Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

Get ready to wow your friends and family with these mouthwatering Cheeseburger Sliders! This crowd-pleasing recipe packs everything you love about a classic cheeseburger into a perfectly sized, hand-held treat that’s ideal for parties, weeknight dinners, or even game days. Juicy beef, gooey cheese, tangy pickles, and a creamy sauce are all tucked into pillowy slider buns, creating a bite-sized flavor explosion that’s impossible to resist. Trust me, once you try these, Cheeseburger Sliders will quickly become your go-to for any gathering!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheeseburger Sliders is how a handful of classic ingredients come together for delicious results. Each element adds a distinct layer—whether it’s richness, tang, crunch, or that irresistible golden finish—so don’t skip a thing!

• Slider buns: Choose soft, slightly sweet buns for the perfect slider experience; King’s Hawaiian or potato rolls work wonderfully.
• Ground beef: An 80/20 blend ensures your patties are unbelievably juicy and packed with flavor.
• Onion powder: Adds a gentle, savory depth without any chopping required.
• Garlic powder: Brings a subtle warmth that makes the beef patties pop.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the meat and bringing everything together.
• Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of bite and complexity.
• Vegetable oil: Helps you achieve that perfect, sizzling brown crust on the patties.
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base for the classic burger sauce that coats every bite.
• Ketchup: Sweet and tangy, it balances the savory and creamy notes in the sauce.
• Yellow mustard: Offers a zingy tang that brings your sliders to classic cheeseburger territory.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts lusciously over the warm patties for that signature gooey pull.
• Diced dill pickles: Add crunch and just the right amount of sharpness to cut through the richness.

How to Make Cheeseburger Sliders

Step 1: Prep the Slider Buns

Preheat your oven to 375°Fahrenheit (190°Celsius) so it’s ready when you need it later. While the oven’s heating, slice all of your slider buns in half horizontally. Set the bottom halves cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This little assembly line keeps the process smooth and makes stacking the ingredients a breeze!

Step 2: Mix and Season the Beef

In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Be careful not to overmix—just fold everything together until you don’t see any streaks. Handling the meat gently keeps your Cheeseburger Sliders juicy and tender, rather than dense.

Step 3: Form and Brown the Patties

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s getting hot, shape your beef mixture into 12 small patties, each about 2 inches wide. Sear the patties for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You want a gorgeous brown crust and a cooked-through center—don’t crowd the pan, work in batches if you need to!

Step 4: Mix the Special Sauce

While your patties are sizzling to perfection, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard in a small bowl. This trifecta is the heart of every great burger, and slathering it on your slider buns ensures bold, creamy flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Build the Sliders

Spread the creamy sauce generously on the cut sides of all the buns. On each bottom bun, start with shredded cheddar cheese (so it melts under the warm patty), then stack on a beef patty, a sprinkle of diced dill pickles, and any other toppings you love. Cap them off with the top bun—don’t be shy, stack ‘em high!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Return the assembled Cheeseburger Sliders to your parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop the tray into your hot oven for 8 to 10 minutes. This melts the cheese and lightly toasts the buns, locking in all that savory goodness. Serve them up right away—your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!

How to Serve Cheeseburger Sliders

Garnishes

A few simple garnishes can take your Cheeseburger Sliders from tasty to unforgettable. Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or a pile of thinly sliced green onions over the top just before serving. Toothpicks with sliced cherry tomatoes or tiny dill pickle chips can be skewered on top for a festive, party-ready look.

Side Dishes

You can never go wrong with the classics: crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or crunchy coleslaw are all fabulous alongside a tray of Cheeseburger Sliders. For something extra fun, serve them with a big bowl of tater tots or a fresh garden salad to keep things balanced. The sliders are rich and savory, so a crisp, tangy side works best!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a crowd, arrange the finished sliders on a wooden board lined with parchment, then surround them with colorful extras like mini pickles, sliced radishes, or small bowls of extra burger sauce for dipping. You could even set up a slider bar with bowls of lettuce, tomato slices, and crispy bacon so everyone can build their own ultimate slider creation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheeseburger Sliders are still delicious the next day! Let them cool to room temperature, then wrap them individually in foil or store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, keep the sauce and toppings separate until you’re ready to reheat and serve.

Freezing

You can freeze assembled, unbaked sliders for up to two months. Just wrap them tightly in foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. For individually freezing patties, lay them out on a lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat Cheeseburger Sliders, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, or until hot and cheese is melty again. If reheating from frozen, cover with foil and bake a little longer, removing the foil near the end for a crisper bun. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the buns may get a bit soft.

FAQs

What kind of cheese works best for Cheeseburger Sliders?

Cheddar is a classic choice, offering sharpness and perfect melting properties, but feel free to experiment with American, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a little kick. Shredded cheese melts quickly and evenly over the hot patties, making it an easy option for sliders.

Can I cook the beef patties ahead of time?

Absolutely! Sear the patties up to a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. When you’re ready to assemble your Cheeseburger Sliders, just add them to the buns, top with cheese and pickles, and finish baking in the oven to reheat and melt the cheese.

Are there gluten-free options for the buns?

Yes! Look for gluten-free slider buns at specialty bakeries or many grocery stores. You can also use small lettuce wraps as a fresh, crunchy alternative—just layer everything inside for a lighter, bunless slider.

What additional toppings can I use?

The sky’s the limit! Think crispy bacon, caramelized onions, sliced jalapeños, tomato slices, or even a spoonful of BBQ sauce. Make it your own by creating a slider bar so everyone can build their favorite version of Cheeseburger Sliders.

How do I keep the sliders warm for a party?

Once assembled and baked, cover the tray of Cheeseburger Sliders loosely with foil and keep them in a low oven (about 200°F, 90°C). They’ll stay warm and soft for up to 30 minutes—just be sure not to overdo it, or the buns may dry out.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these epic Cheeseburger Sliders! Whether you’re serving them up for game night, a family gathering, or just a fun dinner at home, you’re in for a treat loaded with classic burger flavor in every bite. Give them a go and let the slider obsession begin!

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