I remember one chaotic Thanksgiving where, amidst the turkey frenzy, my Aunt Carol quietly pulled out a platter of the most incredible little sandwiches – tender roast beef, creamy horseradish sauce, and perfectly toasted slider buns. Those Roast Beef Sliders were the unexpected star of the show, a welcome bite of savory goodness amidst the holiday madness. Today, I’m sharing my version of that unforgettable slider, and I promise, these will be a guaranteed hit at your next gathering (or a delightful treat for yourself!).
Why These Roast Beef Sliders Are the BEST
Okay, okay, I know everyone claims their recipe is the “best,” but hear me out. These Roast Beef Sliders aren’t just thrown together; they’re thoughtfully crafted for maximum flavor and ease. Here’s why you’ll love them:
- Flavor Explosion: We’re talking perfectly seasoned roast beef, a creamy and tangy horseradish sauce (with options to customize!), and soft, buttery slider buns.
- Quick & Easy: Whether you’re using leftover roast beef or grabbing some from the deli, these sliders come together in minutes.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Seriously, everyone loves them. They’re perfect for parties, game day, or a simple weeknight meal.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different cheeses, sauces, and toppings to suit your taste.
What You’ll Need to Make Roast Beef Sliders
Let’s break down the ingredients. Don’t worry, most of them are pantry staples!
Ingredients:
- Slider Buns: King’s Hawaiian rolls are a classic choice for their sweetness and softness, but any slider bun will work.
- Roast Beef: About 1 pound, thinly sliced. Leftover Roast Beef Tenderloin is amazing if you have it, or deli roast beef works perfectly too!
- Horseradish Sauce: We’ll make a simple homemade version, but store-bought is fine in a pinch.
- Butter: Unsalted, for brushing the buns.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle savory note to the buns.
- Poppy Seeds (Optional): For added texture and visual appeal.
- Cheese (Optional): Provolone, Swiss, or cheddar are all great choices.
For the Horseradish Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: The base of the sauce. Use your favorite brand.
- Prepared Horseradish: The star of the show! Adjust the amount to your liking, depending on how spicy you want it.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds tanginess and creaminess.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor and cuts through the richness.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Roast Beef Sliders
Ready to get started? Here’s a detailed walkthrough of the process:
1. Prepare the Horseradish Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, horseradish, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a smaller amount of horseradish and add more until you reach your desired level of spiciness. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Pro Tip: Making the horseradish sauce ahead of time allows the flavors to deepen. You can even make it a day in advance!
2. Assemble the Sliders:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Spread a generous layer of the horseradish sauce on both the top and bottom halves of the buns.
Layer the roast beef evenly over the bottom buns. If you’re using cheese, place it on top of the roast beef.
Carefully place the top buns over the roast beef and cheese.
3. Prepare the Butter Topping:
In a small bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the garlic powder and poppy seeds (if using).
Brush the melted butter mixture evenly over the tops of the slider buns.
4. Bake the Sliders:
Cover the sliders with aluminum foil. This will prevent the buns from burning and help the cheese melt evenly.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the tops of the buns to brown slightly.
Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on the sliders during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from over-browning.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice them into individual sliders and arrange them on a platter. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Roast Beef Sliders
Want to take your sliders to the next level? Here are some helpful tips and tricks:
- Use High-Quality Roast Beef: The better the roast beef, the better the sliders. Look for thinly sliced roast beef with good marbling.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will dry out the roast beef and make the buns hard. Keep a close eye on the sliders while they’re in the oven.
- Toast the Buns: For extra flavor and texture, lightly toast the slider buns before assembling the sliders.
- Add a Little Crunch: Sprinkle some crispy fried onions or crumbled potato chips on top of the roast beef for added crunch.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the horseradish sauce for an extra kick.
Variations and Customizations
The beauty of these Roast Beef Sliders is that they’re incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for customizing them to your liking:
- Cheese Variations: Try different cheeses like provolone, Swiss, pepper jack, or even a creamy Havarti.
- Sauce Swaps: Instead of horseradish sauce, try a Dijon mustard aioli, a creamy garlic sauce, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Add Veggies: Sliced tomatoes, lettuce, or pickled onions would add a fresh element to the sliders.
- Make it a Meltdown: Add a slice of Swiss cheese and some caramelized onions for a truly decadent slider.
- Sweet and Savory: A drizzle of honey or a few slices of apple can add a delightful sweet and savory twist.
Serving Suggestions
These Roast Beef Sliders are perfect as an appetizer, a party snack, or even a light meal. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Game Day: Serve them alongside other game day favorites like Sloppy Joes, wings, and nachos.
- Party Appetizer: Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
- Quick Dinner: Pair them with a simple salad or some potato chips for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
- Potluck: These sliders are always a hit at potlucks and gatherings.
Make-Ahead Tips
Want to get ahead of the game? Here are some tips for making these sliders in advance:
- Prepare the Horseradish Sauce: The horseradish sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Assemble the Sliders (Partially): You can assemble the sliders up to a few hours in advance, but don’t brush them with butter until just before baking. Store them covered in the refrigerator.
Storage Instructions
Leftover Roast Beef Sliders can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Pro Tip: To prevent the buns from getting soggy, wrap the sliders in paper towels before storing them in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about making Roast Beef Sliders:
Q: Can I use leftover roast beef?
A: Absolutely! Leftover roast beef is a great way to make these sliders. Just make sure it’s thinly sliced.
Q: Can I use store-bought horseradish sauce?
A: Yes, you can. But homemade horseradish sauce is so much better! It’s easy to make and you can adjust the spiciness to your liking.
Q: Can I freeze these sliders?
A: I don’t recommend freezing them, as the buns may become soggy. It’s best to make them fresh.
Q: What kind of slider buns should I use?
A: King’s Hawaiian rolls are a classic choice, but any slider bun will work. Look for buns that are soft and slightly sweet.
Q: Can I make these sliders without cheese?
A: Absolutely! They’re delicious without cheese, too.
Even More Party Food Inspiration
If you love these Roast Beef Sliders and are looking for more crowd-pleasing recipes, be sure to check out my recipe for Pulled Pork Sliders for another delicious slider option! Or maybe you are looking for something a little different? Try these Ritz Cracker Party Sandwiches for an easy and elegant appetizer. If you are looking for a full meal, try this Bbq Chicken Sandwich.
Can I prepare the horseradish sauce in advance?
Yes, the horseradish sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Making it ahead of time allows the flavors to deepen.
What are some cheese variations I can use in these sliders?
You can try different cheeses like provolone, Swiss, pepper jack, or even a creamy Havarti.
What kind of roast beef is best for these sliders?
The better the roast beef, the better the sliders. Look for thinly sliced roast beef with good marbling. Leftover Roast Beef Tenderloin is amazing, or deli roast beef works perfectly too!
Can I add any toppings to make the sliders spicier?
Yes, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the horseradish sauce for an extra kick.
Roast Beef Sliders Best Ever
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, horseradish, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a smaller amount of horseradish and add more until you reach your desired level of spiciness. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice slider buns in half horizontally.
- Spread a generous layer of horseradish sauce on both the top and bottom halves of the buns.
- Layer roast beef evenly over the bottom buns. If using cheese, place it on top of the roast beef.
- Carefully place the top buns over the roast beef and cheese.
- In a small bowl, melt butter. Stir in garlic powder and poppy seeds (if using).
- Brush the melted butter mixture evenly over the tops of the slider buns.
- Cover the sliders with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the tops of the buns to brown slightly.
- Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Slice them into individual sliders and arrange them on a platter. Serve immediately.
