Let’s talk roast beef cheese sliders. You know, those warm, melty little sandwiches that somehow vanish the second they hit the table? These are packed with flavor, ridiculously easy to throw together, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to game day snacks.

My kids go wild for these. I mean, it’s rare they agree on anything that isn’t pizza, but these sliders are one of the few things they’ll all eat without a single complaint. I call that a win.
If you’re short on time but still want something that tastes like you really tried, these roast beef cheese sliders are your answer. They’re quick, they reheat well, and they’re totally kid-approved.
Why You’ll Love These Roast Beef Cheese Sliders
- Fast and foolproof – No slow-cooking or fancy prep. Just layer, bake, and serve.
- Family-approved – Even my picky eaters clean their plates. These are a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can prep them earlier in the day and pop them in the oven when you’re ready.
- Perfect for crowds – Whether it’s a party, potluck, or Sunday football, this batch makes 12 easy-to-grab sliders.
- Big flavor, minimal effort – Between the BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, and buttery topping, every bite is loaded with crave-worthy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into making these warm, cheesy roast beef cheese sliders. Nothing fancy—just solid, easy-to-find ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted (divided)
You’ll use half to coat the pan and half to brush over the tops for that golden, toasty finish. - 1 (12-roll) package Hawaiian rolls, split in half horizontally
These sweet, soft rolls are the base of the sliders. Don’t separate them—just slice the whole sheet in half like a sandwich. - 12 ounces deli roast beef
Thinly sliced from the deli counter works best. You can use regular or low-sodium if you’re watching salt. - 1/2 cup thin, tangy BBQ sauce
Something like Arby’s® Original Sauce or Sweet Baby Ray’s. The key is to go for one that’s not too thick. - 1 cup cheddar cheese sauce
You can use store-bought cheese sauce (the kind for nachos works great) or warm up your own. It should be pourable, not shredded cheese. - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Adds just a hint of savory flavor to the butter topping. - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Pairs perfectly with the garlic for a simple flavor boost. - 2 teaspoons Everything Bagel Seasoning
Adds crunch, flavor, and a little extra flair. If you don’t have it, sesame seeds or poppy seeds work too.

How to Make Roast Beef Cheese Sliders
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish with half of the melted butter. This keeps the bottoms from sticking and adds flavor.
- Slice the whole sheet of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally (like a sandwich). Place the bottom half in the prepared dish. Keep them connected—it’s easier to build them this way.
- Layer the deli roast beef evenly over the rolls. I like to slightly fold the slices so you get a little height and texture in each bite.
- Spoon the BBQ sauce evenly over the roast beef. Don’t go too heavy—just enough to add flavor without making the rolls soggy.
- Drizzle the cheddar cheese sauce all over the top. Try to spread it around so every slider gets some cheesy love.
- Place the top half of the rolls back on, lining them up with the bottoms.
- Mix the remaining melted butter with the garlic powder and onion powder. Brush this mixture all over the tops of the rolls, then sprinkle on the Everything Bagel Seasoning.
- Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the beef is heated through, and the tops are golden brown.
- Let the sliders cool for a couple of minutes, then slice along the roll lines and serve warm.
Smart Tips for the Best Roast Beef Cheese Sliders Every Time
1. Make them ahead (yes, you can!)
Assemble the sliders up to the butter-brushing step, then cover the whole dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes, then pop them in the oven. Add 2–3 minutes to the bake time if they’re still a little cold.
2. Reheat like a pro
Leftovers? Just wrap a few sliders in foil and reheat in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. They stay soft on the outside and warm all the way through. The microwave works in a pinch, but the bread will get a little soft—not a dealbreaker, just a heads-up.
3. Keep them from getting soggy
Don’t go overboard with the BBQ sauce. A light drizzle is all you need for flavor without making the bottoms too wet. Also, baking on a metal baking sheet instead of a glass dish can help crisp them up slightly.
4. Freezer-friendly (yep!)
Wrap fully baked and cooled sliders individually in foil or parchment, then freeze in a zip-top bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven until heated through. Great for lunchboxes or last-minute dinners.
5. Double the batch for parties
These go quick. If you’re feeding a crowd, just double the ingredients and bake two trays side by side. No one ever complains about too many roast beef cheese sliders.

What to Serve with Roast Beef Cheese Sliders
These roast beef cheese sliders are hearty enough to stand on their own, but here are a few easy sides to turn them into a full meal—whether it’s dinner, lunch, or party food:
1. Crispy oven fries or tater tots
A classic combo. Serve them with extra cheese sauce or BBQ on the side for dipping.
2. Simple salad
Balance the richness with something fresh. A basic green salad with ranch or a tangy vinaigrette works great. Coleslaw is another easy win—crunchy, creamy, and made ahead.
3. Pickles or pickle spears
A jar of crunchy dill pickles on the table cuts through the cheesy richness perfectly. My kids always grab two.
4. Veggie sticks and ranch
Especially if you’re serving a crowd or kids—carrots, cucumbers, celery, and bell peppers give a nice crunch and color.
5. Mac and cheese (if you’re going all-in)
For those days when you’re leaning into the comfort food life, creamy stovetop mac pairs like a dream with these sliders.
6. Chips and dip
Keep it low-effort with a bag of kettle chips and your favorite dip—French onion, queso, or guac if you’re feeling fancy.
7. Sweet tea, lemonade, or soda
Because sometimes the best drink pairing is just whatever’s cold in the fridge.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Roast Beef Cheese Sliders
I don’t think you’ll need to store these because they tend to vanish from your table before you even sit down. But if you somehow end up with leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:
Storing leftovers:
Let the sliders cool completely, then wrap them in foil or store them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The bread stays soft, and the flavors soak in even more by the next day.
Reheating options:
- Oven (best method): Wrap the sliders loosely in foil and warm them at 325°F for about 10 minutes. This keeps the bread soft while heating everything through evenly.
- Microwave (if you’re in a rush): Place one or two sliders on a plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 20-second bursts. Just know the bread might get a little soft or chewy.
- Air fryer (for a crisp top): Pop them in at 300°F for 5 to 6 minutes. Watch closely—they heat up fast.
Freezing tips:
Want to freeze a batch? Wrap individual sliders tightly in foil or freezer paper, then stash them in a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cheeses pair well with roast beef?
Cheddar is a classic (especially sharp cheddar for more flavor), but Swiss, provolone, pepper jack, and mozzarella also work great. If you want something creamy, go for a cheese sauce like in this recipe. You can even mix two kinds—sharp cheddar for bite and provolone for melt.
How do I keep sliders from getting soggy on the bottom?
A few tips:
Lightly butter the baking dish so the bottoms crisp instead of steam.
Don’t overload the BBQ sauce—just enough for flavor.
Bake uncovered so moisture doesn’t build up.
You can also lightly toast the bottom rolls before assembling if you’re prepping them ahead.
What goes with roast beef sliders?
Think easy, comforting sides: oven fries, tater tots, salad, coleslaw, chips, or veggie sticks. For drinks, iced tea, lemonade, or your favorite soda always works. If it’s a party, a big tray of sliders plus chips and dip = instant win.
What cheese is on Arby’s roast beef slider?
Arby’s uses Swiss cheese on their roast beef sliders, but honestly, you can barely taste it. That’s why I like using cheddar cheese sauce—it brings more flavor and keeps things melty and delicious in every bite.

These roast beef cheese sliders are the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—because they’re fast, filling, and family-approved. Whether you’re throwing together dinner in a hurry or feeding a hungry crew on game day, they check all the boxes: melty, toasty, and loaded with flavor.
If you try them, let me know how they turn out—and definitely stash a couple for yourself before they disappear.

Roast Beef and cheese sliders
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
- Pastry Brush
- Oven
Ingredients
Sliders
- 4 tablespoons butter melted, divided
- 1 package Hawaiian rolls 12-count, split in half horizontally
- 12 ounces deli roast beef thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce thin and tangy, such as Arby’s® Original Sauce
- 1 cup cheddar cheese sauce
Topping
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Everything Bagel Seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
- Place the bottom halves of the Hawaiian rolls in the prepared baking dish. Layer evenly with roast beef slices.
- Drizzle BBQ sauce evenly over the roast beef, then spread cheddar cheese sauce over the top.
- Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese layer to form sandwiches.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter with garlic powder and onion powder. Brush this mixture over the tops of the rolls.
- Sprinkle Everything Bagel Seasoning evenly over the tops of the rolls.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown, about 12 to 14 minutes.