If you’ve been hunting for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a hearty snack that’s bursting with flavor, this Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Dijon Barbecue Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner. Picture soft, sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls hugging tender deli roast beef and creamy provolone, all smothered in a luscious, tangy-sweet poppy seed Dijon barbecue glaze that bakes into melty perfection. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to gather friends around the table, tearing apart these sliders with joyous abandon—comfort food done just right. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one slider!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these sliders right starts with a simple set of ingredients that each adds its own magic. From the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls to the rich, meltable provolone, and the tangy barbecue sauce with a surprising poppy seed kick, every component plays a starring role in building layers of taste and delightful texture.
- King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls (18 rolls): Their signature soft, slightly sweet bread is the perfect slider base that adds a tender contrast to savory fillings.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): A thin layer keeps the rolls moist and adds subtle richness without overpowering the beef.
- Deli sliced roast beef (1 to 1¼ pounds): Choose thin, sandwich-sliced cuts for easy layering and a delicate bite.
- Non-smoked provolone cheese (10 slices): Adds creamy, melty goodness without an overwhelming smokiness, allowing the BBQ sauce to shine.
- Salted butter (½ cup): The base for the savory, tangy glaze that ties everything together beautifully.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Provides a mild spicy zing and depth to the barbecue sauce.
- Bottled barbecue sauce (1½ tablespoons): Sweet Baby Ray’s Original is a dependable choice with just the right balance of sweet and smoky flavors.
- Poppy seed (1 tablespoon): Adds a little crunch and a subtle nutty note that makes the sauce extra special.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Amplifies the savory umami flavors in the barbecue glaze, rounding out the sauce perfectly.
How to Make Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Dijon Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rolls and Layer the Meat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when you are. Slice each King’s Hawaiian roll in half horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms. Press all the bottom halves close together into a 9×13-inch baking dish—this tight arrangement helps the sliders keep their shape and stay super soft. Set the tops aside for now, because it’s time to layer!
Step 2: Mayo and Roast Beef
Spread a thin, even layer of mayonnaise across the bottom rolls in the pan. This tiny touch of mayo is the secret to juicy sliders without sogginess. Next, drape 1 to 2 slices of roast beef over each bottom bun, folding as needed to fit comfortably—this folding tactic makes the sliders easier to split after baking, so no one fights over the cheese!
Step 3: Add Cheese and Top It Off
Place sliced provolone evenly across the roast beef layer. Its mild, creamy flavor perfectly melts into the beef’s juicy richness. Now, crown the sliders with the roll tops, gently pressing down to ensure they stick together and heat uniformly. The layered setup is now ready for its final flavor touch.
Step 4: Make and Pour the Poppy Seed Dijon Barbecue Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter then whisk in the dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. Let this vibrant mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it just barely boils—this will marry all the flavors into one irresistible glaze. Pour the warm sauce evenly over the entire pan of sliders, making sure every bite gets a sticky, tangy coating. For an added flourish, brush some of the sauce on the tops to sprinkle extra poppy seeds if you please.
Step 5: Bake to Melty, Golden Perfection
Tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil before sliding it into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to let the cheese melt and the flavors meld beautifully. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the tops turn lightly browned and irresistibly golden. Now your sliders are ready to pull apart and devour!
How to Serve Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Dijon Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
These sliders are wonderfully satisfying on their own, but if you want to elevate the presentation, fresh garnishes can add a delightful fresh contrast. Try a few crunchy dill pickle slices tucked in or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for color and brightness. A few thin red onion rings can bring a mild bite that complements the creamy cheese and smoky beef.
Side Dishes
Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Dijon Barbecue Sauce Recipe pairs fabulously with simple sides that don’t compete with the sliders’ star-quality taste. Classic options like kettle-cooked chips, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette keep everything balanced. For a heartier spread, roasted sweet potato fries or baked beans create a warm, comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these sliders directly in the baking dish for a casual, family-style approach that’s perfect for parties, letting everyone pull apart their own slider. For something a little fancier, transfer them onto a wooden serving board, separated by slices of fresh veggies or olives. You can even thread some mini toothpicks with olives or cherry tomatoes through each slider to keep them intact and add a pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers—which might be a challenge—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them tightly covered helps retain moisture so the beef and sauce stay flavorful and the rolls don’t dry out.
Freezing
To enjoy this Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Dijon Barbecue Sauce Recipe another day, freeze the cooked sliders (before baking) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with the baking step as instructed.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed sliders in the oven at 350°F, covered loosely with foil to keep them from drying out, for about 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through and cheese re-melts. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the rolls soggy or tough.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for the sliders?
Absolutely! While provolone is excellent for its meltiness and mild flavor, you could substitute mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a little spice. Just keep in mind that stronger cheeses will change the flavor profile but can be delicious too.
Is it possible to make these sliders vegetarian?
While this recipe is tailored for roast beef, you can swap the meat for grilled portobello mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or a plant-based deli slice. Pairing with the poppy seed Dijon barbecue sauce keeps the flavor punch intact.
How spicy is the poppy seed Dijon barbecue sauce?
The sauce is more tangy and sweet than spicy. The Dijon mustard adds a gentle warmth without heat, and the barbecue sauce brings smoky-sweet notes. It’s a perfect balance for most palates, including kids and those sensitive to spice.
Can I prepare the sliders completely ahead and refrigerate before baking?
Yes! Assemble the sliders entirely up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time when you take them out to make sure they’re heated through and beautifully bubbly.
What’s the best way to ensure the sliders don’t get soggy?
Spreading mayonnaise on the bottom rolls helps create a moisture barrier, keeping the bread tender but not soggy. Also, avoid piling the meat too thickly as excess juices can cause sogginess. Baking with the foil on and removing it toward the end helps develop a nicely toasted top.
Final Thoughts
This Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Dijon Barbecue Sauce Recipe has all the hallmarks of a perfect party dish: easy to make, highly shareable, and full of delicious layers of flavor that never fail to impress. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want a satisfying treat for family night, these sliders are pure joy in every bite. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a requested favorite in your recipe rotation. So go ahead, bake a batch, gather your loved ones, and enjoy some seriously tasty slider magic together!
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Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Dijon Barbecue Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Roast Beef Sliders combine King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls with deli sliced roast beef, provolone cheese, and a flavorful butter-based sauce featuring Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. Baked to perfection, these sliders are perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings, offering a warm, savory treat that’s easy to assemble and sure to please a 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 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 seeds
- 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 King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms. Arrange all the bottom halves snugly in a 9×13-inch baking pan so they touch each other. Set the tops aside for later use.
- Apply mayonnaise: Spread a thin, even layer of mayonnaise onto each bottom roll in the baking dish.
- Add roast beef: Place 1 to 2 slices of deli roast beef on each roll bottom, folding the slices as needed to fit the rolls. This layering helps make the sliders easy to pull apart after baking.
- Add cheese and top rolls: Lay the provolone cheese slices evenly over the roast beef, then place the tops of the rolls on the cheese layer. Gently press down on the assembled sliders to ensure they hold together and heat evenly while baking.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture just to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Brush the sauce: Pour the warm sauce evenly over the assembled sliders, making sure to drizzle it thoroughly. Optionally, use a pastry brush to spread poppy seeds evenly over the tops of the rolls for extra texture and flavor.
- Bake the sliders: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the tops are lightly browned and the cheese has melted.
Notes
- You can substitute the provolone cheese with mozzarella or Swiss cheese if desired.
- For a spicier version, add a little horseradish sauce to the mayonnaise spread.
- These sliders are best served warm and fresh but can be reheated covered in foil at 325°F for 10-15 minutes.
- To make prep easier, you can slice rolls and prepare sauce ahead of time and assemble just before baking.
- Use thinly sliced roast beef for the best texture and easy layering.
