30-Minute Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Beef Sliders
Juicy beef patties infused with barbecue sauce and grilled to perfection, topped with caramelized pineapple, crispy bacon, and melted Swiss cheese on toasted Hawaiian rolls. These sliders bring tropical vibes to any backyard gathering or game day spread. The combination of sweet barbecue sauce mixed with pineapple juice creates a glaze that keeps the patties moist while adding island-inspired flavor. Perfect for parties since they're made as a batch and easy to serve.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chuck beef, 80% leanground turkey1:1dietary
lighter option with less fat
- ⅝ cups brown sugar barbecue sauce, divided
- 3 tablespoons bread crumbs
- ¾ teaspoon Montreal Steak Seasoning
- 1 pkg (12 oz) Hawaiian dinner rolls, in tray
- 3 slices Swiss cheese, quartered
- 1 can (8 oz) pineapple slices, drained, cut into thirds
- 6 slices bacon
- lettuce
Instructions
- 1
Spray cold grate of gas grill with grilling spray and preheat grill for medium heat
- 2
Combine barbecue sauce with pineapple juice
- 3
Mix beef with breadcrumbs, steak seasoning, and barbecue sauce mixture in large bowl
- 4
Shape mixture into small patties
- 5
Place pineapple slices in bowl with remaining barbecue sauce mixture and set aside
- 6
Grill patties on each side until cooked through at 160°F
- 7
Remove attached rolls from package without separating and cut in half horizontally
- 8
Spray cut sides with grilling spray and toast on grill
- 9
Remove pineapple slices from sauce and grill on each side
- 10
Separate toasted rolls and spread remaining barbecue sauce mixture on rolls
- 11
Assemble sliders with lettuce, patties, cheese, bacon and pineapple
Tips
Don't separate the Hawaiian rolls before cutting - this makes slicing and toasting much easier and keeps them connected for serving.
Reserve some pineapple juice when draining to mix with barbecue sauce for extra tropical flavor in the glaze.
Let patties rest for 2-3 minutes after shaping to help them hold together better on the grill.
Good to Know
Assembled sliders keep 2-3 days refrigerated. Store components separately for best quality.
Shape patties up to 1 day ahead. Prepare sauce mixture 2-3 days ahead.
Serve warm immediately after assembly for best texture and melted cheese.
Common Mistakes
Don't overseparate rolls before cutting to avoid uneven pieces and difficult handling.
Don't skip preheating grill to avoid sticking and uneven cooking.
Use meat thermometer to avoid overcooking patties which makes them dry.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make these in the oven instead?
Yes, bake patties at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until 160°F internal temperature, and broil pineapple for 2-3 minutes per side.
What if I don't have Hawaiian rolls?
Brioche buns or potato rolls work well as substitutes, providing similar sweetness and soft texture that complements the tropical flavors.
How long do leftovers keep?
Assembled sliders keep 2-3 days refrigerated, but store components separately for better quality and reheat gently to avoid soggy buns.