There’s something about Sloppy Joe Sliders that brings me straight back to childhood.
But instead of the usual sandwich, these are warm, cheesy, and perfectly portioned on sweet Hawaiian rolls—making them ideal for parties, weeknight dinners, or game-day gatherings.
Every bite is a balance of juicy meat, gooey cheese, and buttery rolls with just a touch of sweetness and tang.
It’s comfort food with a twist—and everyone always comes back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Familiar flavors, fun format – The classic taste of sloppy joes in handheld, slider form.
Cheesy goodness – Melted cheddar adds a creamy, rich finish.
Buttery glaze magic – Sweet and savory glaze soaks into the buns for next-level flavor.
Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Great for groups – Perfect appetizer, snack, or dinner for a hungry crowd.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Ground beef – Lean or regular, cooked and drained well.
Green bell pepper – Adds crunch and subtle sweetness.
Sloppy Joe sauce – Store-bought keeps it quick, but feel free to make your own.
Cheddar cheese – Melts perfectly between the buns and meat.
Hawaiian slider rolls – Soft, slightly sweet, and the perfect size.
Butter glaze – Made with melted butter, garlic, mustard, Worcestershire, and brown sugar—it’s a game-changer!
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use a serrated knife to slice all the rolls in half at once.
Don’t skip the glaze—it’s what makes these sliders unforgettable!
Let the sliders rest a few minutes after baking so the cheese sets slightly before slicing.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Sliders
Step 1: Prepare the meat mixture
Preheat oven to 350ºF and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink.
Drain excess fat.
Step 2: Add the veggies
Add diced green bell pepper to the beef and cook for 3 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Add the sauce
Stir in the can of sloppy joe sauce.
Let everything simmer for another 3 minutes so the flavors combine.
Step 4: Build the sliders
Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally.
Place the bottom halves into your prepared baking dish.
Spoon the meat mixture evenly over the rolls, then layer cheddar cheese slices on top.
Step 5: Top it off
Place the top halves of the rolls back on.
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, and brown sugar.
Brush this glaze generously over the tops of the rolls.
Step 6: Bake to golden perfection
Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Then uncover and bake for 5 more minutes until the tops are golden brown.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy
Let the sliders cool slightly before slicing along the roll lines.
Serve warm and watch them disappear!
What to Serve With Sloppy Joe Sliders
These sliders pair beautifully with classic sides like coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or baked beans.
For a lighter meal, serve with a crisp green salad.
Variations / Substitutions
Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Add jalapeños, pickles, or crispy fried onions between the layers for extra texture.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 300ºF until warmed through.
You can also freeze the assembled sliders before baking—just thaw before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the sliders up to one day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What can I use instead of Sloppy Joe sauce?
You can make your own using ketchup, Worcestershire, mustard, garlic powder, and brown sugar.
Do Hawaiian rolls get soggy?
Not if you bake the sliders properly and let them rest before cutting.
Can I use shredded cheese instead of slices?
Absolutely. Just make sure it’s spread evenly over the meat layer.
What if I don’t have a green pepper?
You can skip it or replace it with red pepper, onion, or even corn.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Wrap in foil and reheat in the oven for best texture. Microwaving is quicker but softens the rolls.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for a crowd—just use two pans.
Final Thoughts
These Sloppy Joe Sliders are everything I crave in one bite: saucy, cheesy, warm, and satisfying.
They’re my go-to for family dinners and game nights, and they never disappoint.
Make them once, and they’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Sloppy Joe Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350ºF and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add diced green bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes.
- Stir in sloppy joe sauce and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Slice rolls in half horizontally and place bottom halves in prepared dish.
- Spoon the meat mixture evenly over the bottom rolls.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/sloppy-joe-sliders/
Notes
- You can use shredded cheese if preferred—just sprinkle it over the meat layer.
- Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like a little kick.
