Easy 5 Best Kings Hawaiian Sliders Recipes You NEED to Try!!
1. French Onion Roast Beef Hawaiian Sliders
Ingredients
For the French Onion Roast Beef Hawaiian Sliders
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls.
- 1 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef.
- 8 ounces sliced provolone cheese, about 10 to 12 slices.
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
- 1/4 cup beef broth.
For the Buttery Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder.
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup prepared beef au jus, for dipping.
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese, for the topping.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, for extra tang.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, for mild heat.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, for garnish.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Hawaiian sweet rolls: Use soft dinner rolls, brioche slider buns, or potato rolls.
- Provolone cheese: Swiss, mozzarella, Gruyère, or white cheddar all work well.
- Yellow onions: Sweet onions such as Vidalia onions are a good substitute.
- Deli roast beef: Leftover thinly sliced roast beef can be used if it is tender and not overly dry.
- Beef broth: Low-sodium beef stock works equally well.
- Unsalted butter: Salted butter is fine, but reduce the added salt slightly.
- Dried thyme: Use about 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme instead.
Equipment Needed
- 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Large skillet.
- Cutting board.
- Sharp chef’s knife.
- Serrated bread knife.
- Measuring cups.
- Measuring spoons.
- Small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan.
- Silicone pastry brush.
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula.
- Aluminum foil.
- Oven mitts.
- Serving spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin coating of butter.
The oven should be fully preheated before the sliders go in. Starting in a cold oven can make the rolls dry before the cheese melts properly.
2. Slice the Onions
Peel the onions and slice them into thin, even strips.
Try to keep the slices close to the same thickness so they cook evenly. Very thick onion pieces take longer to soften, while paper-thin pieces may burn.
Do not chop the onions into large chunks. Thin slices create the soft, jammy texture that gives these sliders their French onion flavor.
3. Slowly Cook the Onions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
1 tablespoon olive oil.
Once the butter melts, add the sliced onions, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Cook for about 18 to 22 minutes, stirring every few minutes. If the onions start browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low.
The onions are ready for the next step when they look very soft, reduced in volume, and golden brown around the edges.
Do not rush this process with high heat. High heat can burn the outside of the onions while leaving the centers firm.
4. Build the French Onion Flavor
Add the dried thyme, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 cup beef broth to the skillet.
Stir well and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes, until most of the liquid has evaporated.
The onion mixture should look glossy and moist but not watery.
Remove the skillet from the heat.
5. Slice the Hawaiian Rolls
Keep the rolls connected as one slab. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice horizontally through the center.
Place the bottom half of the rolls into the prepared baking dish.
Do not separate all 12 rolls before assembling. Keeping them connected makes layering easier and helps the sliders bake evenly.
6. Add the First Cheese Layer
Arrange half of the provolone cheese over the bottom rolls.
Cover the bread from edge to edge as evenly as possible.
The bottom cheese layer creates a small barrier between the bread and juicy filling, which helps prevent soggy sliders.
7. Add the Roast Beef
Layer the thinly sliced roast beef evenly over the cheese.
Gently fold larger slices instead of pressing them flat. This creates a better texture and helps the sliders feel more substantial.
If your deli roast beef is especially wet, lightly blot excess moisture with a paper towel before layering.
8. Add the Caramelized Onion Mixture
Spoon the warm onion mixture evenly over the roast beef.
Spread it gently so every slider gets some onion flavor.
Avoid adding excess liquid from the skillet. Too much moisture can make the bottom rolls soggy.
9. Add the Remaining Cheese
Place the remaining provolone slices over the onion layer.
Set the top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the cheese and gently press down.
10. Make the Butter Topping
In a small bowl, combine.
3 tablespoons melted butter.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley.
1/4 teaspoon onion powder.
Stir until combined.
Brush the mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls. Make sure to cover the edges because they brown quickly.
11. Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil.
Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
The foil helps warm the roast beef and melt the cheese without burning the sweet roll tops.
12. Uncover and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and bake for another 7 to 10 minutes.
The French Onion Roast Beef Hawaiian Sliders are done when.
The cheese is fully melted.
The tops are shiny and golden brown.
The edges are lightly crisp.
The filling is hot in the center.
Do not overbake. Hawaiian rolls contain sugar and can go from golden to overly dark fairly quickly.
13. Rest, Slice, and Serve
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the sliders rest for 5 minutes.
Use a sharp knife to cut along the natural lines between the rolls.
Serve warm. For extra flavor, offer warm beef au jus on the side for dipping.
These sliders taste best while the cheese is still melted and the buttery tops are warm.
Nutrition Facts
Cost To Make This Recipe
Item – Estimated Cost (USD).
Hawaiian sweet rolls – $4.50.
1 lb deli roast beef – $11.00.
Provolone cheese – $4.00.
Yellow onions – $1.50.
Butter – $1.25.
Olive oil – $0.25.
Beef broth – $0.75.
Worcestershire sauce – $0.30.
Herbs and seasonings – $0.45.
Estimated Total Recipe Cost
Approximately $24.00 USD.
Estimated Cost Per Serving
Approximately $2.00 USD per serving.
2. Chicken Parmesan Hawaiian Sliders
Ingredients
For the Chicken Parmesan Hawaiian Sliders
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls.
- 12 ounces frozen breaded chicken tenders or chicken cutlets, fully cooked according to package directions and cut into slider-size pieces.
- 1 cup marinara sauce, divided.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese, divided.
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish.
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for mild heat.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder for extra savory flavor.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil for a fresher Italian-style finish.
- Extra warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Hawaiian sweet rolls: Use any soft 12-count slider rolls or small dinner rolls.
- Breaded chicken: Use homemade breaded chicken cutlets, baked chicken tenders, air-fried chicken tenders, or leftover chicken Parmesan.
- Mozzarella: Substitute sliced provolone or an Italian cheese blend.
- Parmesan: Pecorino Romano can work, but it has a saltier and sharper flavor.
- Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred tomato-basil pasta sauce. Choose a thicker sauce when possible to reduce sogginess.
- Fresh parsley: Substitute fresh basil or simply leave it out.
Equipment Needed
- 9 x 13-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet.
- Parchment paper or nonstick cooking spray.
- Large serrated bread knife.
- Cutting board.
- Sharp kitchen knife.
- Measuring cups.
- Measuring spoons.
- Small microwave-safe bowl for melting butter.
- Pastry brush or spoon.
- Small mixing bowl.
- Aluminum foil.
- Spatula.
- Instant-read thermometer, optional but helpful if cooking chicken from raw.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Cook the breaded chicken according to the package directions until hot and crisp. Depending on the product, this may take about 15–25 minutes at 400°F to 425°F.
Once cooked, cut the chicken into pieces that fit comfortably inside each slider.
The breading should look golden brown and crisp rather than pale or soft.
If you are using raw homemade chicken, cook it until the thickest part reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Do not place cold frozen chicken directly inside the sliders. It may not heat evenly during the shorter slider baking time.
2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, or line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Keeping the oven fully preheated helps the cheese melt evenly without unnecessarily drying out the rolls.
3. Slice the Hawaiian Rolls
Keep all 12 rolls connected. Using a large serrated knife, carefully slice the entire slab horizontally through the middle.
You should now have one connected top half and one connected bottom half.
Place the bottom slab of rolls in the prepared baking dish.
Use a gentle back-and-forth sawing motion instead of pressing straight down. This keeps the soft rolls from becoming crushed.
4. Build the First Cheese Layer
Sprinkle about 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the bottom half of the rolls.
This first cheese layer adds flavor and creates a small barrier between the bread and sauce.
The cheese should cover most of the bread surface in a light, even layer.
5. Add the Breaded Chicken
Arrange the cooked chicken pieces evenly over the cheese. Try to place one appropriately sized piece over each future slider section.
If your chicken pieces are thick, slice them horizontally or use smaller portions. Overstuffed sliders are harder to cut and eat.
Do not pile several thick chicken pieces on top of one another. The sliders can become unstable and heat unevenly.
6. Add the Marinara Sauce
Spoon about 3/4 cup marinara sauce over the chicken.
Spread it gently so every slider gets some sauce, but avoid flooding the rolls.
The chicken should be lightly coated, not completely submerged.
Save the remaining 1/4 cup marinara for serving or add only a little more if your chicken seems dry.
Too much thin sauce is the fastest way to end up with soggy slider bottoms.
7. Add the Cheese and Seasonings
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese over the sauced chicken.
Add 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, followed by.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
If using crushed red pepper flakes, sprinkle them on now.
The cheese should be distributed evenly from edge to edge so every slider gets a good cheesy pull.
8. Add the Top Rolls
Carefully place the connected top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the filling.
Press down very lightly with clean hands. Do not compress the sliders too firmly.
At this point, the rolls should sit evenly over the chicken and cheese without large gaps.
9. Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter
In a small bowl, combine.
2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter.
Remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
Remaining 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
Remaining 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
Stir until combined.
Brush or spoon the mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls.
Make sure some of the seasoned butter reaches the edges. Those outer rolls can dry out faster than the center sliders.
10. Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil.
Bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes.
The foil helps the filling heat through and allows the mozzarella to melt without letting the tops of the rolls brown too quickly.
When you lift one corner of the foil, the cheese should look soft and mostly melted.
11. Uncover and Finish Baking
Remove the foil carefully and return the sliders to the oven.
Bake uncovered for another 8–12 minutes.
The exact time depends on your oven and the thickness of the chicken pieces.
Visual cues that the sliders are ready.
The tops are golden brown.
The mozzarella is fully melted.
The sauce is hot.
The edges are lightly crisp.
The center sliders feel warm when gently touched.
Do not walk away during the final few minutes. Hawaiian rolls contain sugar and can brown faster than standard dinner rolls.
12. Rest, Slice, and Serve
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the sliders rest for 5 minutes.
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
Use a sharp knife to cut between the individual rolls. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
That short resting period matters. Cutting immediately can cause hot cheese and sauce to slide out of the sandwiches.
Nutrition Facts
Cost To Make This Recipe
Item – Estimated Cost (USD).
12-count Hawaiian sweet rolls – $4.50.
12 oz breaded chicken – $5.50.
1 cup marinara sauce – $1.50.
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese – $3.25.
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese – $2.00.
Butter – $0.40.
Seasonings and garlic powder – $0.30.
Fresh parsley – $0.55.
Estimated Total Recipe Cost
Approximately $18.00 USD.
Estimated Cost Per Serving
Approximately $3.00 USD per serving.
3. BBQ Chicken Pineapple Hawaiian Sliders
Ingredients
For the BBQ Chicken Pineapple Filling
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken – about 1 1/4 pounds cooked chicken; rotisserie chicken works well.
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce – use your favorite smoky, sweet, or spicy BBQ sauce.
- 1 cup pineapple tidbits – canned or fresh, thoroughly drained.
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls – 1 standard package.
- 6 ounces sliced provolone cheese – about 6 to 8 slices.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion – optional for a sharper flavor.
For the Garlic Butter Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds – optional.
Optional Ingredients
- 1 small jalapeno, thinly sliced, for heat.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro.
- 1/4 cup cooked crumbled bacon.
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions.
- Extra barbecue sauce, for serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: Substitute cooked shredded turkey or pulled pork.
- Hawaiian rolls: Use soft dinner rolls, brioche slider buns, or potato rolls.
- Provolone: Substitute Monterey Jack, cheddar, pepper Jack, or Swiss cheese.
- Mozzarella: Use shredded Monterey Jack for a richer flavor.
- Pineapple tidbits: Use crushed pineapple, but squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Red onion: Substitute thinly sliced sweet onion or omit it.
- Unsalted butter: Salted butter works, but the finished sliders may contain more sodium.
- Worcestershire sauce: Substitute 1 teaspoon soy sauce for a slightly different savory flavor.
Equipment Needed
- 9 x 13-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet.
- Large mixing bowl.
- Small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan.
- Serrated bread knife.
- Cutting board.
- Measuring cups.
- Measuring spoons.
- Mixing spoon or silicone spatula.
- Pastry brush.
- Aluminum foil.
- Can opener, if using canned pineapple.
- Colander or fine-mesh strainer.
- Two forks, if shredding cooked chicken by hand.
- Instant-read thermometer, optional but helpful if cooking chicken from raw.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of butter.
Allow the oven to fully preheat before baking. Starting in a cold oven can make the rolls warm slowly and may prevent the cheese from melting evenly.
2. Drain the Pineapple Thoroughly
Place 1 cup pineapple tidbits in a fine-mesh strainer or colander. Let them drain for several minutes, then gently press away excess juice with paper towels.
The pineapple should look moist and glossy but should not drip liquid when lifted.
Do not add pineapple straight from the can with the juice. Excess moisture can make the Hawaiian rolls soggy.
3. Prepare the BBQ Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine.
3 cups shredded cooked chicken.
3/4 cup barbecue sauce.
Stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
The mixture should look glossy and moist, but not soupy. If your barbecue sauce is especially thin, begin with 1/2 cup, mix well, and add more only as needed.
Warm or room-temperature chicken is easier to mix than refrigerator-cold chicken.
4. Slice the Hawaiian Rolls
Keep the rolls connected as one slab. Using a serrated bread knife, carefully slice horizontally through the middle.
You should have one connected top half and one connected bottom half.
Place the bottom half into the prepared baking dish.
Do not pull every roll apart before assembling. Keeping them connected makes layering easier and helps the sliders bake more evenly.
5. Build the First Cheese Layer
Arrange about half of the provolone cheese over the bottom rolls.
Try to cover most of the bread surface. This first cheese layer adds flavor and creates a partial barrier between the bread and moist BBQ chicken filling.
6. Add the BBQ Chicken
Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese.
Use the back of a spoon or spatula to distribute it all the way to the edges. Avoid piling too much filling in the center.
The chicken layer should be even from corner to corner.
7. Add Pineapple and Optional Onion
Scatter the drained pineapple evenly over the BBQ chicken.
If using red onion, sprinkle 1/4 cup thinly sliced onion over the pineapple. Add jalapeno at this stage if you want spicy sliders.
Smaller pineapple pieces give you a better sweet-and-smoky balance in every bite.
8. Add the Remaining Cheese
Layer the remaining provolone over the filling, then sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
Using cheese above and below the filling helps hold the sliders together.
9. Add the Top Rolls
Carefully place the connected top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the cheese.
Press down very gently with your hands. Do not smash the rolls.
10. Make the Garlic Butter Topping
In a small bowl, combine.
3 tablespoons melted butter.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley.
Stir until blended.
Brush the mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
Every roll should have a light, glossy coating of butter.
Do not pour all the butter into one spot. Uneven distribution can create greasy patches.
11. Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil.
Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Covering the sliders allows the filling to heat through and the cheese to melt without burning the tops.
12. Finish Baking Uncovered
Remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes.
The BBQ Chicken Pineapple Hawaiian Sliders are done when.
The tops are lightly golden brown.
The cheese is fully melted.
The filling is hot in the center.
The edges look slightly crisp.
You can see small bubbles of melted cheese around the sides.
If the tops brown too quickly, loosely replace the foil.
13. Rest, Slice, and Serve
Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the sliders to rest for 5 minutes.
Use a sharp knife to cut along the natural lines between the rolls.
Serve warm with extra barbecue sauce if desired.
The short resting time matters. Cutting immediately can cause hot cheese and filling to slide out of the rolls.
Nutrition Facts
Cost To Make This Recipe
Item – Estimated Cost (USD).
Cooked chicken – $5.00.
Hawaiian sweet rolls – $4.00.
Barbecue sauce – $1.25.
Pineapple tidbits – $1.25.
Provolone cheese – $2.50.
Mozzarella cheese – $1.00.
Red onion – $0.30.
Butter – $0.40.
Worcestershire sauce – $0.10.
Seasonings and optional sesame seeds – $0.35.
Estimated Total Recipe Cost
Approximately $16.15 USD.
Estimated Cost Per Serving
Approximately $2.69 USD per serving.
4. Pizza Hawaiian Sliders
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls – Keep the rolls connected as one slab for easier slicing and assembly.
- 3/4 cup thick pizza sauce – A thicker sauce works best because it adds flavor without soaking the bread.
- 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese – Low-moisture mozzarella melts well and releases less water than fresh mozzarella.
- 4 ounces sliced pepperoni – Regular or turkey pepperoni both work.
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, savory finish.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Used for the flavorful golden topping.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Adds classic oregano, basil, and herb flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Gives the butter topping extra flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder – Adds mild savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley – Optional for a fresh finish after baking.
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – For a little heat.
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives – Great for a classic pizza-style variation.
- 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper – Adds color and crunch.
- 1/4 cup cooked crumbled Italian sausage – Use fully cooked sausage only.
- 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion – Adds a sharper flavor.
- Extra pizza sauce for dipping – Warm it before serving.
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan for topping – Adds extra flavor to the buttery crust.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Hawaiian rolls: Use soft dinner rolls or small brioche rolls. The final sliders may be less sweet.
- Mozzarella cheese: Substitute a shredded Italian cheese blend, provolone, or a mozzarella-provolone mixture.
- Pepperoni: Use turkey pepperoni, cooked Italian sausage, diced ham, or your favorite plant-based pepperoni.
- Pizza sauce: Marinara sauce works in a pinch, but choose a thick variety and use slightly less if it looks watery.
- Unsalted butter: Salted butter works too. If using it, avoid adding extra salt.
- Fresh parsley: Substitute a small amount of dried parsley or simply leave it out.
Equipment Needed
- 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Large cutting board.
- Long serrated bread knife.
- Small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan for melting butter.
- Measuring cups.
- Measuring spoons.
- Pastry brush or spoon.
- Small mixing spoon.
- Silicone spatula or offset spatula for spreading sauce.
- Aluminum foil.
- Oven mitts.
- Sharp knife or serving spatula for separating the baked sliders.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or a thin layer of butter.
The oven should be fully preheated before the sliders go in. Starting with a cold oven can make the bread dry out before the cheese melts properly.
2. Slice the Hawaiian Rolls
Remove the Hawaiian rolls from the package, but do not pull them apart individually.
Place the connected slab of rolls on a cutting board. Using a long serrated knife, carefully slice horizontally through the middle so you have one large top half and one large bottom half.
Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.
Use a gentle back-and-forth sawing motion. Pressing straight down can flatten the soft rolls.
Do not separate all 12 rolls before slicing. Individual rolls take longer to assemble and can shift around while baking.
3. Add the First Layer of Cheese
Sprinkle about 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the bottom half of the rolls.
This first cheese layer is useful because it creates a light barrier between the bread and sauce.
The bread should be mostly covered with a thin, even layer of cheese.
4. Spread on the Pizza Sauce
Spoon 3/4 cup pizza sauce over the cheese. Spread it gently from edge to edge with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Try to keep the layer even rather than piling too much sauce in the center.
Too much sauce is one of the main reasons Pizza Hawaiian Sliders turn soggy. More sauce does not always mean more flavor. Save extra sauce for dipping.
5. Add the Pepperoni
Arrange the sliced pepperoni evenly over the pizza sauce.
Slightly overlapping the slices is fine. Make sure the corners and edges get some pepperoni too, so every slider has a good amount of filling.
If using optional vegetables, add them sparingly at this stage.
Pat very oily pepperoni with a paper towel before adding it. This can reduce excess grease in the finished sliders.
6. Add the Remaining Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni. Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
The cheese should be spread evenly across the entire surface.
You should still see a little pepperoni through the cheese. A very thick cheese layer can make the sliders difficult to cut and eat cleanly.
7. Add the Top Half of the Rolls
Carefully place the top slab of Hawaiian rolls over the filling.
Gently press down with clean hands. Do not smash the bread. You only want the top to sit securely over the cheese and pepperoni.
8. Make the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine.
4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
1/4 teaspoon onion powder.
Crushed red pepper flakes, if using.
Stir until evenly mixed.
Brush or spoon the seasoned butter over the tops of the rolls. Try to cover the edges as well as the center.
The tops should look glossy and lightly coated, not soaked in pools of butter.
9. Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil.
Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes.
The foil protects the tops from browning too quickly while the filling heats and the cheese begins to melt.
Do not wrap the foil tightly against the bread. A loose cover is enough.
10. Uncover and Finish Baking
Carefully remove the foil and bake for another 6–10 minutes.
The Pizza Hawaiian Sliders are done when.
The tops are golden brown.
The cheese is fully melted.
The filling looks hot around the edges.
The sauce is gently bubbling in a few spots.
For extra browning, you can broil the sliders for 30–60 seconds, but watch them constantly. Sweet Hawaiian rolls can burn quickly under a broiler.
11. Rest Before Cutting
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the sliders rest for 5 minutes.
This short resting time allows the melted cheese to settle slightly, making the sliders easier to separate.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.
Cut along the natural lines of the rolls and serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Cutting immediately after baking can cause the hot cheese and filling to slide out.
Nutrition Facts
Cost To Make This Recipe
Item – Estimated Cost (USD).
12-count Hawaiian sweet rolls – $4.25.
Pizza sauce – $1.50.
Mozzarella cheese – $3.25.
Pepperoni – $3.50.
Parmesan cheese – $1.25.
Butter – $0.75.
Seasonings and herbs – $0.50.
Estimated Total Recipe Cost
Approximately $15.00 USD.
Estimated Cost Per Serving
Approximately $2.50 USD per serving.
5. Buffalo Chicken Hawaiian Sliders
Ingredients
For the Buffalo Chicken Filling
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken – about 1 pound; rotisserie chicken works especially well.
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce – use mild, medium, or hot depending on your preference.
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing – adds creaminess and helps balance the heat.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted – rounds out the buffalo flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
For the Sliders
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls – keep the rolls connected for easier assembly.
- 6 ounces sliced mozzarella cheese – about 6 to 8 slices, depending on size.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese – about 4 ounces.
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing – for spreading inside the rolls.
For the Buttery Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder.
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese – for a classic buffalo chicken flavor.
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions – for a fresh finish.
- 1/4 cup finely diced celery – adds crunch.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons extra buffalo sauce – for more heat.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing – for dipping.
- Sliced pickled jalapenos – for an extra spicy kick.
Ingredient Substitutions
- No rotisserie chicken? Use leftover grilled chicken, baked chicken breast, poached chicken, or shredded chicken thighs.
- Mozzarella can be replaced with provolone, Monterey Jack, or pepper Jack cheese. Pepper Jack is a good choice if you want noticeably more heat.
- If you do not like ranch dressing, use blue cheese dressing instead. For a slightly lighter option, plain Greek yogurt can replace part of the ranch, though the finished flavor will be tangier.
- Hawaiian sweet rolls give these sliders their signature sweet-and-spicy contrast. If needed, substitute another package of 12 soft pull-apart dinner rolls.
Equipment Needed
- 9 x 13-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet.
- Large mixing bowl.
- Small microwave-safe bowl.
- Measuring cups.
- Measuring spoons.
- Serrated bread knife.
- Cutting board.
- Silicone pastry brush or spoon.
- Rubber spatula or large mixing spoon.
- Aluminum foil.
- Oven mitts.
- Instant-read food thermometer, optional but helpful.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or a small amount of butter.
Prep time: About 2 minutes.
Give the oven enough time to fully preheat. Putting the sliders into a cold or partially heated oven can lead to uneven melting and soggy bottoms.
2. Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine.
3 cups shredded cooked chicken.
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce.
1/4 cup ranch dressing.
1 tablespoon melted butter.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
1/4 teaspoon onion powder.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Stir until every piece of chicken is evenly coated.
The chicken should look moist and evenly orange-red, but there should not be a large puddle of sauce sitting at the bottom of the bowl.
Do not add too much buffalo sauce. Excess liquid can soak into the bottom rolls and make the sliders soggy.
3. Slice the Hawaiian Rolls
Keep the rolls attached as one large slab. Place them on a cutting board and use a long serrated knife to slice horizontally through the middle.
You should now have one connected top layer and one connected bottom layer.
Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.
Use a gentle back-and-forth sawing motion. Pressing straight down can crush the soft rolls.
4. Add the First Cheese Layer
Spread 2 tablespoons ranch dressing lightly over the cut side of the bottom rolls.
Arrange the sliced mozzarella cheese evenly over the ranch.
This first cheese layer does more than add flavor. It also creates a small barrier between the bread and moist chicken filling.
Most of the bread surface should be covered with cheese.
5. Add the Buffalo Chicken
Spoon the prepared buffalo chicken mixture over the mozzarella.
Spread it gently from edge to edge with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Keep the layer as even as possible so every slider gets a good amount of filling.
If using diced celery or crumbled blue cheese, sprinkle it over the chicken now.
Do not press the filling down too firmly. Compacting everything can make the sliders heavy and dense.
6. Add the Cheddar Cheese
Sprinkle 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the buffalo chicken.
Make sure the cheese reaches close to the edges.
You should see a fairly even blanket of shredded cheese across the chicken.
For the best melting, freshly shredded cheese is a good choice. Pre-shredded cheese still works, but some brands contain anti-caking ingredients that can make the melt slightly less smooth.
7. Add the Top Rolls
Carefully place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the cheese.
Line up the edges with the bottom layer. Press down very lightly with your hands just to settle the layers together.
Do not flatten the rolls.
8. Make the Garlic Butter Topping
In a small bowl, combine.
3 tablespoons melted butter.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley.
1/4 teaspoon onion powder.
Stir well.
Brush or spoon the seasoned butter evenly over the tops of the rolls.
The tops should look lightly glossy and evenly coated rather than drenched.
Avoid pouring all the butter into one spot. Uneven butter can leave some rolls greasy while others bake dry.
9. Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil.
Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Covering the sliders during the first part of baking helps the cheese melt before the roll tops become too dark.
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the foil.
10. Finish Baking Uncovered
Return the sliders to the oven and bake uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes.
Visual cues that they are done.
The cheese is fully melted.
The filling is hot.
The roll tops are golden brown.
The edges may look slightly crisp.
You may see small bubbles of melted cheese around the sides.
Because the chicken is already cooked, the main goal is to heat the filling thoroughly. For food safety, reheated chicken should reach 165°F in the center.
Do not walk away during the final uncovered baking time. Sweet rolls can brown faster than expected.
11. Rest, Slice, and Serve
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the sliders rest for 5 minutes.
This short resting time helps the cheese settle slightly and makes the sliders easier to cut.
Use a sharp knife to separate the 12 individual sliders. Garnish with sliced green onions, extra buffalo sauce, or blue cheese crumbles if desired.
Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
Cost To Make This Recipe
Item – Estimated Cost (USD).
Cooked shredded chicken – $5.00.
Hawaiian sweet rolls – $4.00.
Buffalo wing sauce – $1.25.
Ranch dressing – $0.75.
Mozzarella cheese – $2.25.
Sharp cheddar cheese – $1.75.
Butter – $0.65.
Seasonings – $0.30.
Estimated Total Recipe Cost
Approximately $15.95 USD.
Estimated Cost Per Serving
Approximately $2.66 USD per serving.
