Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Roast Beef Sliders Recipe


  • Author: Dianna

Ingredients

  • Slider Buns: 12-24 slider buns (depending on how many sliders you want to make). Soft and slightly sweet slider buns are ideal. Look for Hawaiian rolls, sweet rolls, or even mini brioche buns. These offer a delicate sweetness and a pillowy texture that complements the savory roast beef beautifully. You can also use regular slider buns, but the slightly sweeter varieties add an extra layer of deliciousness.

    • Detailed Tip: When choosing your slider buns, ensure they are fresh and soft. Slightly stale buns can become dry and crumbly when toasted. If you’re using frozen buns, thaw them completely before using. For a uniform look, try to select buns that are roughly the same size and shape. Pre-sliced slider buns are incredibly convenient, saving you time and ensuring even tops and bottoms. If your buns are not pre-sliced, use a serrated knife to carefully slice them horizontally.

  • Roast Beef: 1 pound thinly sliced roast beef, deli-style or leftover roast beef. The star of the show! High-quality roast beef is essential for the best flavor.

    • Deli Roast Beef: Opt for a good quality deli roast beef from your local butcher or deli counter. Ask for it to be sliced thinly – about the thickness you would use for a regular sandwich. Pre-packaged deli roast beef works in a pinch, but freshly sliced will always offer superior flavor and texture. Look for roast beef that is moist and not overly processed.
    • Leftover Roast Beef: Roast beef sliders are an excellent way to use up leftover roast beef from a Sunday dinner. If using leftover roast beef, ensure it is still moist and tender. You may need to gently warm it up and slice it thinly if it’s in larger pieces. Leftover roast beef often has even more flavor as it has had time to develop overnight.
    • Roast Beef Variations: While classic roast beef is the standard, you can experiment with different types of roast beef for a unique twist. Consider using:

      • London Broil: Marinated and thinly sliced London broil offers a bolder, beefier flavor.
      • Tri-Tip Roast: Smoked or grilled tri-tip roast, thinly sliced, adds a smoky dimension.
      • Prime Rib: For a truly decadent slider experience, use thinly sliced prime rib.

  • Cheese: 4-6 ounces sliced cheese of your choice. Cheese adds a creamy, melty element that binds the slider together and complements the roast beef.

    • Classic Choices:

      • Provolone: A mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully and is a classic pairing with roast beef. Its subtle flavor allows the roast beef to shine.
      • Cheddar: Sharp cheddar provides a bolder flavor contrast to the roast beef. Mild cheddar is also a great option for a more balanced taste.
      • Monterey Jack: A mild, buttery cheese that melts exceptionally well and adds a smooth texture.
      • Swiss: Nutty and slightly tangy, Swiss cheese is another excellent pairing with roast beef, offering a more complex flavor profile.

    • Spicier Options:

      • Pepper Jack: If you like a little heat, pepper jack cheese adds a spicy kick to your sliders.
      • Spicy Provolone: Some brands offer provolone infused with peppers for a milder spice.

    • Cheese Combinations: Don’t be afraid to mix and match cheeses! A combination of provolone and cheddar, or Swiss and Monterey Jack, can create a more complex and flavorful cheese layer.

  • Horseradish Sauce (or creamy horseradish): 2-4 tablespoons, or to taste. Horseradish sauce is the secret weapon that elevates roast beef sliders to the next level. Its creamy texture and zesty, pungent flavor perfectly complement the richness of the beef and cheese.

    • Prepared Horseradish Sauce: You can find prepared horseradish sauce in most grocery stores. Look for creamy horseradish sauce for a smoother texture.
    • Homemade Horseradish Sauce: For a truly authentic and fresh flavor, consider making your own horseradish sauce. It’s surprisingly easy and allows you to control the level of heat. Recipes typically involve grated horseradish root, sour cream or mayonnaise, lemon juice or vinegar, and seasonings.
    • Horseradish Sauce Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of horseradish, or want to offer variations, consider these alternatives:

      • Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy and slightly spicy kick.
      • Garlic Aioli: Adds a creamy, garlicky flavor.
      • Spicy Mayo: Combine mayonnaise with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a spicy and creamy sauce.
      • Caramelized Onion Jam: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.

  • Butter, melted: 2-4 tablespoons, for brushing the buns. Melted butter adds richness and flavor to the buns and helps them brown beautifully when toasted.

    • Butter Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use olive oil or even garlic-infused butter or oil for brushing the buns. Garlic butter will add an extra layer of savory flavor.


Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating the oven ensures that the sliders cook evenly and the cheese melts properly. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the sliders inside.

    • Oven Temperature Note: 350°F (175°C) is the ideal temperature for melting the cheese and warming the sliders through without drying out the buns or overcooking the roast beef.

  2. Prepare the slider buns. Slice the slider buns in half horizontally if they are not pre-sliced. Arrange the bottom halves of the slider buns in a baking dish or on a baking sheet. Choose a baking dish that is appropriately sized for your number of sliders – you want them to fit snugly but not be overcrowded. A 9×13 inch baking dish is usually sufficient for 12-24 sliders.

    • Baking Dish Options: You can use a glass baking dish, a ceramic baking dish, or a metal baking sheet. If using a metal baking sheet, you may want to line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup, although it’s not strictly necessary.

  3. Assemble the sliders. Spread horseradish sauce (or your chosen sauce) evenly over the bottom halves of the slider buns. This is where you add that crucial layer of flavor. Don’t be shy with the horseradish sauce if you love it! Next, layer the roast beef evenly over the sauce. Make sure the roast beef is distributed across all the buns so each slider gets a good portion. Top with slices of cheese, ensuring each slider is covered with cheese. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, gooey layer.

    • Assembly Tips:

      • For even distribution of roast beef, you can gently pull apart the slices and arrange them to cover the buns.
      • If using cheese slices that are larger than the slider buns, you can fold or tear them to fit.
      • If you are adding optional toppings like sliced onions or pickles, layer them on top of the cheese or underneath the roast beef, depending on your preference.

  4. Brush the bun tops with melted butter. In a small bowl, melt the butter. Brush the cut sides of the top halves of the slider buns with the melted butter. This will help them brown beautifully in the oven and add a rich, buttery flavor.

    • Butter Brushing Technique: Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the bun tops with melted butter. Don’t over-saturate them, just a light coating is sufficient.

  5. Place the top halves of the buns on the sliders. Carefully place the buttered top halves of the slider buns over the cheese and roast beef, creating complete sliders. Ensure they are aligned with the bottom halves.
  6. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the buns are lightly golden brown. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and gooey and the buns are lightly golden brown and toasted. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent the buns from burning.

    • Baking Time Adjustment: Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the type of buns you are using. Check for doneness around the 10-minute mark. The cheese should be melted and visibly bubbly, and the buns should be lightly golden brown. If the cheese is melted but the buns aren’t browned enough, you can increase the oven temperature slightly for the last few minutes or place them under the broiler for a very short time, watching carefully to prevent burning.

  7. Serve immediately and enjoy! Once the sliders are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and serve immediately while they are warm and cheesy. The aroma will be irresistible! Use a spatula or knife to carefully separate the sliders and serve them individually.

    • Serving Suggestions: See the “How to Serve” section below for detailed serving ideas.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 200-250
  • Sugar: 3-5 grams
  • Sodium: 300-400 mg
  • Fat: 10-15 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 5-8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
  • Fiber: 1-2 grams
  • Protein: 10-15 grams
  • Cholesterol: 40-50 mg