise: Evenly spread a thin layer of mayonnaise onto each bottom roll 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 slices as needed to fit neatly onto the rolls. This layering helps keep the sliders easy to separate after baking.
- Add Cheese and Top Rolls: Place slices of provolone cheese evenly on top of the roast beef, then cover with the roll tops. Gently press down to secure the sliders so they heat evenly in the oven.
- Make Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Stir in Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce comes to a boil and is well combined, then remove from heat.
- Brush Sauce Over Sliders: Pour or brush the warm butter mixture evenly over the top of the rolled sliders, coating the tops thoroughly. This adds flavor and creates a delicious glaze.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and the cheese has melted perfectly.
Notes
- You can use a pastry brush to distribute the poppy seed butter sauce evenly on the tops for better flavor coverage.
- If you prefer, substitute the roast beef with another deli meat like turkey or ham for variation.
- Use fresh provolone cheese slices or any mild cheese that melts well for best results.
- For crispier tops, broil the sliders for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- These sliders are best served warm but can be prepared ahead and reheated.
