Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

There’s just something about a classic cheeseburger that brings everyone to the table. These cheeseburger sliders take everything you love about the traditional burger—juicy beef, melty cheese, and soft buns—and pack it into a bite-sized, party-ready format. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a casual get-together, or just looking to switch up your family dinner routine, these sliders are the perfect solution. They’re easy to make, easy to eat, and always a hit. And with a few secret touches, like a hint of mayo in the beef mix and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top, they deliver maximum flavor in every bite!

A favorite for family gatherings 🍔

I first tried cheeseburger sliders at a backyard barbecue a few years back, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I remember standing around with friends, each of us balancing a plate with one (or two) sliders, laughing and chatting as the sun set. There’s something about their mini size that feels both casual and fun, like a party on a plate. Now, these sliders are a staple for our family gatherings—especially since they’re super easy to make in a big batch. Whether I’m making them for game day or just a relaxed weekend meal, these sliders always bring that “everyone-wants-seconds” vibe.

A bit of background on sliders

Sliders are said to have originated in the 1920s with White Castle, one of America’s first fast food chains. Their version of the “slider” was a small, square burger with a thin beef patty on a small bun—perfect for on-the-go fast food. Sliders have evolved into everything from a simple cheeseburger to a simple cheeseburger. They’re great because they’re easy to eat, quick to prepare, and endlessly adaptable. My version stays true to the classic cheeseburger but adds a few simple tweaks for extra flavor and juiciness.

Let’s talk ingredients: keeping it simple, but flavorful

Ground beef

For sliders, I recommend lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7). This keeps the sliders juicy without too much excess grease. If you’re in a pinch, you could use a higher-fat ground beef, but be sure to drain off any excess fat to keep the buns from getting soggy.

Cheddar cheese

Cheddar is classic here, giving that sharp, melty goodness we all love on a burger. I like to use a mix of sliced and shredded cheddar to ensure that every bite is extra cheesy. You could substitute with American cheese for a creamier melt or even pepper jack for a little heat.

Yellow onion

Diced onion adds a slight sweetness and texture to the beef mixture. If you don’t have yellow onion on hand, white onion will work fine. For a milder flavor, you could use green onions or even skip it if you prefer.

Dinner rolls

Soft dinner rolls make the perfect mini buns for these sliders. Hawaiian rolls add a touch of sweetness, which pairs well with the savory beef and cheese. Any soft, pull-apart rolls will work, so feel free to use your favorite brand.

Mayo and seasonings

Adding a bit of mayo to the beef mixture might sound unconventional, but trust me—it adds moisture and a little extra richness to the meat. For seasonings, we’re keeping it simple with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. These basics bring out the natural flavor of the beef without overpowering it.

Essential kitchen tools for these sliders

To make these sliders, you don’t need a lot of fancy equipment, but a few key tools will make the process much easier:

• Large skillet: For browning the beef and onions. A non-stick or cast-iron skillet works well here.
• Rimmed baking sheet: This is essential since it keeps everything in place and makes it easy to assemble the sliders. Make sure to butter the bottom to prevent sticking.
• Spatula: A good sturdy spatula will help you break up the beef as it cooks and spread it evenly across the buns.
• Pastry brush: For brushing melted butter over the tops of the buns. If you don’t have one, you can use the back of a spoon or just drizzle it over carefully.

Step-by-step: my foolproof method for cheeseburger sliders

1. Preheat the oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter the bottom of a rimmed baking sheet. This will keep the bottom buns from sticking and add a bit of flavor.
2. Cook the beef and onions
   Heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for a couple of minutes until it starts to soften. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the beef is just done, then remove from heat.
3. Drain and add mayo
   Tilt the skillet and spoon off any excess fat. This keeps the sliders from getting greasy. Stir in 1/4 cup of mayo for a creamy texture that holds the meat together nicely.
4. Assemble the sliders
   Place the bottom halves of your dinner rolls on the buttered baking sheet. Lay down the slices of cheddar cheese, covering the rolls as evenly as possible. Then, spread the beef mixture over the cheese, pressing it gently to create an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the top.
5. Top with buns and bake
   Place the top halves of the rolls on the sliders. Brush the tops with melted butter, then sprinkle with sesame seeds for that classic burger look. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
6. Serve and enjoy
   Let the sliders cool for a couple of minutes, then use a sharp knife to cut along the roll edges. Serve warm and watch them disappear!

Variations to try: make it your own!

• Spicy sliders: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the beef mixture for a little heat. You can also swap out cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian version: Use a plant-based ground “meat” and sautéed mushrooms for a veggie-friendly option. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture to keep the buns from getting soggy.
• Low-carb option: For a lighter take, skip the dinner rolls and serve the beef mixture in lettuce cups with cheese melted on top.
• Italian-style sliders: Try mozzarella and a touch of sauce for an Italian twist. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

How to serve these sliders (and impress your guests!)

These sliders are best served warm, straight from the oven. To make things festive, arrange them on a large serving platter and add a bowl of ketchup, mustard, or any other favorite dipping sauce on the side. For garnish, a few dill pickle slices on top of each slider would add a nice, tangy crunch.

If you’re serving these at a gathering, consider pairing them with some classic sides like potato wedges, coleslaw, or even a fresh green salad to keep things balanced.

beverage pairings

When it comes to drink pairings, cheeseburger sliders go well with beverages that have a hint of acidity or sweetness to cut through the richness of the beef and cheese.

• Iced tea: A classic choice, especially with a splash of lemon for a bit of zing.
• Sparkling lemonade: Refreshing and slightly tart, lemonade is always a hit with burgers. Sparkling lemonade adds an extra pop.
• Fruit-infused water: Something light and refreshing, like water with lemon, cucumber, or mint, can help cleanse the palate between bites.
• Ginger ale: Its spiciness complements the sliders without overwhelming the flavor.

Storing and reheating leftovers

If you have leftovers (though it’s rare!), these sliders store quite well. Wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to warm through. You could also microwave them for about 30 seconds, but the oven keeps the buns from getting too soggy.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe makes 24 sliders, but you can easily scale it up or down. For a smaller crowd, halve the recipe and use just one pack of dinner rolls. If you’re feeding a large group, double the ingredients and use a larger baking sheet or make two batches. Just be sure to keep an eye on baking times; you may need a minute or two more or less depending on the batch size.

Potential issues and tips

• Buns getting soggy: If the buns seem too moist, try draining the beef mixture really well. Also, don’t skip the layer of cheese between the beef and the bottom buns—this acts as a barrier.
• Cheese not fully melted: If the cheese doesn’t melt fully by the time the buns are golden, cover the sliders loosely with foil and bake for a few extra minutes.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these sliders in advance?
A: Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture and assemble the sliders (without baking) up to 8 hours ahead. Just cover with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Q: What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
A: American, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese all melt beautifully and add a different flavor. Experiment to find your favorite!

Q: Can I freeze these sliders?
A: Absolutely. Assemble and bake them as directed, let cool, then wrap tightly and freeze. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Q: Are these sliders spicy?
A: Not at all! They’re kid-friendly and mild. If you want heat, add chili flakes or pepper jack cheese.

Q: Can I use whole wheat rolls?
A: Yes, whole wheat rolls work just fine and add a bit of a nutty flavor.

Enjoy these cheeseburger sliders, and feel free to put your own twist on them! They’re a crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion.

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