If you are craving a unique twist on classic sliders that bursts with bold flavors and tender, smoky goodness, the Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe is a must-try. This recipe brings together succulent, slow-smoked chuck roast infused with a savory BBQ seasoning, balanced perfectly by the sweet softness of Hawaiian rolls. Each bite delivers a delightful combination of smoky, spicy, and sweet notes, making these sliders an instant crowd-pleaser whether for a family gathering or a weekend cookout. You’ll love how the pepper jack and cheddar cheeses melt into the juicy beef, while the barbecue sauce adds just the right tangy kick. Get ready to impress with this satisfying and fun-to-eat dish that feels like a tropical vacation on a plate!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To nail this Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that each play an essential role. From the smoky richness of chuck roast to the sweet softness of Hawaiian rolls, every component enhances the dish’s layers of flavor and texture.
- Chuck roast: The star of the show, its marbling makes for juicy, flavorful pulled beef that stands up well to smoking.
- BBQ seasoning blend: Adds depth, spice, and a perfect rub crust on the meat for that signature smoky taste.
- Apple cider vinegar: Used both to spritz the meat during cooking and add brightness, balancing richness.
- Onions (diced): Bring sweetness and moisture, tenderizing alongside the beef in the smoker.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Infuse savory aromatic notes throughout the meat.
- Beef stock: Keeps the meat juicy during the slow braising phase in the smoker.
- Hawaiian sweet rolls: Their soft, slightly sweet texture complements the savory beef perfectly.
- Pepper jack cheese slices: Adds creamy, spicy layers inside each slider, melting beautifully over the beef.
- Barbecue sauce: A drizzle brings tang and moisture that makes every bite perfect.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds an extra melty, cheesy texture topping the beef and enhancing flavors.
- Hickory wood chunks: Provide that rich, classic smoky aroma and flavor during the long smoking process.
How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Meat
Start by spreading mustard all over the chuck roast. This helps the BBQ seasoning stick better to the surface, creating a delicious crust once smoked. Coat the roast evenly with your favorite BBQ seasoning blend – this layer infuses the beef with tons of flavor as it cooks low and slow.
Step 2: Heat Your Smoker
Preheat your smoker to a steady 250°F. Add chunks of hickory wood to create that irresistible smoky aroma and rich, deep flavor signature to this Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe. Patience here will reward you with melt-in-your-mouth beef.
Step 3: Smoke the Chuck Roast
Place the seasoned chuck roast directly in the smoker. Every 30 to 40 minutes, spritz the meat with apple cider vinegar. This keeps the roast moist and brightens the flavors as the smoke slowly penetrates. Smoke the roast for about three hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring a perfect smoke ring and tenderness.
Step 4: Add Aromatics and Braise
While your roast smokes, toss diced onions and minced garlic into a foil pan. Lay the smoked roast inside this aromatic bed, pour in beef stock alongside a little extra apple cider vinegar, and seal tightly with foil. Return the pan to the smoker for a braising phase where the meat becomes fall-apart tender.
Step 5: Rest the Meat
Once removed from the smoker, allow the roast to rest for 30 to 45 minutes. This crucial step lets the juices redistribute throughout the beef, resulting in moist, flavorful pulled beef for your sliders.
Step 6: Toast the Rolls and Assemble
Toast the Hawaiian sweet rolls lightly until just slightly crunchy at the edges—this creates a nice texture contrast to the juicy beef. Then, pull apart the roast into shreds and start building your sliders: first a slice of creamy pepper jack cheese, a hearty pile of beef, a drizzle of tangy barbecue sauce, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Top with the roll lids.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled sliders in a preheated 415°F oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. This melts the cheeses perfectly and warms the rolls through without drying them out, delivering a gooey, cohesive slider.
Step 8: Serve with Pan Juices
Serve your Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe hot alongside the pan juices left from the braising step for dipping. This adds extra richness and keeps every bite moist and tasty.
How to Serve Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
A generous handful of fresh, crisp lettuce or a slice of ripe tomato adds color and brightness to cut through the richness of the beef. Pickled jalapeños bring a zesty kick that complements the smoky and cheesy notes beautifully. Don’t hesitate to add a little fresh cilantro for a tropical touch that pairs well with the Hawaiian vibe.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, classic coleslaw with its creamy tang offers a refreshing crunch. Sweet potato fries or baked beans echo the southern barbecue spirit, making your meal feel complete. For a lighter option, a fresh fruit salad with pineapple and mango keeps that island-inspired theme going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your sliders on a large wooden serving board covered with banana leaves for a striking Polynesian-inspired presentation. Serve small bowls of different homemade barbecue sauces for guests to customize each bite. For parties, consider making slider platters where you alternate the Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe with other mini sandwiches to keep things lively and colorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be tough!), store the pulled beef separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the rolls and cheeses apart to avoid sogginess. This way, you can quickly assemble fresh sliders when ready to eat again.
Freezing
The smoked and pulled beef freezes very well. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out excess air. When you want to enjoy the Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe another time, thaw the beef overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat the pulled beef gently in a covered dish with a splash of beef stock or pan juices to keep it moist. Warm the rolls separately in the oven or toaster oven to maintain their soft, slightly toasty texture. Once warm, reconstruct the sliders with your favorite cheeses and barbecue sauce for a meal that tastes just as fantastic as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef instead of chuck roast?
While chuck roast is ideal due to its fat content and tenderness after slow smoking, you can substitute with brisket or even a pork shoulder if you prefer. Just adjust smoking times accordingly to reach the perfect tenderness.
What if I don’t have a smoker? Can I make this recipe indoors?
Absolutely! You can replicate some smoky flavors by using a slow cooker or oven braising method with smoked paprika and liquid smoke for added depth. While it won’t be exactly the same, it will still yield delicious sliders.
How long can I store leftover sliders once assembled?
It’s best to assemble sliders fresh to avoid soggy rolls. However, if already assembled, store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours for optimum texture and taste.
Can I make these sliders ahead for a party?
Yes, you can prepare the beef up to two days in advance and store it refrigerated. Assemble and bake the sliders shortly before serving to enjoy them warm with melty cheese.
What types of barbecue sauce work best for this recipe?
Sweet and tangy sauces, like a classic Kansas City-style or a Hawaiian-inspired pineapple BBQ sauce, are fantastic complements. Avoid overly spicy or vinegar-heavy sauces that might overpower the sweet and smoky balance.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe is a celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures that will quickly become your new favorite for gatherings big and small. With the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy elements layered between soft Hawaiian rolls, these sliders truly bring the party to your plate. Give it a go and watch everyone come back for seconds — there’s nothing quite like savoring these sliders with friends and family!
Print
Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders combine tender, smoky chuck roast with a blend of savory BBQ seasoning and sweet Hawaiian rolls. Smoked low and slow over hickory wood, the beef becomes fall-apart tender and is layered with melted pepper jack cheese, shredded cheddar, and rich barbecue sauce, all baked to perfection for an irresistible slider experience perfect for gatherings and casual meals.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 4–5 pounds chuck roast
- Your go-to BBQ seasoning blend (approx. 2-3 tablespoons)
- Yellow mustard (for coating, about 2 tablespoons)
- Apple cider vinegar (for spritzing and 1/4 cup extra)
- Two cups beef stock
Produce
- Three large onions, diced
- Five garlic cloves, minced
Dairy and Cheese
- Six slices pepper jack cheese
- Some shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 cup)
Bread and Sauces
- Hawaiian sweet rolls (12 rolls)
- Barbecue sauce (approximately 1/2 to 3/4 cup for drizzling)
Other
- Chunks of hickory wood for smoking
Instructions
- Prepare the Chuck Roast: Spread yellow mustard evenly over the chuck roast to help the BBQ rub stick, then coat the entire surface with your BBQ seasoning blend.
- Preheat the Smoker: Heat your smoker to 250°F and add hickory wood chunks to create a flavorful smoke environment.
- Smoke the Roast: Place the seasoned chuck roast in the smoker. Every 30-40 minutes, spritz the roast with apple cider vinegar to maintain moisture. Continue smoking for about three hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Prepare the Onion and Garlic Mixture: Toss the diced onions and minced garlic into a foil pan. Lay the partially smoked roast inside the pan, pour in the two cups of beef stock along with 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, then cover tightly with foil.
- Continue Cooking: Place the foil-covered pan back into the smoker and cook until the meat is fall-apart tender. This may take an additional 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your smoker and roast size.
- Rest the Meat: Remove the roast from the smoker and let it rest, covered, for 30-45 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Toast the Rolls: Preheat an oven and toast the Hawaiian rolls lightly until edges are just crunchy, enhancing texture for the sliders.
- Assemble the Sliders: Pull the beef apart using forks. On each toasted Hawaiian roll bottom, place a slice of pepper jack cheese, a generous amount of shredded beef, a drizzle of BBQ sauce, and some shredded cheddar cheese. Top with the roll lids.
- Bake the Assembled Sliders: Place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 415°F for 12-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and sliders are heated through.
- Serve: Remove sliders from the oven and serve immediately, accompanied by pan juices for dipping to elevate the flavor experience.
Notes
- Smoking the beef low and slow is key to achieving tender, flavorful meat.
- The apple cider vinegar spritz helps keep the roast moist and adds subtle tanginess.
- You can adjust the type of cheese based on preference, but pepper jack adds a nice kick.
- If you don’t have a smoker, you can use a grill with indirect heat and wood chips for smoking.
- Resting the meat before shredding helps retain moisture and makes shredding easier.
- Toast the rolls just before assembling to prevent them from becoming soggy once the BBQ sauce is added.
