Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders, your new go-to dish for parties, family gatherings, or anytime you crave a big burst of flavor in a fun, shareable form! These irresistible sliders layer juicy shredded beef tossed in sweet-tangy barbecue sauce, a kiss of tropical pineapple, melty cheese, and pillowy Hawaiian rolls—all finished with a buttery garlic topping. Whether you’re serving them hot from the oven for game day or as a weeknight dinner treat, this combo is guaranteed to put smiles on every face.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these sliders comes from a handful of superstars that work together to create that signature sweet, savory, and tangy bite. Don’t skip out on any of these ingredients—each one brings color, texture, and a burst of flavor that makes Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders shine!
- Shredded Cooked Beef: Tender beef, like chuck roast or brisket, becomes the heart of these sliders by soaking up all the delicious sauce and pineapple juices.
- Barbecue Sauce: The sweet, smoky flavor binds everything together and gives the beef that classic BBQ kick.
- Crushed Pineapple (drained): Adds a tropical burst and juicy sweetness that perfectly balances the savory beef.
- Soy Sauce: Deepens the flavor with a savory hit that keeps things interesting.
- Brown Sugar: Brings a mellow, caramel-y sweetness that marries beautifully with the BBQ sauce and pineapple.
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: These soft, pillowy rolls are the vehicle for all the good stuff inside, adding just the right amount of sweetness.
- Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a melty, gooey layer that holds everything together and adds creamy richness.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Used for brushing the tops, it helps achieve that golden, tempting finish.
- Garlic Powder: Mixed with the butter to give your rolls a savory depth with every bite.
- Sesame Seeds (optional): A sprinkle on top adds a toasty crunch and an appealing look.
- Sliced Green Onions (optional): For a fresh finish and a pop of color right before serving.
How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders
Step 1: Warm Up the Beef Mixture
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and tossing in your shredded beef, barbecue sauce, crushed pineapple, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Heat this mixture over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step infuses the beef with that trademark sweet and savory flavor, while the pineapple makes everything juicy and vibrant.
Step 2: Prep the Rolls
Without separating the rolls, slice the Hawaiian sweet rolls in half horizontally to keep them in one big sheet. Place the bottom half in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This keeps assembly super easy and great for serving up a crowd without the fuss.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Spread your hot, saucy BBQ beef mixture evenly across the bottom layer of rolls. Next, top with cheese slices so you have a creamy, melty layer in every bite, then cover with the top half of the rolls. You’re officially entering drool-worthy territory here!
Step 4: Finish and Bake
Mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush it generously over the tops of your rolls. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you want that gorgeous finish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to melt everything together, then uncover and bake another 5 to 7 minutes for that perfectly golden, toasty top.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
When they’re done, you can sprinkle them with fresh green onions for a burst of color and freshness. Slice, serve warm, and watch them disappear before your very eyes!
How to Serve Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders

Garnishes
Garnishing adds the finishing touch, both in flavor and presentation. A sprinkle of sliced green onions brings freshness and contrast, while a little extra drizzle of barbecue sauce or a light scatter of sesame seeds can amp up the visual appeal. If you love a bit of zip, serve sliders with pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce on the side!
Side Dishes
Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders are a natural match for tangy, creamy coleslaw—it cuts right through the richness and adds crunch. Crispy potato chips, sweet potato fries, or a vibrant fruit salad all make fantastic partners, making your meal feel like a tropical feast. Even a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette can keep things fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, party-ready spread, arrange your sliders on a large platter and top each with a festive toothpick or mini skewer. Try tucking little paper umbrellas into a few for a true Hawaiian vibe! If you want to offer build-your-own options, set out the garnishes and sides buffet-style, letting guests customize their own ultimate slider experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders, simply wrap them tightly in foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making them an irresistible snack the next day.
Freezing
These sliders freeze surprisingly well! Wrap them individually or press wax paper between each before placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry.
Reheating
For best results, reheat sliders in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to trap moisture, for about 10–12 minutes or until warmed through. If you’re reheating just one or two, the microwave works too—just pop them in for 30–45 seconds. The cheese will get gooey again, and the rolls stay soft and warm!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While shredded beef adds amazing flavor and texture, you can easily substitute with pulled pork or shredded chicken if that’s what you have on hand. Just follow the same steps; the Hawaiian BBQ flavors pair well with any of these proteins.
Do I have to use Hawaiian sweet rolls?
Hawaiian sweet rolls bring a soft, subtly sweet foundation that makes these sliders pop, but if you can’t find them, regular dinner rolls or brioche buns will do the trick. You’ll lose a bit of the tropical vibe, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
Can I make these sliders dairy-free?
Definitely! Simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute. The buttery garlic topping can also be made with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil to make Hawaii BBQ Beef Sliders friendly for your dairy-free friends.
What’s the best way to shred cooked beef?
The easiest way is to use two forks while the beef is still warm, pulling the meat apart into small, tender shreds. If you’re working with a big batch, a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on low speed makes quick work of shredding!
How far in advance can I assemble the sliders?
You can assemble the sliders (minus the garlic butter topping) up to a day ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then add the butter topping and bake just before serving for perfectly fresh, melty sliders every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving crowd-pleasing comfort food with a tropical twist, you just can’t beat these Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders. They bring people together at the table, and every bite is packed with sweet, savory goodness. Grab your ingredients, invite your favorite people over, and make a tray—these sliders won’t last long!
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Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders are perfect for any casual gathering or game day event. With tender shredded beef, tangy barbecue sauce, and sweet pineapple all sandwiched between soft Hawaiian rolls, these sliders are sure to be a hit with your guests.
Ingredients
For the BBQ Beef:
- 1 1/2 pounds shredded cooked beef (such as chuck roast or brisket)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For the Sliders:
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 4 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese (cut into quarters)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the BBQ Beef: In a medium saucepan, combine the shredded beef, barbecue sauce, crushed pineapple, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Heat over medium heat until warmed through and flavors are blended, about 5–7 minutes.
- Assemble the Sliders: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom half in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the warm BBQ beef mixture over the rolls, top with cheese slices, then place the top half of the rolls over the filling.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter and garlic powder. Brush the tops of the rolls with the garlic butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 5–7 minutes until golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions, if desired, before serving.
Notes
- You can use leftover pot roast, brisket, or pulled pork for this recipe.
- Serve with coleslaw or chips for a complete meal.
- Great for game day or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg