If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, irresistibly tasty snack that’s perfect for parties, game days, or any casual get-together, I have a gem for you: the Roast Beef Sliders with Barbecue Poppy Seed Sauce Recipe. These little sandwiches pack a serious flavor punch with their tender roast beef, gooey provolone cheese, and that unforgettable sweet-savory poppy seed barbecue sauce that ties everything together. Soft, buttery rolls cradle the layers perfectly, making every bite a delight that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe (and maybe seconds, too!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is what sets this Roast Beef Sliders with Barbecue Poppy Seed Sauce Recipe apart. Each component plays a vital role—from the sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls lending their soft texture and gentle sweetness, to the zesty, rich sauce that elevates the roast beef and cheese to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls (18): Their soft, slightly sweet flavor balances the savory fillings beautifully and holds everything together without overpowering.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture and a mild tang that keeps the sliders juicy without sogginess.
- Deli sliced roast beef (1 to 1¼ pounds): Thinly sliced for tenderness and perfect layering—choose the best quality you can find for the best taste.
- Provolone cheese (10 slices): Mild and melty, it complements the beef and enriches the flavor profile while providing that irresistible gooey texture.
- Salted butter (½ cup): An essential base for the luscious barbecue poppy seed sauce that soaks into every bite.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Brings a subtle kick and depth that cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Bottled barbecue sauce (1½ tablespoons): The Sweet Baby Ray’s Original adds sweetness, tang, and that signature barbecue flavor everyone loves.
- Poppy seeds (1 tablespoon): These tiny seeds add texture and a delightful nutty taste that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds umami complexity that enhances the meaty richness in the sliders.
How to Make Roast Beef Sliders with Barbecue Poppy Seed Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half, separating tops from bottoms. Arrange the bottoms snugly in a 9×13 inch baking pan so they touch each other. This base will hold your layers of flavor together beautifully. Keep the tops aside for now.
Step 2: Layer with Mayonnaise and Roast Beef
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise evenly over the roll bottoms—this adds moisture and creaminess. Next, fold and place 1 to 2 slices of thin roast beef on each bottom roll. Folding helps the meat fit perfectly on each slider and makes sure every bite is packed with that tender beefy goodness.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Top Rolls
Evenly place provolone slices atop the roast beef, setting the stage for the melty cheese magic. Then, carefully arrange the tops of the rolls back over the cheese and gently press down to secure all the layers together, ensuring everything heats evenly as it bakes.
Step 4: Whip Up the Barbecue Poppy Seed Sauce
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce until the mixture just begins to boil—about 2 to 3 minutes. This fragrant sauce is what makes these sliders uniquely delicious, bathing the rolls in a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Pour the warm sauce evenly over all the sliders in the pan. For an extra poppy seed punch, you can brush on some more seeds over the tops of the rolls. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the tops turn lightly golden brown and the cheese melts into beautifully gooey perfection.
How to Serve Roast Beef Sliders with Barbecue Poppy Seed Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
While these sliders are delicious on their own, adding fresh garnishes can elevate them even more. Consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or some finely sliced green onions for a burst of color and a hint of freshness that balances the rich, saucy goodness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your Roast Beef Sliders with crispy fries or a crisp coleslaw for a classic combo. A crunchy, tangy salad offers a nice contrast to the moist, savory sliders, making every bite feel balanced and satisfying. Pickles on the side add a delightful zing that complements the barbecue sauce beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange the sliders on a large board with small flags or decorative toothpicks for easy grabbing. Or, slice the sliders in half diagonally to create bite-sized finger food for elegant entertaining. Even stacking them high on a rustic wooden platter with bowls of extra barbecue sauce invites guests to dig in with excitement.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These sliders keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just cover them tightly to preserve moisture so they stay juicy and delicious for another serving or two.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Wrap the whole baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to warm through without drying out. You can also zap individual sliders in the microwave, but bake is best for preserving the meltiness and flavor of that fantastic barbecue poppy seed sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of provolone?
Absolutely! Cheeses like mozzarella, Swiss, or even cheddar can work well depending on your taste preferences. Just choose one that melts nicely and complements the roast beef.
What if I’m not a fan of poppy seeds?
You can simply omit the poppy seeds or replace them with sesame seeds for a different but equally tasty texture and crunch.
Can I make smaller or larger batches of this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is very flexible! Just scale the ingredients proportionally based on the number of sliders you want to prepare.
Is it okay to use leftover roast beef?
Definitely! Leftover roast beef works perfectly, just ensure it’s sliced thinly so it layers easily and warms up well in the sliders.
What makes the barbecue poppy seed sauce so special?
It’s the combination of sweet, tangy barbecue sauce with buttery richness, a hint of mustard, and the subtle crunch and nutty flavor of poppy seeds that makes this sauce unforgettable and elevates the entire slider experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a snack that’s both comforting and exciting, I highly recommend giving this Roast Beef Sliders with Barbecue Poppy Seed Sauce Recipe a try. With each bite delivering layers of flavor and that melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s a guaranteed hit with family and friends. Once you make them, you’ll see why these sliders become a go-to favorite time and time again!
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Roast Beef Sliders with Barbecue Poppy Seed Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings (sliders)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Roast Beef Sliders are a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Made with King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls, tender deli-sliced roast beef, provolone cheese, and a buttery poppy seed sauce, these sliders are baked until golden and melty, offering a deliciously savory and slightly sweet bite-sized sandwich.
Ingredients
Rolls and Meat
- 18 King’s Hawaiian brand sweet rolls (from two 12-count packages)
- 1–1¼ pounds deli sliced roast beef (no more than â…› inch thick or sandwich sliced)
Spread and Cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare it for baking the sliders.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice the rolls in half horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms. Place all the bottom halves tightly together in a 9×13 baking pan, then set the tops aside.
- Spread Mayonnaise: Evenly spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over the bottom rolls in the baking pan to add moisture and flavor.
- Layer Roast Beef: Place 1 to 2 slices of deli-sliced roast beef folded to fit each bottom roll. This layering helps keep the sliders easy to separate after baking.
- Add Cheese and Tops: Evenly distribute the provolone cheese slices over the roast beef. Replace the tops of the rolls and gently press down to keep the sliders compact and promote even heating.
- Make Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Stir in dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, poppy seeds, and worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to boil, then remove from heat.
- Apply Sauce: Pour the warm sauce evenly over the assembled sliders in the baking pan. Use a pastry brush if desired to spread the sauce and poppy seeds evenly on top.
- Bake Covered: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until the tops are lightly browned and the cheese has fully melted.
Notes
- Use King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls for their signature slightly sweet and soft texture, perfect for sliders.
- Folding the roast beef slices helps fit more meat on each slider and prevents tearing when serving.
- The buttery poppy seed sauce adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that complements the savory roast beef and cheese.
- Baking covered first helps melt the cheese and heat the sandwiches, while uncovering lets the tops brown nicely.
- For easier serving, cut the sliders before baking to separate them fully.
- You can substitute provolone with other mild cheeses like Swiss or mozzarella if preferred.
