If you are on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a comforting meal that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than the Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Dijon Barbecue Sauce Recipe. This delightful dish combines tender, thinly sliced roast beef with gooey provolone cheese, nestled inside soft, sweet rolls that soak up a luscious buttery sauce spiked with dijon mustard, barbecue, and poppy seeds. Every bite delivers a perfect harmony of savory, tangy, and subtly sweet notes that will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds!). Whether you’re hosting a game day party or simply craving an easy-to-make indulgence, this recipe is a guaranteed winner that brings warmth and comfort to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet essential ingredients is the first step toward crafting your Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Dijon Barbecue Sauce Recipe. Each element plays a vital role, from the sweet rolls adding a tender base to the dijon and barbecue creating a complex, tangy glaze that brings everything together beautifully.
- King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls (18): Their soft, sweet texture perfectly balances the savory roast beef.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Adds creaminess and helps keep the beef tender against the rolls.
- Deli sliced roast beef (1-1¼ pounds): Choose thinly sliced, sandwich-style for tenderness and easy layering.
- Non-smoked provolone cheese (10 slices): Melts beautifully, offering a mild, buttery flavor.
- Salted butter (½ cup): Forms the rich base of the poppy seed dijon barbecue sauce.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Provides a sharp, tangy kick that livens the sauce.
- Bottled barbecue sauce (1½ tablespoons): Sweet Baby Ray’s Original is ideal for its balanced sweetness and depth.
- Poppy seeds (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle crunch and visual appeal on the tops of the sliders.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Boosts umami, complementing the roast beef and sauce flavors.
How to Make Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Dijon Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Arrange the Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half, separating the tops from the bottoms. Place the bottoms snugly in a 9×13 baking pan so they’re touching — this helps the sliders stay together and makes serving easier. Keep the tops aside for now; they’re going to crown the sliders later.
Step 2: Build the Base
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over the bottom rolls; this adds moisture and richness without overwhelming the flavors. Next, gently layer 1 to 2 slices of the deli roast beef on each bottom roll. Folding the slices helps them fit perfectly and ensures each slider is generously filled while remaining easy to separate after baking.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Assemble
Evenly distribute the provolone slices over the roast beef layer. Once the cheese is in place, top each with the reserved roll tops and press down lightly. This gentle pressure ensures all components melt and meld together during baking, creating a unified flavor explosion when you bite in.
Step 4: Prepare the Signature Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Stir in the dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. Let the sauce come to a gentle boil while stirring, about 2 to 3 minutes. This warm, glossy mixture is what makes these sliders truly special.
Step 5: Coat and Bake to Perfection
Pour the warm poppy seed dijon barbecue sauce evenly over the assembled sliders in the baking pan. For an extra touch, use a pastry brush to spread the poppy seeds on the roll tops, making them as visually inviting as they are tasty. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes until the tops are lightly browned and the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
How to Serve Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Dijon Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions over the sliders just before serving adds a pop of color and freshness. Tiny pickles or crisp lettuce leaves tucked inside can also provide a subtle crunch and bright contrast to the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
These sliders shine alongside classic sides like crispy kettle chips, tangy coleslaw, or a simple garden salad. For a heartier meal, pair with baked beans or roasted vegetables, which complement the smoky barbecue notes in the sauce wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the sliders on a large wooden board with ramekins of extra barbecue sauce for dipping. You can also cut the batch into smaller sections to serve as finger foods at gatherings. Wrapping each slider in parchment paper or tying with a colorful ribbon makes for a charming, rustic presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Dijon Barbecue Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them tightly sealed preserves moisture and flavor so you can enjoy the deliciousness again without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save the sliders for longer, freeze them covered with foil inside a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months this way. To prevent sogginess, consider freezing before baking and bake directly from frozen with a slightly longer cook time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes, covered with foil to keep them moist. This method preserves the melty cheese and warms the sauce beautifully. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the rolls to become chewy and the cheese unevenly heated.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While provolone is recommended for its mild meltiness, Swiss, mozzarella, or cheddar can also work well, each adding its own character to the sliders.
Is it possible to make these sliders vegetarian?
Yes, swap out the roast beef for grilled portobello mushrooms or seasoned tofu slices and keep the rest of the recipe the same. The sauce and rolls will still deliver plenty of flavor.
Can I prepare these sliders without poppy seeds?
If poppy seeds are not your favorite, you can omit them or substitute with sesame seeds for a different but equally satisfying crunch and visual appeal.
How many sliders does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 18 sliders, perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prep over several days.
Can I use different rolls?
King’s Hawaiian rolls are ideal for their sweetness and texture, but you can use any soft slider buns you prefer. Just keep in mind that a sweeter roll balances the savory, tangy sauce best.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Dijon Barbecue Sauce Recipe that makes it an instant favorite in any household. From the tender meat to the luscious sauce and soft rolls, it’s a simple yet luxurious combination you’ll want to keep coming back to. So go ahead, make a batch, gather your loved ones, and savor every bite of this unforgettable, feel-good dish!
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Roast Beef Sliders with Poppy Seed Dijon Barbecue Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Roast Beef Sliders are a delicious crowd-pleaser featuring King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls layered with tender roast beef, melted provolone cheese, and a savory buttery sauce infused with Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. Baked to perfection, these sliders are perfect for parties, game day, or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Slider Ingredients
- 18 King’s Hawaiian 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 Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1½ tablespoons bottled barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s Original recommended)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice the 18 King’s Hawaiian rolls in half, separating tops and bottoms. Place all the bottoms into a 9×13-inch baking pan so they are touching, and set the tops aside.
- Spread Mayonnaise: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise evenly onto the bottom halves of the rolls in the pan.
- Add Roast Beef: Top each bottom roll with 1 to 2 slices of deli roast beef, folding slices as necessary to fit the rolls. This folding helps keep the sliders intact and easy to pull apart when served.
- Add Cheese and Tops: Evenly place provolone cheese slices over the roast beef, then place all the tops of the rolls onto the cheese. Gently press down to secure the sliders together and promote even heating.
- Make Sauce: Melt salted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce just comes to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Pour Sauce: Evenly pour the warm sauce over the assembled sliders in the baking pan. Optionally, use a pastry brush to spread poppy seeds evenly on the tops.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to warm through and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the tops of the sliders are lightly browned and the cheese is melted.
Notes
- You can prepare these sliders a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.
- To make slicing easier, use a serrated knife to cut the rolls in half evenly.
- If you prefer a little more tang, feel free to add extra Dijon mustard to the sauce.
- These sliders reheat well wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
- Swap roast beef for turkey or ham for a different flavor variation.
