I've been making these Loaded Hawaiian Roll Sliders since discovering how perfectly they combine all my favorite flavors chicken bacon ranch and melty cheese on those sweet Hawaiian rolls. Every time I serve them whether it's for game day or just a casual family dinner they disappear in minutes. The best part? They're so simple to put together but look and taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
What Makes These Special
The magic of these sliders lies in those soft slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls packed with layers of juicy chicken crispy bacon and tangy ranch then topped with plenty of melted cheese. That final brush of garlic butter takes them over the top creating golden brown tops that everyone reaches for first. They're perfect finger food for parties but honestly my family loves them just as much for a regular weeknight dinner.
Let's Gather Our Ingredients
Here's everything you need to make these amazing sliders:
- One package of Hawaiian rolls they're the perfect size
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken I love using this shortcut
- 6 slices of crispy bacon crumbled
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter and 2 cloves minced garlic for that golden top
The quality of your ingredients especially the cheese really makes a difference here.
Creating The Layers
Start by carefully slicing those Hawaiian rolls horizontally keeping them connected this makes assembly so much easier. Place the bottom layer in your baking dish then start building those amazing layers. Spread your shredded chicken evenly followed by that crumbled bacon. Drizzle with ranch dressing I like using the back of a spoon to spread it nicely. Top everything with a generous layer of cheese this creates that wonderful melty pull apart effect.
Bringing It All Together
Place the top layer of rolls back on and now comes my favorite part. Mix your melted butter with minced garlic and brush it all over those tops. Into a 350°F oven they go covered with foil at first to protect those tops then uncovered for the final few minutes until they're perfectly golden and the cheese is wonderfully melty.
Perfect Pairings
These sliders are pretty hearty so I like serving them with lighter sides. A crisp green salad or some fresh veggies work beautifully. Sometimes I'll put out extra ranch for dipping though they're plenty flavorful on their own. When I'm hosting parties they're fantastic alongside other finger foods like fruit kabobs or my homemade buffalo wings.
Making Them Your Own
Over the years I've experimented with lots of variations. Sometimes I'll use turkey or pulled pork instead of chicken. Different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella create whole new flavor profiles. My spice loving friends add jalapeños while my kids prefer them with honey mustard instead of ranch. The possibilities are endless.
Keeping Them Fresh
If you happen to have leftovers which rarely happens in my house they'll keep nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. To reheat warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. The microwave works too but the oven helps keep those rolls crispy.
Tips From My Kitchen
You can definitely prep these ahead just wait to add that garlic butter until right before baking. To keep the rolls from getting soggy make sure your bacon is well drained and don't go too heavy on the ranch. I've frozen them successfully but they're best fresh from the oven.
A Family Favorite
These sliders have become such a staple in our house. They're my go to when I need something that's both easy to make and guaranteed to please a crowd. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or hosting game day I hope these become a favorite in your kitchen too.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can assemble everything ahead and store covered in the fridge. Just brush with butter mixture and bake when ready to serve.
- → Why cover with foil while baking?
The foil prevents the tops from browning too quickly while allowing the cheese to melt and filling to heat through.
- → What's the best chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. You can also cook and shred your own chicken breasts or use leftover chicken.
- → How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?
Don't add too much ranch dressing to the chicken mixture. Also, add the filling just before baking if preparing ahead.
- → Can I freeze these sliders?
While best fresh, you can freeze them before baking. Thaw completely in the fridge before baking and add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Conclusion
These sliders layer shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch dressing inside sweet Hawaiian rolls, topped with melted cheese and garlic butter. Perfect for feeding a crowd.