Delicious Roast Beef Sliders with Zesty Horseradish Sauce: The Ultimate Game Day & Party Appetizer
Roast beef sliders with a creamy, spicy horseradish sauce are an absolute game-changer for any occasion – whether it’s a thrilling game day, a lively party, or simply a cozy weeknight dinner. These miniature sandwiches are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a perfect crowd-pleaser or a satisfying treat for a movie night with the family. Get ready to elevate your snacking experience with this irresistible recipe!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Sliders
Imagine this: a perfectly toasted, soft bun embracing layers of thinly sliced, savory roast beef, generously slathered with a zesty, creamy horseradish sauce, all held together by gooey, melted provolone cheese. Every bite is an explosion of flavor and texture that will leave you craving more. There’s truly nothing not to love about this incredible combination!
This homemade roast beef slider recipe transcends your typical fast-food offerings. We confidently declare that these taste far superior to what you’d find at places like Arby’s – and yes, that includes the signature horseradish sauce! The freshness of the ingredients, combined with the love put into making them, simply can’t be beaten by mass-produced alternatives.
The Perfect Game Day & Party Finger Food
These sliders are the quintessential game day (hello, Super Bowl!) finger food. They are incredibly easy to assemble, bake, and serve, allowing you more time to enjoy the game or socialize with your guests. Their hand-held size makes them convenient for mingling, and their hearty flavor ensures everyone stays satisfied throughout the festivities. They strike the perfect balance between comfort food and sophisticated appetizer.
Beyond roast beef sliders, we love to feature a variety of fun game day finger foods. Some of our other favorites include savory sausage balls, smoky and tender smoked chicken wings, classic and customizable french bread pizza, and a rich, creamy spinach dip made from scratch. Adding these roast beef sliders to your lineup guarantees a winning spread that caters to every taste bud.
Key Ingredients for the Best Sliders
Crafting the perfect roast beef sliders starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that mouthwatering flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Deli Roast Beef – This is arguably the star of the show, so don’t skimp on quality! Head to your local deli counter and ask for thinly sliced, good-quality roast beef. Avoid pre-packaged, overly processed options, as the fresh taste and texture of premium deli meat will make all the difference. Thin slices are essential for easy layering and a tender bite.
- Provolone Cheese – Just like the roast beef, we highly recommend getting your provolone cheese from the deli as well. Freshly sliced provolone melts beautifully, creating that irresistible gooey texture that complements the roast beef and horseradish sauce perfectly. Its mild, slightly nutty flavor is an excellent partner to the bolder tastes.
- Slider Buns – The choice of bun is key to the overall slider experience. You can pick your favorite, but we generally prefer options that are soft yet sturdy enough to hold the fillings without falling apart. While many people enjoy Hawaiian rolls, we find their sweetness can sometimes overpower the savory flavors of the roast beef and horseradish. Traditional dinner rolls or classic slider buns are often a fantastic, more neutral alternative, offering a soft texture and a slight crust when toasted.
- Horseradish Sauce Ingredients – While not listed as a main “slider” ingredient, the homemade horseradish sauce is a critical component of this recipe. You’ll need prepared horseradish for that signature kick, creamy mayonnaise to bind it and add richness, fresh lemon juice for brightness, Worcestershire sauce for umami depth, and a touch of salt and fresh ground pepper to balance the flavors.
- Unsalted Butter – A brush of melted butter on top before baking adds a beautiful golden finish and a touch of richness to the buns.
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How to Craft Irresistible Roast Beef Sliders with Horseradish Sauce
Football season has officially kicked off, and if your household is anything like ours, that means a craving for delicious game-day food is in full swing! These hearty roast beef sliders are guaranteed to be a hit, especially with the men in your life. This manly dish is a straight shot to their hearts (and stomachs!). The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible flavor it delivers with minimal effort.
Prepping Your Horseradish Sauce
First things first, let’s get that fantastic horseradish sauce ready. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the prepared horseradish, creamy mayonnaise, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch each of fresh ground pepper and kosher salt. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed – perhaps a little more horseradish for extra kick, or more lemon juice for brightness. This sauce is the spicy, tangy backbone of our sliders, so make sure it’s perfect!
Assembling Your Sliders: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preheat your oven to a comfortable 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). You’ll need a 9×13 inch baking dish for these sliders. The assembly process is incredibly simple, relying on strategic layering to create a flavor-packed bite.
- Bun Base: Begin by carefully placing the bottom halves of your slider buns into the baking dish. If you’re using rolls that come in a connected “slab,” you’ll slice the entire slab horizontally first, then place the bottom portion into the dish.
- First Sauce Layer: Take half of your delicious prepared horseradish sauce and spread it evenly over the bottom buns. This ensures every bite has that signature kick from the very first layer.
- Cheese Foundation: Next, lay about half of your provolone cheese slices over the sauce. As you might notice from the photo, sometimes deli slices need a little manipulation – a gentle fold or tear – to fit perfectly over individual slider buns, especially if you’re using true slider buns rather than dinner rolls. Don’t worry about perfection; it all melts together beautifully. This happened to us because our grocery store only had actual slider buns, not the dinner rolls we often prefer for easier layering.
- Roast Beef Pile: Now it’s time for the roast beef! Pile the thinly sliced meat generously onto the cheese layer. You can fold and layer it to create a nice, substantial height on each slider. The more roast beef, the better for that hearty flavor.
- Second Sauce Drizzle: Drizzle the remaining horseradish sauce evenly over the roast beef. This ensures that spicy, creamy goodness permeates all the layers.
- More Cheese & Top Buns: Finish with another layer of provolone cheese slices – because who doesn’t love extra cheese? Then, carefully place the top halves of the slider buns back onto your layered creations.
- Baking to Perfection: Brush the tops of the buns with a tablespoon of melted unsalted butter. This helps them toast beautifully and adds another layer of flavor. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. The foil traps the heat and moisture, allowing the cheese to begin melting and the ingredients to warm through.
- Golden Finish: After 15 minutes, remove the foil. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and the tops of the buns are golden brown and lightly toasted. Keep a close eye on them during this stage to prevent burning.
Once baked, carefully slice your roast beef sliders apart (if they were baked in a slab) and serve them hot to your eager football fans, party guests, or family. The aroma alone will have everyone lining up!
Expert Tips for Perfect Sliders Every Time
While these roast beef sliders are straightforward to make, a few expert tips can elevate your experience and ensure they’re a smashing success:
- Keep Them Warm for a Crowd: If you’re hosting a gathering and want to keep your sliders warm throughout the party, there’s a simple trick. Once baked, wrap each individual slider tightly in aluminum foil. Then, place these wrapped sliders into a slow cooker set on the “warm” setting. This method allows your guests to grab a perfectly warm, gooey slider whenever they desire, keeping them fresh and delicious for hours.
- Bun Handling: The type of slider buns you choose can slightly alter your preparation. Some slider buns come pre-separated, making assembly incredibly quick. However, many brands sell them in a connected “slab” form. If you purchase the latter, you’ll need to use a serrated knife to carefully slice the entire sheet of rolls horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms while keeping them intact. Once separated, place the bottom bun slab directly into your baking dish and proceed with the recipe as directed. This ensures easy layering and keeps the sliders neatly aligned.
- Easy Slicing with a Sheet Pan: For ultimate convenience, especially when making a large batch, you can bake these sliders on a sturdy sheet pan. A rimmed baking sheet works perfectly. This allows for easier handling and even simpler slicing once they’re baked, as you can often use a pizza cutter to divide them quickly and cleanly.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the sliders during the final 5-10 minutes after removing the foil. The goal is melted, bubbly cheese and lightly toasted buns, not dry or hard buns.
Exciting Variations to Customize Your Sliders
One of the best things about sliders is their versatility! Feel free to get creative and customize your roast beef sliders with these delicious variations:
- About Your Buns: The bun choice significantly impacts the flavor profile. While we often recommend traditional slider buns or dinner rolls for a neutral base that lets the roast beef and horseradish shine, ultimately, you should use what you like best. If you’re a fan of a little sweetness, don’t hesitate to use Hawaiian rolls – our sister goes crazy for them! Their soft texture and slight tang can be a delightful contrast.
- Elevate with Butter & Poppy Seeds: For an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal, consider brushing the tops of your slider rolls with melted unsalted butter. Then, sprinkle them generously with poppy seeds before baking. This adds a subtle crunch and a lovely, nutty aroma.
- Flavorful Butter Boost: Take that melted butter to the next level by mixing in a pinch of onion powder and/or garlic powder. This infused butter will seep into the buns as they bake, adding a savory depth that perfectly complements the roast beef.
- Cheese Alternatives: Provolone is a classic choice, but several other cheeses melt beautifully and pair well with roast beef. Experiment with Havarti for a creamy, slightly buttery flavor, Swiss for its distinct nutty notes, Muenster for a mild, melt-in-your-mouth texture, or white cheddar for a sharper, more robust taste.
- Horseradish Sauce Swaps: Not everyone loves the intense kick of horseradish. If you’re looking for an alternative or want to offer a milder option, try replacing the horseradish sauce with spicy brown mustard, a gourmet Dijon mustard, or even a sweet and tangy honey mustard. Each will offer a unique flavor profile that complements the roast beef.
- Caramelized Onion Delight: For an added layer of gourmet flavor, try caramelizing some onions until they are deeply golden and sweet. Spread a thin layer of these savory, jam-like onions over the roast beef before adding the top layer of cheese. The sweetness of the caramelized onions perfectly balances the saltiness of the beef and the spice of the horseradish.
- Add Pickles or Jalapeños: For a tangy crunch, add a thin slice of pickle to each slider. If you like heat, a few pickled jalapeño slices can add a fantastic spicy zing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roast Beef Sliders
These flavorful sliders are hearty enough to be enjoyed on their own as a satisfying meal or substantial snack! However, they also pair wonderfully with classic side dishes. Consider serving them with a bowl of crispy potato chips, a generous serving of golden French fries, or for a lighter option, a fresh green salad or a creamy coleslaw. A simple pickle spear on the side also adds a nice tangy crunch.
Absolutely! You can prep the entire dish, including making the horseradish sauce and assembling the sliders in your baking dish, up to 12 hours before you plan to bake them. Simply wrap the unbaked sliders tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, we recommend removing the dish from the fridge at least 30 minutes beforehand to allow it to come closer to room temperature for more even baking. If you’re transporting them to a potluck or party, place a towel in an empty ice chest and then set the warm baking dish on top of the towel; this insulation will keep them warm for quite a while.
Store any leftover roast beef sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the sliders back in a baking dish, cover them loosely with aluminum foil, and warm them in a 300-degree F (150°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is re-melted. For single servings, you can conveniently reheat them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, though the buns may not be as crispy.
Yes, roast beef sliders can be frozen, though they are always best enjoyed fresh! To freeze, bake the sliders as directed in the recipe (but skip brushing the tops with melted butter before baking). Allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap, then wrap again in aluminum foil. Place the double-wrapped sliders into a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. When ready to reheat, brush the tops with melted butter, cover them with aluminum foil, and warm them in a 300-degree F (150°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
More Irresistible Slider Recipes to Try
If you’ve fallen in love with these roast beef sliders, you’re in for a treat! Sliders are incredibly versatile and perfect for any meal or gathering. Here are some more fantastic slider recipes from our collection that we think you’ll adore. Each one offers a unique flavor profile while maintaining the ease and crowd-pleasing appeal of mini sandwiches:
Pastrami And Swiss Cheese Sliders
Meatball Sliders Recipe
Oven Baked Sliders (Cheeseburger)
Roast Beef Sliders with Horseradish Sauce Recipe
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Ingredients
- 12 slider or dinner rolls
- 1 lb roast beef deli meat thinly sliced, good quality is recommended
- 12 slices provolone cheese or more, freshly sliced from the deli
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter melted, for brushing tops
Horseradish Sauce
- 1/2 cup prepared horseradish
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
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In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients for the horseradish sauce: prepared horseradish, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, fresh ground pepper, and kosher salt. Whisk until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Set aside.1/2 cup prepared horseradish, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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In a 9×13 inch baking dish, place the bottom halves of your slider or dinner rolls. Spread half of the prepared horseradish sauce evenly over the rolls. Then, evenly lay out about 6 slices of the provolone cheese over the sauce.12 slider or dinner rolls
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Top the cheese with the roast beef, folding and layering the meat on each roll to create a nice, substantial pile. Drizzle the beef with the remaining horseradish sauce. Layer with the remaining provolone cheese slices, then place the roll tops over the cheese.1 lb roast beef deli meat, 12 slices of provolone cheese
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Brush the tops of the rolls with the melted unsalted butter. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.1 tbsp unsalted butter
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Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the tops of the buns are lightly golden brown.
Notes
Make Ahead – You can fully prep the entire dish, including making the horseradish sauce and assembling the sliders in the baking dish, up to 12 hours before baking. Wrap the unbaked sliders tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. For best results, remove from the fridge at least 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature.
Storing Leftovers – Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 300-degree F (150°C) oven, covered with aluminum foil, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat individual servings in the microwave.
Freezing Instructions – To freeze, bake the sliders as directed (omit brushing with melted butter before baking), then let them cool completely. Wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped sliders in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, brush the tops with melted butter, cover with aluminum foil, and reheat in a 300-degree F (150°C) oven for about 20 minutes.