Introduction
If you’re looking for an easy, mouthwatering crowd-pleaser that brings the flavor and the fun—these Hot Hawaiian Beef Sandwiches are it! Think buttery Hawaiian rolls, spicy mayo, melty pepper Jack cheese, and tender roast beef, all baked to golden perfection. They’re slightly spicy, super cheesy, and ridiculously satisfying. Whether you’re planning a game day snack, a weeknight dinner, or a casual get-together, this recipe is a go-to because it takes minimal effort but delivers big-time comfort and flavor. Trust me, these sliders vanish in minutes!
Detailed Ingredients 🧀🌶🥪
🍞 Bread & Base:
- 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian Sweet Rolls 🍍
- ¼ cup mayonnaise 🥄
- Hot sauce, to taste 🌶
🥩 Filling:
- ¾ lb (12 thin slices) deli roast beef 🥩
- 12 slices pepper Jack cheese 🧀
🧈 Topping:
- 4 tablespoons (¼ stick) salted butter 🧈
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper 🍋
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 🥄
- 3–4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
Direction
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without separating the individual rolls. Place the bottom half in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix mayo & hot sauce in a small bowl to taste (more hot sauce = more heat!). Spread this mixture over the bottom layer of the rolls.
- Layer the roast beef evenly across the rolls, followed by overlapping slices of pepper Jack cheese. Top with the other half of the rolls.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in lemon pepper, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until bubbly.
- Pour or brush this buttery mixture all over the tops of the rolls.
- Cover with foil and bake for 12 minutes. Remove foil and bake 2–3 more minutes until golden and crisp on top.
- Slice between rolls and serve immediately—good luck keeping them on the tray!
My Story
I first made these Hot Hawaiian Beef Sandwiches on a whim for a last-minute game night. I had some deli roast beef in the fridge, leftover Hawaiian rolls, and just enough cheese to make it work. What started as a fridge clean-out became one of the most requested dishes I’ve ever made. The sweet-and-savory combo hits perfectly, and the buttery, lemon-pepper topping takes it next level. These sandwiches are great for casual hangouts, but they’re also fun for dinner with a salad or soup on the side. Now I keep the ingredients on hand just in case—we’ve learned that when these come out of the oven, they disappear almost instantly!
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
What’s a good substitute for pepper Jack cheese?
Mozzarella or provolone works well, or go bold with sharp cheddar.
Do I have to use hot sauce in the mayo?
Nope—feel free to skip it or replace with honey mustard for a sweeter twist.
Can I use leftover roast or steak?
Definitely! Just slice it thin and use it instead of deli meat.
How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?
Make sure to use a thicker mayo spread and don’t overload the filling—baking will crisp the tops up perfectly.
Suggestion
- Add caramelized onions for a sweet, savory punch.
- Try turkey or ham if you want to mix up the protein.
- Swap the cheese—smoked gouda or provolone make great alternatives.
- Serve with pickles or coleslaw on the side for crunch and contrast.
- Make them mini with slider buns or dinner rolls for bite-sized party food.
Conclusion
These Hot Hawaiian Beef Sandwiches are the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes—quick, easy, cheesy, and totally addictive. The combo of spicy mayo, melty cheese, tender roast beef, and that sweet, buttery roll is pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re hosting friends, need something satisfying on a weeknight, or just want to shake up your lunch routine, these sliders are your new go-to. The best part? You can easily customize them with whatever’s in your fridge. Just be prepared—once you serve them, everyone will ask for the recipe.
Made with love by Sarah Cooper 💛
Gotubbe.com
