If you’re craving a fun, nostalgic twist on a classic comfort food, this Sloppy Joe Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe will hit all the right notes. Imagine those tangy, savory, slightly sweet Sloppy Joe flavors piled high on soft, fluffy Hawaiian rolls, baked until the cheese melts perfectly and the tops get that irresistible golden toast. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a game day party or want a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinner, these sliders bring that delicious Sloppy Joe vibe in a bite-sized form that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white baking dish on a white marbled surface with a layered dish inside. The bottom layer is a bed of shredded orange cheddar cheese spread unevenly across the base, with some pieces scattered around the edges of the dish. On top of the cheese, there is a layer of cooked ground meat mixed with a reddish-brown sauce, visible mostly around the edges. The top layer consists of twelve soft, golden-brown slider buns arranged closely in a 3x4 grid, with the shiny tops showing natural wrinkles and slight cracks. The buns sit neatly together, covering most of the meat and cheese inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the best part about these Sloppy Joe sliders. Each component is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and just the right touch of sweetness that the Hawaiian rolls are famous for.

Ground beef: The hearty base of your Sloppy Joe filling, delivering rich, meaty flavor.
Diced yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth that balances the savory beef.
Brown sugar: Introduces a caramel note that complements the Hawaiian rolls perfectly.
Garlic powder: Enhances the savory profile without overpowering the dish.
Sea salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out the full flavors.
Beef broth: Creates a juicy, flavorful base to keep the meat moist.
Ketchup: The classic Sloppy Joe element lending tangy sweetness.
Yellow mustard: Adds a mild tang and a little zip to cut through richness.
Water and cornstarch: Combine to thicken the sauce for the perfect slider consistency.
King’s Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, slightly sweet rolls that elevate every bite.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to add creamy, tangy goodness.
Melted butter: Brushed on top for golden, buttery crust.
Sesame seeds and fresh thyme: Sprinkle for a nutty crunch and fresh herbal finish.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Brown Your Beef Mixture

Start by heating a large skillet and combining the ground beef with diced onions, brown sugar, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Break the meat up finely with your spatula as it cooks until it’s fully browned and fragrant. This simple step creates that irresistible, savory foundation you know and love.

Step 2: Add the Juicy Sauce

Pour in the beef broth, ketchup, and yellow mustard to your cooked beef. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly coated and begins to bubble with those familiar Sloppy Joe flavors melding beautifully.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl, then gradually add it to the skillet while stirring. This step thickens the sauce, ensuring each slider bite will be saucy without being runny — just the perfect texture for stacking on those soft rolls.

Step 4: Prepare Your Hawaiian Rolls

Slice your package of King’s Hawaiian Rolls in half horizontally, all at once on a cutting board, to create a base and top layer. Place the bottom half in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ready for the meaty goodness.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the bottom rolls, spreading it gently for uniform coverage. Then sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top so it melts into that warm, savory layer while baking.

Step 6: Add the Final Touches and Bake

Place the top half of the rolls over the cheesy beef layer. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with sea salt, sesame seeds, and freshly chopped thyme, then spoon this mixture over the rolls, brushing it evenly. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes at 350°F until the cheese has melted and everything is heated through.

Step 7: Toast the Tops

Remove the foil and switch your oven to broil. Place the sliders under the broiler for just 2-3 minutes to achieve a gorgeous golden brown on the tops, adding a lovely toasted crunch that makes these mini sandwiches irresistible.

How to Serve Sloppy Joe Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe

A white pan filled with thick reddish-brown meat sauce with small pieces of meat and finely chopped onions mixed in; the sauce has a glossy, wet texture and is spread evenly with some areas showing a richer, deeper red color; a wooden spoon with a slightly darker handle is stirring the sauce, held by a woman's hand at the bottom left corner; the pan rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like a sprinkle of chopped parsley or extra thyme add a punch of color and brightness. For a little tang, try a few pickles or pickled jalapeños on the side, which complement the sweet rolls and rich beef beautifully.

Side Dishes

These sliders pair wonderfully with classic sides like crispy potato chips, a crunchy coleslaw, or even baked fries. For something lighter, a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette provides contrast and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve the sliders on a large wooden board surrounded by mini bowls of extra ketchup, mustard, or your favorite dipping sauces. Layer a platter with colorful vegetables and dips alongside to turn this into a festive finger-food centerpiece everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, you can store leftover Sloppy Joe sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping the tops separate from the bottoms helps maintain the best texture when reheating.

Freezing

Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. They will keep well for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.

Reheating

Reheat the sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to avoid drying out. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp the tops back up.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and will soak up the sauce nicely, although the flavor will be a bit milder than beef.

Are Hawaiian rolls necessary for this recipe?

While you can substitute other soft slider buns, Hawaiian rolls add a unique sweet and fluffy element that really makes these sliders special and memorable.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the Sloppy Joe filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just assemble and bake the sliders right before serving for the best results.

What if I don’t have cornstarch for thickening?

You can use all-purpose flour instead, but use a little less and mix it with cold water to avoid lumps. Alternatively, simmer the sauce longer to reduce it down.

How spicy are these Sloppy Joe sliders?

These sliders are not spicy by default, making them perfect for all ages. However, you can add some chili powder, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños if you want to kick up the heat.

Final Thoughts

This Sloppy Joe Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls Recipe is pure homey happiness in a bite-sized package. It’s easy to make, packs a powerful flavor punch, and always disappears quickly at the table. I can’t recommend giving these a whirl enough—once you try them, they’ll be your go-to for casual gatherings or any time you need a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal with a little tropical sweetness.