These Easy Cheeseburger Sliders are perfect for your game day feast! Small, tasty burgers packed with melted cheese are sure to please a crowd. Plus, they are super simple to make!
Who doesn’t love a mini burger? They’re the ultimate snack for cheering on your favorite team. I like to serve them with some ketchup and pickles on the side—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the right mix of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead. They will just be less fatty and a bit drier, so keep that in mind!
Slider Buns: While I love classic slider buns, you can swap them for any small bread like Hawaiian rolls or even mini bagels for a fun twist. Just ensure they can hold the filling without falling apart.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is a classic, but feel free to choose what you like! Swiss, pepper jack, or American cheese melt well too. If you’re going dairy-free, try vegan cheese alternatives!
Onion: Adding finely chopped onions gives great flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or use onion powder for a milder taste. Green onions are also a fresh substitute.
How Do You Make Evenly Cooked Sliders?
Getting those sliders cooked evenly is crucial. The best way is to press the ground beef into the baking dish evenly and not too thick. Try this:
- Use a sharp knife to slice your beef into squares while still in the dish; this helps cook uniformly.
- Watch the cooking time! The first bake is about 15 minutes to ensure they firm up before adding cheese.
- Cover the sliders right before the final bake to keep them moist and help the cheese melt perfectly!
With these helps, your sliders will be tasty and ready for all the cheers! Enjoy the game!
Easy Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe for Game Day
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 12 slider buns or small sandwich rolls
- 12 slices cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added flavor)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
- Condiments and toppings: ketchup, mustard, pickles, lettuce, sliced tomatoes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to bake, so in total, you’ll need about 35 minutes to get your sliders ready to serve. Perfect for getting game day snacks done quickly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a baking dish or a rimmed sheet pan that will comfortably hold all the sliders side by side. This will prevent sticking and make clean-up easier!
2. Mix the Beef:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion (if you’re using it), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat; you want your sliders to stay tender!
3. Shape and Cook the Beef:
Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish in a single layer, about 1 inch thick. Pop it in the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. This will give the meat time to firm up a bit.
4. Add the Cheese:
After the initial bake, take the dish out of the oven and lay the slices of cheese evenly over the top of the cooked beef. Let that cheesy goodness melt in the oven for a few minutes!
5. Prepare the Buns:
While the cheese is melting, cut the slider buns in half horizontally. Brush the insides of the buns with the melted butter, and if you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds on the top halves for extra crunch and flavor.
6. Assemble the Sliders:
Slice the cooked beef into 12 equal squares right in the baking dish. Place each square on the bottom half of the buns, then cover each slider with the top halves. Easy peasy!
7. Final Bake:
Return the assembled sliders to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the buns are nicely toasted and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and serve them immediately with your favorite condiments and toppings like ketchup, mustard, pickles, lettuce, or slices of tomato. Perfect for munching while watching the game!
Enjoy these juicy, cheesy sliders at your game day gathering! They’re sure to be a hit!
FAQ About Easy Cheeseburger Sliders
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a healthier alternative. Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so the sliders may be slightly drier. Adding a bit of moisture, like a splash of broth, can help keep them juicy!
Can I Prepare the Sliders in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture the day before and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just press it into the pan and follow the remaining steps as usual. This can save you some time on game day!
How do I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Freeze the Sliders?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked sliders before baking. Assemble them up to the point before the first bake, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to cook, bake straight from the freezer, increasing the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes.
