
Pulled-together beef sandwiches on Hawaiian rolls are a real winner for chill nights, parties, or anytime you need something fast. The buns turn out crispy on the outside and soft underneath, cheese gets all melty, and things might get a little messy—always a good sign if you ask me. You'll get a tray loaded with buttery, tasty little sandwiches everyone’s excited about.
Tasty Ingredients
- Grated parmesan and parsley flakes: toss these on top at the end if you want a little green and a pop of flavor use really finely grated parmesan so it spreads easy
- Poppy or sesame seeds: totally optional sprinkle these on top if you want a little crunch or skip for a smooth finish
- Dijon mustard: stirs some tang and gentle heat into the sauce grab creamy Dijon so it goes on smooth
- Worcestershire sauce: levels up the flavor try your go-to brand so you know you’ll like it
- Brown sugar: just a pinch sweetens the buttery topping use the soft kind because it blends best
- Butter: the golden key for shiny tops and that rich taste real unsalted butter is the way to go
- Garlic powder or garlic paste: gives just enough kick if you like it strong, fresh garlic paste does the trick
- Mayonnaise: adds creaminess and keeps things moist real mayo makes a difference here
- American cheese: melts oh-so-smooth for classic flavor you can swap in cheddar or provolone and deli slices stay soft and gooey
- Shredded roast beef: hearty and so filling leftovers or good deli roast beef both work
- Hawaiian sweet rolls: the main event look for the King’s Hawaiian bag for unbeatable taste and fluffiness
Simple Directions
- Add the Garnish:
- Give your finished buns a sprinkle of parsley and parmesan while they're still warm for a little color and extra yum
- Slice the Buns:
- Grab your whole pack of Hawaiian rolls and carefully slice through the middle using a bread knife so you’ve got a big top and bottom slab
- Rest and Cut:
- Once they’re fresh out of the oven, let them sit about five minutes This makes them easier to cut if you lined your pan, use the paper to lift out then slice into mini sandwiches
- Bake 'til Toasty:
- Cover your dish loosely with foil Pop into a 350 oven for twenty minutes, then take the foil off Bake five more minutes so tops get golden brown
- Make the Butter Sauce:
- Microwave or warm up the butter on the stove dump in brown sugar, Worcestershire, and mustard stir it together and brush the tops of your rolls with the sauce shake on poppy seeds if you want
- Top It Off:
- Lay the big top half of rolls across the beef and cheese makes things tidy and easier to chop later
- Layer Your Filling:
- Spread that shredded beef in a flat layer over your mayo mix Then add your cheese slices on top cover everything edge to edge so you get cheesy bites all over
- Mix Up the Mayo:
- Stir some mayo and garlic powder together in a small bowl and smear it over your bottom layer for flavor in every forkful
- Prep Your Baking Dish:
- Line your nine-by-thirteen dish with parchment or hit it with cooking spray Picking the rolls out after baking will be way easier

Keeping Leftovers
Pop any extras in a lidded container and stick them in the fridge—they’ll be good for up to three days If you’re hungry later, microwave for quick melty sliders or reheat at 325 for crunchy tops Freezing works too: just wrap them up tight Eat within four weeks and heat right from the freezer for best crunch
Quick Swaps
No roast beef on hand? Grab some deli slices or even leftover pot roast Cheese-wise, toss on Swiss, jack, provolone, or cheddar No Hawaiian rolls? Any soft dinner buns will work, but the sweet ones really make this pop Need it dairy-free? Use plant-based butter and non-dairy cheese—easy fix!
How to Serve
Set these up with potato chips, slaw, or a big leafy salad if it’s dinner Feeding a crowd? Make a platter with crisp veggies, pickles, and sliders Soup on a cold day with a slider on the side hits the spot Too, they make a power snack after school for the kiddos

A Little Backstory
You’ll find Hawaiian buns bringing their sweet taste to all sorts of American gatherings since the 1950s. Mini sandwiches—or sliders—have been a diner favorite since fast food’s early days. Melding beef, sweet bread, gooey cheese, and buttery tops brings together the best of nostalgic comfort food
Recipe FAQs
- → Which cheese works best?
American cheese melts perfectly, but you might love cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, provolone, or even pepper jack for variety.
- → Can I use deli-style beef?
Absolutely. Sliced deli roast beef works just fine and is a quick substitute for shredded beef.
- → How do I avoid soggy rolls?
Add a light amount of sauce, and let the rolls bake uncovered for part of the time to keep the tops crispy. Serve them right after baking.
- → What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Heat them in the oven at 325°F for a crisp top, or pop them in the microwave if you're short on time.
- → What garnishes make them pop?
A sprinkle of parsley, parmesan, or extra seeds on top adds flavor and a fun finish.