If you’ve ever craved all the rich, savory goodness of philly cheesesteak sandwiches but wanted something easier to serve at a party or game day gathering, these Mini Philly Cheese Steak Sliders with Caramelized Onions are going to become your new go-to. Think tender shaved steak, melty provolone cheese, golden caramelized onions, and soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls—this is comfort food that brings big flavor in a small package. Whether you're hosting a casual Friendsgiving, prepping for a Thanksgiving potluck, or just making a weeknight dinner more exciting, these little sliders are simple, satisfying, and wildly craveable.
Mini Philly Cheese Steak Sliders with Caramelized Onions
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 (2 sliders per person)
Large skillet or cast iron pan For searing the steak and caramelizing the onions. A cast iron pan gives a great crust to the meat.
Sharp knife or mandoline To thinly slice the onions and steak. If you're using a ribeye or sirloin, it's easier to slice if it's slightly frozen.
Baking dish or sheet pan To bake the assembled sliders. A 9x13-inch dish works perfectly.
Foil To cover the sliders while baking to keep them moist.
Optional slow cooker If you want to make a variation using ground beef or make it a dump and go crockpot dinner, a slow cooker is your best friend.
For the filling
- 1.25 lbs ribeye steak thinly sliced (you can also use sirloin or flank steak)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced (optional, but adds color and flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For assembly
- 12- pack of Hawaiian rolls split horizontally, kept intact
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise optional
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard optional
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Pinch of sea salt
Caramelize the Onions
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and cook for 15–20 minutes until the onions are golden brown and soft. Add a splash of water if they start to stick. For extra depth, toss in a few sliced bell peppers during the last 5 minutes.
Cook the Steak
Push the onions to one side of the pan and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced steak in a single layer (do this in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned but still tender. Mix the steak and onions together and remove from heat.
Assemble the Sliders
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms connected. Place the bottom halves in your baking dish. Optional but recommended: spread a thin layer of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard on the rolls.
Layer the steak and onion mixture evenly over the rolls. Lay slices of provolone cheese over the meat. Top with the upper half of the rolls.
Butter Glaze & Bake
In a small bowl, mix melted butter with onion powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of sea salt. Brush this mixture over the tops of the rolls. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
Serve
Let the sliders sit for 5 minutes before slicing into individual portions. Serve warm and watch them disappear.
Pairings
These sliders are versatile and pair wonderfully with both hearty and fresh sides. If you're serving them at a Thanksgiving party, you can skip the heavy main course and make these the centerpiece of a casual buffet. Here are some perfect pairings:
- Crispy sweet potato fries or rosemary roasted potatoes – for a classic comfort food duo.
- Coleslaw – the crunch balances the soft sliders.
- Pickles or pickled jalapeños – add a tangy contrast.
- Craft beer or hard cider – both complement the savory meat and cheese perfectly.
- Arugula salad with balsamic glaze – for a light and peppery side dish.
FAQs
1. What cut of beef works best for these sliders?
Ribeye is ideal for that rich, juicy flavor you'd expect in a philly cheesesteak recipe. Sirloin or flank steak are good budget-friendly alternatives. Just make sure to slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.
2. Can I use ground beef instead of sliced steak?
Yes, and it makes the recipe even easier. For a dump and go crockpot dinner variation, brown the ground beef with onions and seasoning, then slow-cook on low with provolone until melty. This turns into a perfect ground beef sliders Hawaiian rolls recipe.
3. How can I make these ahead of time for a party or Thanksgiving gathering?
Prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate. Assemble the sliders, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just bake before serving.
4. What cheese is best for cheesesteak sliders hawaiian rolls style?
Provolone is the traditional choice—melty, mild, and perfect with steak. American cheese or mozzarella work too, depending on your taste preference.
5. Can I freeze these sliders?
Yes. Assemble the sliders but don’t bake them. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 350°F for 25–30 minutes covered, then uncover for 5–10 minutes to brown the tops.
