These Cowboy Sliders are packed with bold flavor—juicy ground beef, melted sharp cheddar, crispy fried onions, and jalapeño slices, all tucked inside soft Hawaiian rolls and brushed with rich, herby cowboy butter. I love serving these at parties or family dinners because they’re fun, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.

Cowboy Sliders

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy how simple yet satisfying these sliders are. The ground beef is well-seasoned and savory, the cheese melts perfectly, and the crispy fried onions add a great crunch. The cowboy butter—full of herbs, garlic, and a smoky chipotle kick—elevates everything with its rich taste. These sliders are always a hit whether I’m making them for a casual gathering or a special occasion.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cowboy Butter

½ cup salted butter, sliced
1 tbsp honey Dijon mustard
1 tbsp fresh chopped chives
1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp minced garlic
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp fresh cracked black pepper
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp ground chipotle powder

Sliders

12 King’s Hawaiian rolls
1 lb ground beef
½ cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion
1 tsp minced garlic
2 tbsp hamburger seasoning
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1½ cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup French fried onions
1 medium jalapeño, seeded and sliced into 12 rings

directions

Preheat the oven to 350 °F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in mustard, herbs, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and chipotle powder. Set aside.
Slice the rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms connected. Place the bottom half in the prepared dish.
In a skillet, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and garlic over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat and stir in hamburger seasoning and Worcestershire sauce.
Brush the bottom layer of rolls with half of the cowboy butter.
Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the rolls. Add shredded cheddar cheese, then sprinkle with crispy fried onions. Top each slider with a jalapeño ring.
Place the top half of the rolls over the fillings and brush with the remaining cowboy butter. Cover the dish with foil.
Bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 sliders
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack, Colby Jack, or provolone.
Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra richness.
Replace jalapeños with sweet bell pepper slices for a milder version.
Mix in a touch of barbecue sauce with the beef for a smoky twist.

storage/reheating

Make-ahead: I assemble them ahead (unbaked), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Then I bake them fresh before serving.
Refrigerator: I store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: I wrap individual sliders and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
- Oven: 350 °F for 10–15 minutes, covered with foil
- Microwave: 30–60 seconds with a damp paper towel
- Air fryer: 350 °F for 3–5 minutes for crispy tops

FAQs

Can I leave out the jalapeños if I want them mild?

Yes, I do that when I’m serving kids or guests who don’t like heat. The sliders still taste amazing without the spice.

What can I use instead of French fried onions?

When I want something different, I use crispy shallots or even crushed potato chips for a similar crunch.

Can I make these sliders in advance?

Definitely. I prepare and refrigerate them up to a day in advance, then bake right before serving for the best texture.

What cheese alternatives work well in this recipe?

I like using provolone, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack when I’m out of cheddar. They all melt beautifully.

How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?

I let the beef mixture cool a bit before assembling, and I always bake uncovered at the end to get the tops crispy.

Conclusion

These Cowboy Sliders are one of my favorite easy meals to throw together. With flavorful beef, melty cheese, crispy onions, and a buttery, herb-infused topping, they’re packed with satisfying taste and texture. I always enjoy making (and eating) them, and I’m sure anyone who tries them will, too.