Roast beef sliders are a delicious and convenient mini sandwich. They make a great appetizer or light meal. A key question when making roast beef sliders is what to serve alongside them to round out the dish. There are many delicious options that pair perfectly with the savory meat and soft bun of a roast beef slider. In this article, we will explore some of the best side dishes and other accompaniments to enjoy with roast beef sliders. We will provide options that range from classic pairings to creative new flavor combinations.
What are roast beef sliders?
Roast beef sliders are miniature sandwiches made with thin slices of tender, roasted beef. They are served on small, soft rolls or buns – often mini burger buns or dinner rolls sliced in half. The roast beef is lightly seasoned, sometimes with just salt and pepper, and then piled high on the bun. Roast beef sliders are simple sandwiches but bursting with big beefy flavor. Their small size makes them perfect as party appetizers or light meals. They are easy to pick up and eat with your hands. You get all the satisfaction of a roast beef sandwich in just a few bites!
What are some classic sides for roast beef sliders?
Some classic sides that pair deliciously with roast beef sliders include:
French Fries
Crispy, golden french fries are a perfect match for roast beef sliders. The hot and salty fries complement the savory juices of the roast beef. They provide a satisfying crunch and starchy balance to the soft, rich sliders. Fry up a batch of fries or pick up some from your favorite restaurant to serve alongside your sliders.
Potato Chips
Potato chips are another tasty classic pairing for roast beef sliders. Like french fries, they provide a crunchy, salty counterpoint to the soft bread and tender meat. Try regular salted chips or go for rippled chips, kettle chips, or potato chips tossed in flavors like barbecue, ranch, or sour cream and onion.
Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw adds freshness and crunch to balance the richness of roast beef sliders. The tangy sweetness of the cabbage also helps cut through the savoriness of the meat. Try classic mayo-based coleslaw or give your sliders a kick with spicier varieties seasoned with ingredients like horseradish.
Baked Beans
Warm and hearty baked beans are right at home alongside roast beef sliders. Their sweet and smoky flavors complement the beef perfectly. Baked beans also provide protein and fiber to make your slider meal more filling.
Macaroni Salad
Chilled macaroni salad is a delicious summertime accompaniment for roast beef sliders. The creamy pasta salad offers a cooling crunch and tangy accent to the savory sandwiches. Macaroni salad is easy to make ahead for parties and barbecues when you’ll be serving up lots of sliders.
What are some creative flavor combinations for roast beef slider sides?
Beyond the classic pairings, there are lots of creative ways to round out your roast beef sliders with tasty toppings and side dishes. Get inspired by these ideas:
Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions are a savory-sweet topping that takes roast beef sliders to the next level. Cook down sliced onions low and slow until they are meltingly tender and browned. Pile the onions on your slider or even slip them under the roast beef for an extra layer of flavor.
Roasted Mushrooms
Meaty roasted mushrooms are a satisfying accompaniment for roast beef sliders. Mushrooms like cremini, portobello or shiitake work well. Toss them in olive oil, salt and pepper and roast until lightly browned. Add them to your slider or serve them on the side.
Horseradish Cream
For a kick of flavor, make a quick horseradish cream sauce. Mix together mayo, sour cream, prepared horseradish, lemon juice, and herbs. Drizzle it on your roast beef sliders or serve it on the side for dipping. The creamy, spicy sauce pairs perfectly with the beef.
Blue Cheese Sauce
For a rich, decadent pairing, make a blue cheese dipping sauce. Combine crumbled blue cheese, mayo or sour cream, lemon juice and seasonings. Dunk your roast beef sliders in the sauce or top them with a dollop. The tangy blue cheese beautifully complements the beef.
Sauteed Mushrooms
For a quick and easy side dish, saute mushrooms in butter or olive oil with garlic and fresh herbs. Shiitake, button or cremini mushrooms all work well. The sauteed mushrooms offer an extra hit of savory umami flavor to balance your sliders.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
For a colorful side, roast up some sweet potatoes. Slice sweet potatoes into wedges, toss with oil and seasonings, and then roast them until tender. Their natural sweetness contrasts with the savory beef in a delightful way.
Cucumber Salad
A fresh cucumber salad makes a crisp, refreshing side for rich roast beef sliders. Simply toss chopped cucumbers with red onion, vinegar, olive oil, and herbs. Chill the salad before serving it alongside your hot sliders.
What condiments go well with roast beef sliders?
Condiments are an easy way to add extra flavor to your roast beef sliders. Here are some tasty condiment options:
Horseradish Sauce
Horseradish sauce is a classic condiment pairing for roast beef. Its sinus-clearing spiciness cuts through the richness of the meat wonderfully. Mix prepared horseradish with mayonnaise and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Mustard
For a quick flavor boost, set out mustard for spreading or dipping. Dijon and whole grain mustards both pair nicely with roast beef. Spicy brown mustard can also complement the beef well.
Mayonnaise
Don’t overlook basic mayonnaise as a tasty condiment for roast beef sliders. Mayo adds a touch of creamy richness that brings the flavors of the sandwich together. Try garlic mayo or chipotle mayo for extra flavor.
Barbecue Sauce
For a messy, fun twist, serve your sliders with barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce complements the savory meat. Classic or gourmet barbecue sauces would both work well.
Chimichurri
This lively green sauce from Argentina makes a great roast beef slider topper. Traditional chimichurri contains parsley, oregano, garlic, oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Dollop it on your sliders for fresh herb flavor.
Aioli
Whip up a quick flavored aioli sauce for your roast beef sliders by combining mayo with ingredients like garlic, lemon, herbs, or chili peppers. Aioli adds a flavor punch that pairs perfectly with the beef.
What are the best buns for roast beef sliders?
The bun is an important part of any great slider. Look for rolls or buns that are soft and sturdy enough to contain the juicy roast beef without getting soggy. Recommended options include:
Brioche Buns
Buttery, tender brioche buns are a fantastic choice for roast beef sliders. They provide richness to complement the meat along with a touch of sweetness. Brioche buns hold up well to juices while remaining soft.
Potato Rolls
Potato rolls have a soft, pillowy texture perfect for cradling juicy roast beef. The potato gives the rolls a hint of added sweetness too. Buy mini potato rolls or slice large ones in half.
Pretzel Rolls
For a fun twist, serve your sliders on soft pretzel rolls. Their touch of saltiness complements the beef beautifully. Mini pretzel rolls work perfectly for slider size.
Hawaiian Rolls
Sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls make fun buns for roast beef sliders. Their circular shape and soft texture suits the sandwiches well. Their sweetness contrasts the savory meat too.
Mini Ciabatta Rolls
Ciabatta rolls have a rustic, sturdy texture that stands up well to juicy roast beef. Choose small ciabatta rolls and split them, or slice large ones in half. Their slightly crisp crust adds great texture.
What are good roast beef slider recipes?
Here are a few tasty recipe ideas for flavorful roast beef sliders:
French Onion Roast Beef Sliders
– Roast beef
– Caramelized onions
– Beef broth
– Dijon mustard
– Brioche buns
– Swiss cheese
Simmer roast beef in broth and onions to infuse it with flavor. Pile beef and onions on brioche buns spread with Dijon. Top with Swiss cheese.
Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
– Roast beef
– Sauteed peppers and onions
– Provolone cheese
– Hoagie rolls
Saute peppers and onions, then pile them on rolls with roast beef and melted provolone.
Buffalo Roast Beef Sliders
– Roast beef
– Buffalo wing sauce
– Blue cheese dressing
– Celery
– Slider buns
Toss roast beef in Buffalo wing sauce. Serve on buns with blue cheese dressing and celery slices.
BBQ Roast Beef Sliders
– Roast beef
– BBQ sauce
– Cheddar cheese
– Onion rings
– Mini potato rolls
Pile roast beef soaked in BBQ sauce on potato rolls. Top with cheddar and onion rings.
Ranch Roast Beef Sliders
– Roast beef
– Ranch dressing
– Cheddar cheese
– Bacon
– Hawaiian rolls
Top roast beef on Hawaiian rolls with ranch dressing, cheddar, and crispy bacon.
What are good roast beef slider toppings?
In addition to various cheeses, here are some other tasty topping ideas for roast beef sliders:
– Caramelized or crispy onions
– Sauteed mushrooms
– Roasted red peppers
– Crispy fried onions
– Jalapeños
– Avocado slices
– Fried egg
– Cucumber slices
– Spinach
– Tomato slices
– Pesto
– Hummus
– Guacamole
– Blue cheese crumbles
– Arugula
Get creative with combinations of flavors, textures, and temperatures! Contrast cool toppings like lettuce and cucumbers with hot ingredients like sauteed veggies and melted cheese.
Should I season the roast beef for sliders?
Lightly seasoning your roast beef before making sliders can add a lot of flavor. Here are some easy ways to season roast beef for sliders:
– Coat with just salt and pepper. The juices from the beef and condiments will provide plenty of additional flavor.
– Rub with a blend of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano. This adds light seasoning without overpowering the beef.
– Brush with a bit of olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle on garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. This gives a nice flavor crust when cooked.
– Make a quick marinade of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, mustard, and herbs. Let the beef marinate for 1-2 hours before roasting.
– Coat the beef in a dry ranch dressing mix. This seasons the meat with herbs, garlic, onion, and other spices.
– For a smoky flavor, coat the beef in a dry barbecue spice rub before roasting.
Go light on seasoning, since the beef and buns will get additional flavor from toppings and condiments.
What is the best way to cook roast beef for sliders?
For tender, flavorful roast beef perfect for sliders:
– Choose a well-marbled cut like ribeye, tri-tip, or top round. Well-marbled meat will be most tender and juicy.
– Season the roast lightly with salt, pepper and any other spices. Coat with oil or rub with herbs if desired.
– Roast in a 300-325 F degree oven until it reaches your desired doneness. For sliders, cook to medium or medium rare for the best texture.
– Let the roast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing thinly across the grain. This allows the juices to redistribute.
– For the most even and thinnest slices, refrigerate the roast for 30-60 minutes after cooking. It will firm up and be easier to slice thinly.
– Consider cooking roast beef in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours for incredibly tender shredded beef. This works great for sliders!
How can I get the most slices of roast beef for sliders?
Here are some tips for getting the most roast beef slices for topping your sliders:
– Choose a longer, thinner roast. Look for top round, tri-tip, or flank steak. These thin cuts make it easier to slice more pieces.
– Trim off excess fat before cooking to yield more usable cooked beef.
– Chill the cooked roast beef well before slicing – at least 30 minutes in the fridge or 15 minutes in the freezer. This firms it up for cleaner slicing.
– Use an electric slicer, very sharp knife, or serrated knife to cut the thinnest slices possible across the grain.
– Cut slices diagonally across the roast instead of straight across for slightly thicker pieces.
– Slice the entire roast very thinly instead of cutting thick pieces. You want many thin slices rather than fewer thick ones.
– Consider shredding or chopping some of the roast beef instead of slicing if you need more volume. A little can go further chopped up on sliders.
Conclusion
Roast beef sliders make a quick and delicious meal or appetizer. Pairing them with tasty sides and toppings elevates them to the next level. French fries, coleslaw, baked beans, and macaroni salad are classic savory sides that complement the sliders wonderfully. For fun new flavors, try options like caramelized onions, blue cheese sauce, horseradish cream, roasted mushrooms, or cucumber salad. Condiments like mustard, mayo, and barbecue sauce can also add flavor. Cook the roast beef to medium rare, let it rest, chill it, and slice it thinly across the grain for the most tender meat. Top with cheese, vegetables, sauces and more to bring your sliders to life. With the right accompaniments, roast beef sliders make for a truly mouthwatering sandwich experience.