Hawaiian Roll Breakfast Sliders

This hearty breakfast slider recipe transforms classic morning ingredients into an irresistible handheld feast. The combination of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese nestled between sweet Hawaiian rolls creates the ultimate comfort food that's perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for busy mornings.

I first made these sliders for a family brunch after my son's baseball tournament. The entire pan disappeared within minutes, with everyone asking for the recipe. Now they've become our go to for holiday mornings when we need something substantial but don't want to spend hours cooking.

Ingredients

• Hawaiian sweet rolls the pillowy texture and subtle sweetness creates the perfect contrast to the savory filling
• Ground pork breakfast sausage provides a rich foundation of flavor look for high quality with visible herbs and spices
• Large eggs use farm fresh if possible for the brightest yellow color and best flavor
• Pepper jack cheese adds a subtle kick that balances the sweetness of the rolls and glaze
• American cheese melts beautifully to create that gooey texture everyone loves
• Butter use unsalted so you can control the overall saltiness
• Pure maple syrup not pancake syrup for an authentic sweet finish that caramelizes beautifully

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. The proper sized dish is crucial here. A 7x10 inch dish will create taller more compact sliders while a 9x13 inch dish allows for easier handling but slightly flatter results.

Form And Cook The Sausage

Divide your sausage into 12 equal portions about 2 ounces each and shape them into patties slightly larger than your rolls. They will shrink during cooking. Cook them in batches over medium heat for exactly 3 to 4 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous brown crust. Overcrowding the pan will cause them to steam rather than brown so give them space.

Prepare The Rolls

Using a sharp serrated knife slice horizontally through the entire slab of connected rolls keeping both halves intact. This technique preserves the structure of the sliders and makes assembly infinitely easier. Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish with the cut side facing upward.

Layer The Filling

Start with a uniform layer of scrambled eggs covering the entire surface of the rolls. Next carefully position the pepper jack cheese slices followed by the sausage patties ensuring each future slider gets its own patty. Finally layer the American cheese on top creating a protective blanket that will melt beautifully and help hold everything together.

Apply The Maple Butter Glaze

Whisk together melted butter and maple syrup until fully incorporated. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops and sides of the assembled sliders with this magical mixture. The glaze not only adds flavor but creates that gorgeous caramelized exterior that makes these sliders irresistible.

Bake To Golden Perfection

Cover with foil for the first 10 minutes of baking to trap heat and melt the cheese without burning the tops. Then remove the foil and continue baking until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown about 5 to 10 more minutes. This two stage baking process ensures everything heats evenly while developing the perfect texture.

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The maple butter glaze is honestly what elevates these sliders from good to extraordinary. I discovered this technique by accident when I ran out of regular butter for the tops and improvised with some leftover maple butter from pancakes. My family went absolutely wild for the sweet caramelized tops, and now it's become the signature element of this recipe that everyone raves about.

Make Ahead Instructions

These sliders are perfect for prepping in advance, which makes them ideal for holiday mornings or busy weekends. You can completely assemble the sliders up to 24 hours before baking, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove them from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then add an extra 5 minutes to the covered baking time to ensure they heat through properly from the cold state. The maple butter glaze can also be prepared ahead and rewarmed slightly if it solidifies.

Variation Ideas

While the classic version is absolutely delicious, this recipe welcomes creative adaptations. Try substituting the pork sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option, or use bacon for a different smoky flavor profile. Vegetarians can enjoy these with plant based sausage patties. For an extra decadent version, add a layer of hash browns between the bottom bun and eggs. During holiday seasons, try adding a thin layer of cranberry sauce for a festive twist that pairs beautifully with the savory elements.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders shine as the centerpiece of a brunch spread. Pair them with a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness, or a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. For larger gatherings, complement them with a hash brown casserole or roasted breakfast potatoes. If serving for a special occasion brunch, a mimosa bar or bloody mary station makes the perfect accompaniment. For a complete meal, consider adding a yogurt parfait station with various toppings to provide a lighter option alongside these hearty sliders.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover sliders will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. To reheat, wrap individual sliders in foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, for a quicker option, microwave for 30 seconds, though this method will make the rolls slightly softer. For the best texture when reheating, consider using a toaster oven which will help maintain the crisp exterior while warming the filling. These also freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months simply wrap individual sliders tightly in foil, then place in freezer bags.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these breakfast sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble these sliders completely a day in advance, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, perhaps adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time since they'll be starting cold.

→ What can I substitute for the Hawaiian rolls?

While Hawaiian sweet rolls provide the ideal balance of sweetness with the savory fillings, you could substitute other dinner rolls or slider buns. Just try to find rolls that come connected in a package for easier assembly.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual sliders in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or wrap them in foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While the combination of pepper jack and American cheese creates a perfect balance of flavor and meltability, you can substitute with cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or provolone based on your preference. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well.

→ How can I make these sliders vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage patties or substitute with plant-based sausage alternatives. You could also add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.

→ What's the best way to transport these sliders to a potluck?

For easy transport, prepare the sliders in a disposable aluminum foil pan with a lid. If you need to make them in advance, you can either fully bake them and then reheat at your destination, or assemble everything without baking and cook them on-site for the freshest result.