These cheeseburger sliders are mini burgers that pack a punch! With juicy beef, melted cheese, and soft buns, they make a perfect party snack or quick dinner idea.
You can whip these up in no time, and honestly, who can resist tiny cheeseburgers? I love serving them with some ketchup and pickles on the side — so tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for juicy sliders. If you want to reduce fat, go for a leaner blend but be careful as they can dry out. You can also substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Slider Buns: The classic choice is soft slider buns, preferably with sesame seeds for added flavor. If you can’t find those, use Hawaiin rolls, or any soft dinner rolls will work perfectly, too!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is great for melting, but feel free to use American, Swiss, or mozzarella cheese based on your preference. Mixing different cheeses can create a richer taste!
Onion: Adding chopped onions gives flavor, but it’s optional. If you’re not a fan, try using onion powder as an alternative or omit it altogether. Finely diced bell peppers could work too for a change.
How Do I Cook Perfect Sliders Without Drying Them Out?
To keep sliders juicy, focus on not overcooking the patties. Here are some steps to consider:
- Preheat your skillet until it’s hot, but not smoking. This helps to sear the meat quickly, locking in moisture.
- Cook the beef patties for just 3-4 minutes on each side. If you’re using a meat thermometer, aim for 160°F (71°C) for well-done.
- Add cheese during the last minute of cooking so it melts perfectly without overcooking the meat.
- Let the patties rest for a minute before assembling the sliders; this allows juices to redistribute.
Following these steps will help your sliders stay moist and flavorful!
Cheeseburger Sliders – Quick & Cheesy Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 12 slider buns or small sandwich rolls, preferably with sesame seeds
- 12 slices of cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
- Pickles, ketchup, and mustard for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious slider recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10-12 minutes to bake. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have cheesy sliders ready for everyone to enjoy! Perfect for quick dinners or game day snacks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grab a rimmed baking pan. This will help make clean-up a breeze!
2. Mix the Beef:
In a large bowl, combine your ground beef with the chopped onion (if you’re using it), Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until everything is just combined—don’t over-mix it!
3. Shape the Patties:
Form the beef mixture into 12 small patties that are about the size of your slider buns. Making them even in size helps them cook evenly!
4. Cook the Patties:
Now, heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook your patties for around 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re cooked through. For that cheesy goodness, place a slice of cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking so it melts perfectly.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, slice your slider buns in half horizontally. If you’d like, you can lightly toast the bottoms in the oven or on a skillet for extra flavor.
6. Assemble the Sliders:
In your prepared baking pan, place the bottom halves of the buns. Spread a thin layer of mustard on each bottom bun before layering them with the cheeseburger patties. Place the top halves of the buns on each patty!
7. Brush with Butter:
Brush the tops of the assembled sliders with melted butter, giving them a lovely shiny finish. If you want a bit more flavor, consider sprinkling some garlic powder or poppy seeds on top as well!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Slide your baking pan into the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is gooey, and everything is warmed through!
9. Serve & Enjoy:
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and serve hot! They’re great with pickles, ketchup, and extra mustard on the side for dipping.
These quick and cheesy cheeseburger sliders are a hit at any gathering. Enjoy your tasty bites!
Cheeseburger Sliders FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the ground beef in the refrigerator overnight before mixing with the other ingredients. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave but be cautious not to partially cook it while thawing.
How Can I Make These Sliders Healthier?
For a healthier option, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Additionally, you can use whole grain or lettuce wraps instead of slider buns for a lower-carb choice. You can also load on vegetables or swap regular cheese for a lighter cheese or nutritional yeast for flavor without the calories!
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or you can microwave them for a quicker option.
Can I Make These Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the patties and assemble them on the buns, then cover them tightly and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them in the oven for the same baking time!
