Barbecue Cheeseburger Sliders

Name: Barbecue Cheeseburger Sliders with Bacon & Fried Onions
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian sweet rolls; 1 tbsp garlic, minced; 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, divided; 4 slices pepper jack cheese; 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese; 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 cup crispy fried onions; 2 tbsp butter, melted; 1 tsp sesame seeds

These barbecue cheeseburger sliders combine seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, melted Colby Jack cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce baked directly on sweet Hawaiian rolls for a handheld meal that's ready in under 30 minutes.

🌍American 🏷️Sliders 🏷️Cheeseburger 🏷️Barbecue 🏷️Ground beef Bacon

🏷️

🏷️Game-day

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TikTok

Total

20 min

Servings

12

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$25–$41

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 (12-count) package Hawaiian sweet rolls
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1/2 cup barbecue sauce, divided
4 slices pepper jack cheese
1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup crispy fried onions
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp sesame seedsoptional

13 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until browned. Drain any excess grease.
2
While the beef is cooking, carefully slice the slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected.
3
Stir the minced garlic and about 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce into the cooked ground beef.
4
Place the bottom half of the rolls onto a baking sheet. Layer with the slices of pepper jack cheese.
5
Evenly spread the ground beef mixture over the cheese.
6
Top the beef with shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and crispy fried onions.
7
Drizzle the remaining barbecue sauce over the toppings.
8
Place the top half of the rolls on top. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
9
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
10
Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute, then slice and serve.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Mix ground beef gently with paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder—overworking creates dense, tough patties.
Layer the cheese on top of the meat while still warm from baking so it melts evenly; use a mix of sliced pepper jack and shredded Colby Jack for better adhesion.
Add fried onions as a final topping after baking while the cheese is still melted so they stay crispy rather than softening.
Use parchment paper under the rolls to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Substitutions

Barbecue sauce → hot sauce or spicy ketchup (changes flavor profile but maintains moisture)
Pepper jack cheese → sharp cheddar or Gruyère (reduces spice, increases richness)
Bacon → sautéed diced ham or smoked sausage (similar texture and smokiness)
Hawaiian sweet rolls → brioche slider buns or pretzel rolls (adjusts sweetness and texture)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat wrapped in foil at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until warmed through.

Common Questions

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the sliders up to 4 hours ahead, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding 2-3 minutes to the bake time if starting cold.

What cheese works best if I don't have Colby Jack?

Cheddar, American, or Monterey Jack cheese are direct substitutes. Avoid soft cheeses like brie or fresh mozzarella, which won't melt evenly.

Can I use ground turkey or plant-based meat instead?

Ground turkey works well but may be drier; add 1 tbsp of oil or butter to compensate. Plant-based ground meat is possible but won't brown or develop flavor identically.