If you’re craving a sensational bite that bursts with smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, this Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe is absolutely the one to try. Imagine tender, slow-smoked chuck roast shredded and nestled inside soft Hawaiian sweet rolls, layered with melty pepper jack and sharp cheddar cheeses, and kissed by tangy barbecue sauce. This dish is truly a crowd-pleaser, combining the island’s signature sweetness with classic BBQ richness, making it perfect for any gathering or a cozy weekend indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in these Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders comes from a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that balance smoky richness, sweet softness, and hearty depth. Each item plays a key role, ensuring the layers of flavor and texture shine through in every bite.
- Chuck roast: The star protein, perfect for slow smoking until tender and juicy.
- BBQ seasoning blend: Adds that signature smokey, spicy kick that flavors the meat deeply.
- Apple cider vinegar: Spritzing during smoking keeps the meat moist and adds subtle tang.
- Onions and garlic: Aromatics that create a flavorful base and added moisture in the cooking pan.
- Beef stock: Keeps the roast juicy and helps build a rich cooking liquid for dipping.
- Hawaiian sweet rolls: Soft, slightly sweet buns that complement the smoky beef perfectly.
- Pepper jack cheese: Brings a creamy, spicy note to contrast the sweet rolls.
- Barbecue sauce: A tangy, sweet layer that ties all the flavors together.
- Shredded cheddar: Melts beautifully, adding sharpness and richness.
- Hickory wood chunks: Essential for that deep, classic smoky flavor in the beef.
How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Roast
Begin by spreading a thin layer of mustard over the chuck roast; this helps your BBQ seasoning blend adhere better, ensuring every inch of meat is packed with flavor. Then generously coat the roast with your BBQ seasoning so it’s well covered and ready for the smoker.
Step 2: Heat the Smoker
Get your smoker going at a steady 250°F and toss in chunks of hickory wood. The hickory infuses the beef with that unforgettable smoked aroma and taste that’s a hallmark of authentic barbecue.
Step 3: Smoke the Chuck Roast
Place the seasoned roast into the smoker and set a timer. Every 30 to 40 minutes, spritz it with apple cider vinegar to keep it moist and build a flavorful bark. Smoke the roast for about three hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F – that’s when the magic begins.
Step 4: Add Onions and Garlic
While the roast smokes, toss diced onions and minced garlic into a foil pan. Once the roast hits the target temperature, place it inside this pan and pour in two cups of beef stock along with 1/4 cup more apple cider vinegar. Seal the pan tightly with foil.
Step 5: Continue Smoking Until Tender
Return the foil-covered pan to the smoker and let the meat cook further until it becomes fall-apart tender. This slow, moist cooking phase helps break down the collagen in the roast for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 6: Rest the Meat
Remove the roast from the smoker and allow it to rest for 30 to 45 minutes. Resting locks in the juices and makes shredding the beef easier and tidier.
Step 7: Toast the Hawaiian Rolls
Slice your Hawaiian sweet rolls and toast them just until the edges are slightly crunchy, providing a delightful contrast to the soft interior and tender meat.
Step 8: Assemble the Sliders
Pull the beef apart with forks and start building your sliders by layering pepper jack slices, a generous heap of shredded beef, a drizzle of your favorite barbecue sauce, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar. Top with the buttery toasted roll lids.
Step 9: Bake the Sliders
Place the assembled sliders in a preheated oven at 415°F and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. This step melts the cheese perfectly and melds all the flavors into one irresistible bite.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Dish out these delectable Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders and serve them warm with the pan juices on the side for dipping. The juices add an extra layer of richness that takes every slider to the next level.
How to Serve Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your sliders, consider adding fresh garnishes like thinly sliced pickles for a touch of acidity or chopped fresh cilantro for brightness. A sprinkle of crispy fried onions or a dash of smoked paprika can also add exciting texture and flavor contrasts.
Side Dishes
Pair your sliders with classic BBQ side dishes such as creamy coleslaw, tangy baked beans, or grilled corn on the cob. For an island twist, a pineapple salsa or fresh mango salad complements the sweet and smoky notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these at a party, present your Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe on a wooden board topped with fresh herbs, surrounded by small bowls of different sauces to let guests customize their bites. Alternatively, stack sliders in a tiered platter to make a stunning centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover smoked beef and assembled sliders separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the meat and rolls separate prevents sogginess and retains the fresh texture of the buns.
Freezing
You can freeze pulled smoked beef in portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed inside freezer bags for up to 3 months. For best results, toast the rolls fresh and assemble sliders right before serving after reheating the beef.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftover beef in a covered dish with a splash of beef stock or water to keep it moist. Warm sliders in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil for 10 to 15 minutes to keep the bread soft yet pleasantly warm.
FAQs
Can I make this Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe without a smoker?
Absolutely! While a smoker adds that authentic smoky flavor, you can use a slow cooker or oven roast method to achieve tender, flavorful beef. Use smoked paprika or liquid smoke in your seasoning to mimic smoky notes.
What type of BBQ sauce works best for these sliders?
A tangy and slightly sweet barbecue sauce pairs best here to complement the Hawaiian rolls and smoky beef. Choose something that balances sweetness and acidity without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I prepare the sliders ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders and keep them refrigerated, then bake them just before serving. This saves time and ensures the cheese melts perfectly and the sliders are warm and fresh as your guests arrive.
Is chuck roast the only cut of beef suitable for this recipe?
Chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and connective tissue that break down during slow cooking, creating tender and flavorful meat. However, brisket or even tri-tip can work if you prefer, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
Can I add pineapple to this Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe?
Definitely! Adding grilled pineapple slices or a pineapple relish introduces a lovely juicy sweetness that enhances the Hawaiian flair and adds an exciting texture contrast.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sinking your teeth into these Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe—a wonderful blend of smoky, sweet, cheesy, and tender flavors all in one bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. So fire up your smoker or oven, gather your ingredients, and dive into slider heaven!
Print
Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
These Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders feature tender, smoky chuck roast slow-cooked with a flavorful BBQ seasoning and hickory wood smoke, layered with pepper jack and cheddar cheeses on sweet Hawaiian rolls. Smoked to perfection and finished in the oven, these sliders offer a delicious blend of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors perfect for gatherings and casual meals.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 4–5 pounds chuck roast
- Your go-to BBQ seasoning blend, enough to coat the roast
- Mustard, for spreading on the roast
- Apple cider vinegar, for spritzing and 1/4 cup extra
Vegetables
- Three large onions, diced
- Five garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Stock
- Two cups beef stock
Bread and Cheese
- Hawaiian sweet rolls, enough for 12 sliders
- Six slices of pepper jack cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese, as needed for topping
Additional Ingredients
- Barbecue sauce, for drizzling
- Chunks of hickory wood, for smoking
Instructions
- Prepare the chuck roast: Spread mustard evenly over the entire surface of the chuck roast. This acts as a binder for the BBQ seasoning blend. Generously coat the roast with your preferred BBQ seasoning.
- Preheat the smoker: Heat your smoker to 250°F (121°C). Add chunks of hickory wood to the smoker to create a smoky aroma and flavor for the beef.
- Smoke the roast: Place the chuck roast directly into the smoker. Every 30-40 minutes, spritz the roast lightly with apple cider vinegar to maintain moisture. Continue smoking for about three hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the braising pan: In a foil pan, toss together the diced onions and minced garlic. Lay the smoked chuck roast on top, pour in two cups of beef stock and an additional 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar. Cover tightly with foil to trap the steam and flavors.
- Braise the meat: Return the covered foil pan into the smoker, continuing to cook until the meat is fork-tender and can be pulled apart easily. This step tenderizes the roast further and infuses it with rich flavor.
- Rest the meat: Remove the roast from the smoker and let it rest for 30-45 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute for a moist texture.
- Toast the rolls: Lightly toast the Hawaiian sweet rolls until the edges are just slightly crunchy, adding texture to the sliders.
- Assemble the sliders: Pull the beef apart with forks. On the bottom half of each roll, layer a slice of pepper jack cheese, a generous portion of shredded beef, a drizzle of barbecue sauce, and sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese. Top with the roll lids.
- Bake the sliders: Place the assembled sliders into a preheated oven at 415°F (213°C). Bake for 12-15 minutes to melt the cheeses and meld the flavors together.
- Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and serve warm, accompanied by the pan juices for dipping if desired.
Notes
- Spritzing the meat regularly during smoking helps keep it moist and enhances the flavor with apple cider vinegar.
- Using hickory wood for smoking imparts a strong, classic BBQ smoky flavor ideal for beef.
- Allowing the meat to rest after cooking is critical for juicy, tender meat.
- Toasted rolls add a nice textural contrast and prevent sogginess from the barbecue sauce and juices.
- The finishing bake in the oven melts the cheese and helps bind the components together for a perfectly warm slider.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
