
When I had to whip up food for a whole gang but had zero intention of flipping burgers one by one, these cheesy bacon sliders totally saved the day. Everything cooks together in a casserole dish and you get the same awesome flavors, just in little bites. My son’s birthday crowd went wild for them, and now I’m basically stuck making these for every hangout. They’re quicker, easier, honestly even tastier than regular burgers, and no one misses standing around a grill.
I got the inspiration after tasting my neighbor’s version at a block party, but mine blow hers out of the water. Mixing cream cheese into the beef makes it super juicy and rich. And that buttery sesame sprinkle on top? Makes them taste like you picked them up from some fancy burger joint, but nope, it’s just your kitchen.
Tasty Ingredients
- Cream cheese mixed in beef: Adds creaminess and keeps everything juicy
- Sweet Hawaiian rolls: Soft bread that doesn’t fall apart with all the filling
- Crispy crumbled bacon: Distributes flavor evenly and is easier to eat than strips
- Zingy BBQ and mustard mix: Makes it taste like classic burger sauce
- Sesame buttery finish: Gives the top a rich, bakery-style bite

Simple How-To Steps
- Start with the butter topping
- Melt some butter, stir in sesame seeds, and set that aside for later. This is your flavor booster for the tops.
- Prepare your rolls
- Line a 9x13 baking dish with about one and a half packs of Hawaiian rolls. Slice off the tops in one big slab, set aside, and let the bottoms sit in the dish.
- Make your beef and cheese layer
- Season your ground beef with garlic, onion flakes, salt, and pepper, then brown it up in a pan. Chuck in cubes of cream cheese with BBQ sauce and Dijon mustard, then mix until you get a creamy blend.
- Layer up all the goodness
- Sprinkle a good layer of cheddar over your roll bottoms. Spread your creamy beef mixture across, add bacon crumbles, top with extra cheese, and then put the roll tops back on.
- Bake it all together
- Brush your butter-sesame mix over the tops, cover tightly with foil, then bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Take the foil off, then keep baking another 5 to 10 minutes until you hit that golden look.
Switching from bacon strips to bacon bits was a game changer. The first time I made these with strips, everything slid apart and was a mess. Bacon crumbles stay where you want them and make picking up sliders so much easier.
Awesome Ways to Serve
You can totally serve these as a main course on a chill night, or as bite-sized snacks for a group. Pair with a fresh salad, some crunchy chips, or a pile of pickles. An ice-cold soda or beer on the side doesn’t hurt either.
Fun Twists to Try
Swap out the cheese for Swiss or pepper jack if you want some kick or a milder feel. Throw in some chopped pickles with the beef for more burger vibes. Different flavors of Hawaiian rolls and turkey bacon also work if you want to switch things up.
Easy Make-Ahead Tips
These are a lifesaver if you want things ready before people show up. Assemble them and keep in the fridge until baking time. If you’re starting cold, add about ten extra minutes in the oven. Or prep just the meat mix ahead and finish assembling later.

You know those go-to dishes that make you look like you planned ahead when you barely did? These sliders do that. You get all the burger comfort you love, everyone digs in happily, and you barely break a sweat. The best group meals are the ones that let you hang out, not hover in the kitchen all night.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prep these sliders beforehand?
- Definitely! Put them together, store them in the fridge for up to a day, and pop them in the oven when ready. Add 5-10 extra minutes to bake time.
- → Which rolls can I use instead of Hawaiian?
- Any kind of dinner rolls works. But Hawaiian rolls' slight sweetness really makes the bacon and beef pop.
- → How do I keep the sliders from breaking apart?
- Mixing cream cheese with the beef keeps everything together, and letting them cool for a bit after baking locks it all in place.
- → Can I freeze the sliders?
- For sure! Freeze them unbaked for up to two months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake. Maybe tack on a few extra minutes for cooking.
- → How many sliders does this make?
- This recipe serves up around 18 sliders, depending on roll size. Just the right amount for sharing!