Easy Cheeseburger Sliders

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a cheeseburger, but sometimes, you want that same delicious flavor in a smaller, more shareable package. That’s where cheeseburger sliders come in! These mini burgers are perfect for parties, game nights, or even a fun family dinner. They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and let’s be honest—who can resist a gooey, cheesy bite-sized burger?

I’ve always loved experimenting with recipes, and cheeseburger sliders are one of my favorites because they’re so versatile. You can customize them with your favorite toppings, cheeses, and sauces, making them a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving a quick snack, these sliders are sure to hit the spot. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and how to make them!

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Ground beef: The star of the show! Ground beef forms the base of your sliders. Opt for an 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) for the juiciest, most flavorful patties.

Slider buns: These mini buns are soft, slightly sweet, and the perfect size for sliders. You can find them in most grocery stores, or you can use Hawaiian rolls for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cheese slices: American cheese is a classic choice for its meltability, but you can use cheddar, pepper jack, or any cheese you love. The gooey cheese is what makes these sliders irresistible.

Onion: Finely diced onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the beef. You can sauté it for a milder taste or leave it raw for a bit of crunch.

Garlic: Minced garlic brings a savory, aromatic kick to the patties. It’s a small but essential ingredient that elevates the overall flavor.

Worcestershire sauce: This umami-packed sauce adds a tangy, savory note to the beef mixture. It’s a secret weapon for making your sliders taste like they came from a gourmet burger joint.

Salt and pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning the beef. Don’t skimp on these—they bring out the natural flavors of the meat.

Butter: Melted butter is brushed on the buns before baking, giving them a golden, slightly crispy exterior.

Sesame seeds (optional): A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top of the buns adds a nice crunch and a professional touch.

Toppings (lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, etc.): Customize your sliders with your favorite toppings. These add freshness, texture, and extra flavor.

Ingredients List

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
6 slices of American cheese (cut in half)
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
Toppings of your choice (lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, etc.)

How to Make Cheeseburger Sliders

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the patties tough.

Step 2: Form the Patties

Divide the beef mixture into 12 equal portions and shape them into small, thin patties. Make them slightly larger than the buns, as they’ll shrink a bit while cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Patties

Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. During the last minute of cooking, place a half-slice of cheese on each patty to let it melt.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

Slice the slider buns in half horizontally (if they’re not pre-sliced). Place the bottom halves in a baking dish. Layer the cooked patties on top, followed by your favorite toppings. Add the top halves of the buns.

Step 5: Brush with Butter

Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. This step gives the buns a beautiful golden color and a slight crunch.

Step 6: Bake the Sliders

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the buns are warm and the cheese is fully melted. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to crisp up the tops.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Use a sharp knife to separate them into individual sliders, then serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips for Making This Recipe

Don’t overmix the beef: Overworking the meat can make the patties dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Use a cookie cutter: If your patties are too large, use a round cookie cutter to trim them to fit the buns perfectly.
Customize the toppings: Let everyone personalize their sliders with a variety of toppings like bacon, jalapeños, or different sauces.
Make ahead: You can prepare the patties and assemble the sliders a few hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Double the recipe: These sliders are so popular that you might want to make extra! They’re perfect for feeding a crowd.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well for this recipe.

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders a few hours in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Wrap the sliders in foil and warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the buns from getting soggy.

Can I freeze these sliders?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked sliders. Wrap them tightly in foil and freeze for up to a month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What dipping sauces go well with cheeseburger sliders?
Ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, and ranch dressing are all great options. You can also try a special sauce made with mayo, ketchup, and relish.

Enjoy making and sharing these delicious cheeseburger sliders! They’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.