These sliders feature tender, thinly sliced corned beef layered on soft slider rolls. Stone ground mustard adds a tangy depth, complemented by melted Swiss cheese and a crisp shredded cabbage or sauerkraut topping. A buttery poppy seed and garlic powder glaze gives a golden finish. Perfect as a flavorful party snack or hearty appetizer, the sliders bake until warm and melty, with optional mayonnaise and fresh chives enhancing the taste.
The smell of butter and poppy seeds hitting a hot oven takes me back to Sunday afternoons when my dad would turn ordinary leftovers into something everyone actually wanted to eat. These sliders started as a way to use up leftover corned beef from St. Patrick's Day, but they've become their own tradition entirely.
I made these for a Super Bowl party once and honestly nobody touched the seven layer dip I'd spent an hour assembling. The plate of sliders disappeared in under six minutes flat.
Ingredients
- Cooked corned beef: Ask at the deli counter for thin slices or grab a package of pre-sliced from the refrigerated section
- Slider rolls: Brioche adds sweetness but plain slider buns work perfectly fine
- Swiss cheese: Provolone makes a good backup if you're not into Swiss
- Stone ground mustard: The whole seeds give texture that regular mustard just can't match
- Cabbage or sauerkraut: Sauerkraut gives you that classic Reuben vibe while fresh cabbage stays crisp
- Butter mixture: Don't skip the poppy seeds they're the secret restaurant-style touch
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 180°C 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup later
- Prep the rolls:
- Slice all the slider rolls in half and arrange the bottom halves on your prepared baking sheet like a little army
- Spread the mustard base:
- Brush stone ground mustard on each bottom half and add a swipe of mayonnaise if you want extra creaminess
- Build your sliders:
- Pile on the corned beef followed by Swiss cheese halves and a spoonful of cabbage or sauerkraut
- Top them off:
- Place the roll tops over everything like you're tucking them in for a warm nap
- Make the magic topping:
- Whisk melted butter with poppy seeds and garlic powder until well combined
- Brush and bake:
- Coat all the roll tops generously with the butter mixture cover loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes
- Get golden:
- Remove foil and bake 3 to 5 more minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese has melted into everything
- Finish and serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped chives if you're feeling fancy and serve them while they're still warm and gooey
My youngest calls these 'big little sandwiches' and honestly she's not wrong. They've become the requested birthday dinner instead of cake some years.
Make-Ahead Magic
You can assemble the entire slider assembly up to an hour before baking. Just keep them covered on the counter and brush with the butter mixture right before they go into the oven.
The Reuben Variation
Skip the mustard and mayo and spread Russian dressing on the bottom rolls instead. Use only sauerkraut and swap rye slider rolls if you can find them.
Party Planning Perfection
These reheat surprisingly well so feel free to double the recipe. Bake both trays simultaneously just rotate them halfway through for even browning.
- Cut the finished sliders with a serrated knife to keep everything neat
- Set out toothpicks nearby if you're serving a crowd
- Have extra napkins ready because things get gloriously messy
There's something deeply satisfying about food you can eat with one hand while holding a drink in the other. These sliders understand the assignment perfectly.
Recipes Q&A
- → What bread works best for these sliders?
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Slider rolls or mini brioche buns provide a soft, slightly sweet base that balances the savory fillings.
- → Can I substitute the stone ground mustard?
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Yes, spicy brown mustard or Dijon can add a different tang while still complementing the beef.
- → How can I make the sliders more flavorful?
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Add a spread of mayonnaise or a Reuben-style dressing, and using rye rolls can introduce extra depth.
- → Is it better to use fresh or sauerkraut for topping?
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Both shredded cabbage and sauerkraut work well; sauerkraut adds a vinegary bite while cabbage keeps it milder.
- → How do I achieve the golden, melted cheese topping?
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Brush the tops with melted butter mixed with poppy seeds and garlic powder before baking to get a golden crust and melted cheese.