Name: Roast Beef and Cheddar Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 whole beef roast (sirloin, round, or rump); ¼ cup smoked peppercorn seasoning; 1 cup beef tallow, warmed; 1 pack slider rolls; 12-14 cheddar cheese slices; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 1.5 tbsp prepared horseradish; 1.5 tbsp champagne vinegar; 1.5 tsp white sugar; Kosher salt, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 88 reviews

When you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Roast Beef and Cheddar Sliders Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect blend of tender, juicy roast beef paired with sharp cheddar cheese and a touch of sweet BBQ sauce, all nestled inside buttery, golden slider rolls. Whether you’re making a casual dinner or feeding a crowd, these sliders are loaded with bold flavors and a satisfying texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A foil tray filled with several layers of thinly sliced pink meat arranged neatly side by side; the meat has a slightly charred edge with a coarse texture and is drizzled evenly with dark red sauce in diagonal lines across the slices. The foil tray is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each one plays a special role in creating juicy beef, melty cheese, and that crispy, buttery finish that makes these sliders unforgettable.

Beef Roast (sirloin, round, or rump): The star of the show, providing tender, flavorful meat that slices beautifully thin for melting in your mouth.
Smoked Peppercorn Seasoning: Adds subtle smoky heat and aromatic depth to the roast beef’s crust.
Beef Tallow (warmed): Keeps the roast juicy and enhances its rich flavor during cooking.
Slider Rolls: Soft, buttery rolls that crisp beautifully while baking, holding everything together perfectly.
Cheddar Cheese Slices: Sharp and melty, this cheese creates the gooey, indulgent layer atop the roast beef.
BBQ Sauce: Brings a tangy sweetness that complements the savory beef and cheese perfectly.
Unsalted Butter (melted): Brushed on top for a golden, crispy finish enhanced with seasoning.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: Adds a savory crunch and extra flavor dimension to the buttery crust.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the horsey sauce that adds a cool bite.
Prepared Horseradish: Brings a spicy kick to the horsey sauce, cutting through the richness.
Champagne Vinegar: Adds a bright acidity balancing the creamy horseradish sauce.
White Sugar: Just a touch to mellow out the vinegar and horseradish sharpness.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning the horsey sauce to taste.

How to Make Roast Beef and Cheddar Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Smoke the Roast Beef

Start by preheating your smoker to a steady 250°F with indirect heat. Warm your beef tallow and inject it into the roast evenly, ensuring juicy results. Coat the exterior with the remaining tallow and lavish the smoked peppercorn seasoning all over the surface. Place the roast on the smoker and cook slowly until the internal temperature reaches about 120°F, which usually takes around 30 minutes. This process gives the beef a tender, smoky richness you won’t forget.

Step 2: Rest and Slice the Roast

After smoking, remove the roast beef and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, making every slice incredibly juicy and flavorful. Once rested, slice the beef as thinly as possible for ideal slider texture—it’s this thin slicing that makes each bite effortlessly delicious.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Keep the slider rolls whole while slicing them horizontally into top and bottom halves. Place the bottom half into a foil pan or oven-safe skillet—this keeps cleanup easy and helps maintain shape while baking. Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce on the rolls, build a hearty pile of sliced roast beef, then top with slices of sharp cheddar cheese. Drizzle more BBQ sauce right on top before sealing the sandwiches with the upper halves of the rolls.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy, Melty Perfection

Brush the tops of the assembled sliders with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with everything bagel seasoning. Increase the smoker’s temperature to 300–325°F and bake the sliders indirectly for 10–12 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and irresistibly crispy. This step locks in the melty cheese and creates the signature buttery crunch.

Step 5: Prepare the Horsey Sauce

While the sliders rest after baking, combine mayonnaise, prepared horseradish, champagne vinegar, white sugar, and kosher salt in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and adjust seasoning to taste. This tangy, creamy sauce perfectly complements the savory richness of the sliders, adding an exciting layer of flavor.

How to Serve Roast Beef and Cheddar Sliders Recipe

This image shows a tray of 12 square sandwich sliders arranged in 3 rows and 4 columns inside a silver baking pan. Each slider consists of a soft light brown top bun sprinkled with mixed white and black sesame seeds and seasoning. Beneath the buns, yellow melted cheese oozes out over layers of cooked meat, and the bottom buns are soft and light colored. The tray is set on a grill with a blurred outdoor background, all on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully. Serve with small ramekins of the horsey sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling to add a zippy flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

These sliders shine alongside crispy fries, crunchy coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad. The variety of textures and flavors from these sides will balance the savory, melty sandwiches perfectly, making for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, consider serving these sliders open-faced on a wooden platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. You can also line the bottom of the serving dish with fresh greens before placing the sliders for added color and appeal. Alternatively, pass them around on a tray with small bowls of horsey sauce and extra BBQ sauce for guests to customize their bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your sliders, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the rolls intact helps maintain moisture and texture so they stay tasty when reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked and sliced roast beef separately, but it’s best to assemble and bake the sliders fresh. This prevents the rolls from becoming soggy and preserves the tasty crispiness that makes this Roast Beef and Cheddar Sliders Recipe so special.

Reheating

To reheat, place the sliders in a preheated oven or smoker until warmed through and the cheese melts again. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from turning soggy. This method beautifully revives the crispy, buttery top while preserving the juicy beef inside.

FAQs

Can I make the roast beef ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cooking the beef a day before and slicing it just before assembling lets the flavors develop and saves time on the day you want to serve.

What cut of beef works best?

Sirloin, round, or rump roast are ideal because they’re flavorful, tender, and easy to slice thin, making them perfect for these sliders.

Can I make these without a smoker?

Yes, you can roast the beef in your oven at low heat if you don’t have a smoker. It won’t have the smoky layer but will still be delicious and tender.

How thin should the beef be sliced?

Slice the beef as thin as you can. Thin slices create the best texture, allowing each bite to be tender and easy to eat without overwhelming the slider.

Can I use a different cheese?

Of course! While sharp cheddar is classic, colby or even a smoked gouda can add interesting twists. Just choose a cheese that melts well and complements roast beef.

Final Thoughts

This Roast Beef and Cheddar Sliders Recipe quickly became one of my most cherished dishes because it hits all the right notes—rich, juicy, cheesy, and crispy. It’s comforting yet impressive, simple to prepare yet packed with flavor. I promise once you try it, these sliders will become your go-to for gatherings or a satisfying family meal. Give this recipe a whirl and enjoy every melty, savory bite!