Introduction
There is something undeniably comforting about authentic pub food, especially when it combines the rich, savory depth of roast beef with the sharp bite of horseradish. These Irish Roast Beef & Horseradish Sliders take that classic flavor profile and elevate it using the high-heat sear of the Arteflame grill. Perfect for St. Patrick's Day gatherings, tailgates, or a hearty family dinner, these sliders are packed with sweet caramelized onions, tender roast beef, and a zesty cream sauce that cuts through the richness. Cooking them on the flat cooktop allows the buns to toast in garlic butter while the meat warms through, creating a textural masterpiece that is crispy, gooey, and tender all at once. Forget boring cold sandwiches; this is a festive feast in bite-sized form that brings the spirit of the Emerald Isle to your backyard.
Ingredients
The Sliders
- 12 Sweet Hawaiian rolls or slider buns
- 1 lb Deli roast beef, shaved thinly (rare or medium-rare preferred)
- 8 oz Irish Cheddar cheese (e.g., Kerrygold or Dubliner), sliced or shredded
- 1 large Sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp Olive oil (for grilling onions)
Horseradish Cream Sauce
- 1/2 cup Sour cream or crème fraîche
- 2 tbsp Prepared horseradish (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Chives, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garlic Butter Glaze
- 4 tbsp Irish butter (salted), melted
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Dried parsley
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Caramelize
Fire up your Arteflame grill. You want to establish a medium heat zone on the flat cooktop. Drizzle olive oil onto the flat top and add the thinly sliced onions. Cook them slowly, moving them occasionally with your spatula, until they are soft, golden brown, and caramelized. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and move them to a cooler edge of the grill to keep warm.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce and Buns
While the onions are cooking, mix the sour cream, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, chives, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Slice the entire block of slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected if possible. Place the bottom half of the rolls on a tray. Spread a generous layer of the horseradish sauce over the bottom buns.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Layer the shaved roast beef over the sauce on the bottom buns. Top the beef with the warm caramelized onions from the grill. Place the slices or shreds of Irish Cheddar over the onions. Place the top half of the buns over the cheese. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, parsley, and Worcestershire sauce. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the buns.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Move the assembled sliders onto the flat cooktop of the Arteflame (ensure the surface is clean and lightly oiled). You want a moderate heat so the bottoms don't burn before the cheese melts. Place a basting dome over the sliders to trap the heat; this helps steam the buns slightly and melts the cheese rapidly. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey and the bottoms are toasted and crispy. Remove from the grill and serve immediately.
Tips
To get the most out of these sliders, patience with the onions is key. Allow them to cook slowly on the cooler outer ring of your Arteflame cooktop until they turn a deep golden brown; this sweetness creates a necessary balance against the sharp horseradish. If you are using deli roast beef, ask for it to be shaved rather than sliced thick, as this creates a more tender bite and holds the juices better, preventing the slider from falling apart when bitten. For the cheese, grate your own Irish cheddar instead of buying pre-shredded bags, as the anti-caking agents in packaged cheese prevent a smooth, cohesive melt. Finally, keep a basting dome handy. Placing it over the sliders for the last minute of cooking is the secret to ensuring the cheese is perfectly gooey without burning the sugar in the Hawaiian rolls.
Variations
Cooking is about making the recipe your own, and these sliders offer plenty of room for experimentation depending on your palate. If you want to lean even harder into the Irish theme, you can swap the roast beef for thin slices of corned beef and add a layer of sauerkraut for a Reuben-style twist. For those who enjoy a funkier flavor profile, replace the cheddar with a crumble of Cashel Blue cheese or a stout-infused cheese, which pairs beautifully with the beef. You can also turn up the heat by mixing a little chili paste or cayenne pepper into the horseradish sauce.
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Reuben Style: Swap roast beef for corned beef and add sauerkraut.
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Blue Cheese Blast: Use crumbled blue cheese instead of cheddar.
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Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes to the butter glaze and cayenne to the sauce.
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Mushroom Swiss: Add sautéed mushrooms and swap cheddar for Swiss.
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Guinness Glaze: Reduce Guinness stout into a syrup and drizzle over the meat before adding cheese.
Best pairings
These rich, savory sliders demand a beverage that can stand up to the bold flavors of horseradish and sharp cheddar. A creamy, nitrogenated Irish stout like Guinness is the obvious choice, as its roasted malt notes complement the beef and caramelized onions perfectly. If you prefer wine, a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah cuts through the fat of the cheese and butter nicely. For side dishes, you cannot go wrong with thick-cut steak fries cooked right on the flat top alongside the sliders, seasoned with rosemary and sea salt. A vinegar-based coleslaw also works wonders to cleanse the palate between bites, balancing the heaviness of the meat and cheese.
Conclusion
Mastering these Irish Roast Beef & Horseradish Sliders on your Arteflame grill changes the way you look at party food. It is no longer just about feeding a crowd; it is about creating an experience. The combination of the smoky sear from the grill, the sharp sinus-clearing bite of horseradish, and the buttery crunch of the toasted bun creates a memory that lingers long after the plate is clean. Whether you are celebrating your heritage, hosting a game day party, or just love good beef, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. Fire up the grill, gather your friends, and enjoy the authentic taste of an Irish pub right in your backyard.