These cheeseburger sliders are mini burgers packed with juicy flavor and gooey cheese, perfect for snacks or gatherings! They’re easy to make and fit right in your palm.
Making sliders means you can have fun trying different toppings. I love piling on the pickles and the ketchup! Don’t blame me if they vanish quickly—everyone loves these tasty bites!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hawaiian Sweet Slider Rolls: These mini rolls add a touch of sweetness that pairs great with savory flavors. If you don’t have them, any soft slider bun will do, or even dinner rolls can work. You could try whole wheat for a healthier option!
Ground Beef: I recommend an 80/20 blend for juiciness. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, but consider adding some oil for moisture. Vegetarian alternatives like black bean patties or lentil mixes can also be great!
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully. Feel free to swap with American or Pepper Jack for a bit of spice. Just cut your cheese to fit the sliders, ensuring that every bite has melty goodness.
Onions: Diced onions add flavor. If you’re not a fan, try green onions or skip them altogether. You could also use caramelized onions for a sweeter taste!
Toppings: I love adding fresh tomatoes and lettuce for crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for avocado or jalapeños for an extra kick!
How Do You Form the Perfect Patty?
Shaping your ground beef into a uniform patty is key for even cooking. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Use a clean surface to mix your ingredients gently, making sure not to overwork the meat.
- Flatten the mixture into a rectangle that fits the bottom buns, around 1/2 inch thick. This helps it cook evenly.
- To make cooking easier, leave a slight indentation in the center of each patty—this prevents them from puffing up as they cook.
These steps will help ensure that your sliders are perfectly cooked and packed with flavor. Enjoy making these delightful bites!
How to Make Cheeseburger Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet slider rolls (or similar soft slider buns)
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 slices cheddar cheese (cut in half to fit sliders)
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion (optional, to mix with beef or serve)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon diced dill pickles or pickle slices
For the Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing buns)
- Sesame seeds for topping buns
- Optional toppings: sliced tomatoes, lettuce, red onion slices, extra pickles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus approximately 20-25 minutes to cook and assemble. You’ll need to spend a bit of time baking the beef and preparing the toppings, but the flavorful sliders come together quickly. Perfect for gatherings or a fun meal at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, carefully slice the package of slider rolls horizontally, without separating the individual buns. You’ll have a top and a bottom half; set them aside.
2. Mix the Beef:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with salt and pepper (and diced onions, if you’re using them). Mix gently until just combined—don’t overmix, as this can make your sliders tough!
3. Shape the Patties:
Take the beef mixture and shape it into a flat rectangle, about the size of the bottom half of the bun and approximately 1/2 inch thick. This ensures that each slider fits perfectly!
4. Bake the Beef:
Place the beef rectangle onto a baking sheet or oven-safe dish, and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until it’s browned and cooked through.
5. Add Cheese:
Once the beef is done, remove it from the oven and quickly layer the halved cheddar cheese slices evenly over it. Pop it back in the oven for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is deliciously melted.
6. Toast the Buns:
While the beef and cheese are baking, brush the tops of your slider buns with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Place them in the oven (on a separate rack) and toast until they are golden and shiny—about 5 minutes.
7. Assemble the Sliders:
Take the toasted buns out of the oven. Spread the mayonnaise combined with mustard and ketchup over the bottom buns. You can also add a few pickle slices on the sauce.
8. Cut and Serve:
Carefully cut the baked beef and cheese into 12 equal squares, and place each slider piece onto the bottom buns. Add any additional toppings you like such as sliced tomatoes, lettuce, or red onions. Close each slider with the top half of the bun.
9. Enjoy!
You can cut the sliders individually (if they aren’t separated already) and serve them warm. Enjoy these cheeseburger sliders with extra ketchup and mustard on the side!
These cheeseburger sliders are a crowd-pleaser, with melty cheddar cheese and juicy beef nestled between soft, sweet buns. Perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner option. Just make sure to add a bit of oil or moisture, as turkey can be drier than beef. You can also season it well to enhance the flavor.
How Can I Make These Sliders Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, you can use black bean patties, portobello mushrooms, or lentil mixtures as the base. Just ensure they’re seasoned well and cooked to the right texture!
Can I Prepare the Sliders Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the beef and cheese slab in advance and refrigerate it, covered, for up to a day. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and toast the buns fresh.
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
To store leftovers, place any uneaten sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, and consider adding a splash of water in the microwave to keep them moist while reheating.