These easy cheeseburger sliders are mini burger delights! With juicy beef patties, melted cheese, and soft buns, they’re perfect for parties or a fun family dinner.
Making these sliders is a breeze! Just cook the patties, add the cheese, and let everyone build their own burger. Trust me, they won’t last long on the plate! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually go for 80/20 beef for flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 90/10 will work, but it might be drier. Or, if you prefer, you could use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative.
Slider Buns: Soft dinner rolls are fantastic here, especially with sesame seeds. If you can’t find them, any small, soft bread will do, like Hawaiian rolls or mini brioche buns. Just ensure they are sturdy enough to hold the filling.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix it up with Swiss, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for some spice. If you’re avoiding dairy, try vegan cheese that’s designed for melting.
Optional Toppings: The great thing about sliders is customization! Use whatever toppings you like, such as jalapeños for heat, BBQ sauce for a tangy twist, or even crispy bacon for added flavor.
Why Do I Need to Be Careful When Mixing the Beef?
When you mix the ground beef with spices, it’s easy to overwork it, which makes the patties tough. Here’s how to keep them tender:
- Use your hands and mix just until everything is combined. Think gentle folding!
- Form the patties without pressing them too tightly; a looser patty cooks more juicy.
- Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to help it cook evenly and prevent puffing.
With these simple tips, your sliders will be deliciously juicy and full of flavor! Enjoy cooking!
Easy Cheeseburger Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for seasoning the beef)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembling:
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls with sesame seeds preferred)
- 12 slices cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Optional Toppings:
- sliced pickles
- ketchup
- mustard
- diced onions
- lettuce
- tomato slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend 10 minutes prepping and cooking the patties, plus 10-15 minutes baking the assembled sliders. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s ready to go when your sliders are assembled.
2. Prepare the Beef Patty Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Use your hands to gently combine everything. Be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the patties tender.
3. Shape the Patties:
Form the beef mixture into 12 small patties that are slightly larger than the slider buns, as they will shrink a bit during cooking. Aim for about 1/2-inch thick.
4. Cook the Patties:
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook each patty for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and fully cooked. You can check for doneness by cutting one open; the juices should run clear.
5. Assemble the Sliders:
In a baking dish or sheet pan, arrange the bottom half of the slider buns. Place one cooked beef patty on each bun bottom and immediately top with a slice of cheese, which will start melting from the heat of the patty.
6. Add the Top Buns:
Place the top halves of the buns onto the sliders. This will keep everything together as they bake.
7. Brush with Butter:
Generously brush the melted butter over the tops of the buns for extra flavor and a nice golden color.
8. Bake the Sliders:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the buns are lightly toasted.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from the oven, uncover, and serve hot! Set out any optional toppings for guests to customize their sliders as they like.
Enjoy these gooey, cheesy, and juicy cheeseburger sliders—perfect for casual get-togethers or family meals! They’re sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives for a leaner option. Just make sure to monitor the cooking time, as poultry typically cooks faster. You can add a bit more seasoning since these meats are milder in flavor.
How Can I Make These Sliders Vegetarian?
To make vegetarian sliders, use plant-based ground meat or black bean patties. For a fun twist, you can even use portobello mushroom caps or grilled veggie patties. Just bake or grill them until heated through and add cheese or a vegan cheese alternative!
Can I Make the Patties Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance! Form them and place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking.
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until warmed through. You can cover them with foil to prevent the buns from getting too hard.
