If you are searching for a crowd-pleasing, bite-sized delight, this Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. Imagine juicy, savory beef layered with melted American cheese, nestled in soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls, all topped with a tangy, homemade burger sauce that ties every flavor together perfectly. These sliders are not only irresistibly delicious but also straightforward to prepare, making them perfect for family dinners, parties, or casual gatherings where everyone wants something tasty and easy to handle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might sound familiar, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in the sliders. Having simple essentials allows you to focus on flavors without fuss.
- 1 Tbsp. softened butter: Used for sautéing and adding richness to the rolls.
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil: Helps to cook the onions without overpowering the flavors.
- 1/2 white onion, finely diced: Adds a mild, sweet undertone when sautéed.
- 1 lb. ground beef: The hearty, juicy foundation of these sliders.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a subtle punch of aromatic flavor.
- 1 Tbsp. yellow mustard: Adds tang and depth to the beef mixture.
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce: Elevates savory notes with its complex umami taste.
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the ingredients’ flavors.
- Pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle heat to balance the richness.
- 1 pack dinner rolls, 12 count (I use King’s Hawaiian Savory Butter Rolls): Soft, slightly sweet buns that complement the savory meat.
- 16 slices American cheese (I use Boar’s Head): Melts perfectly, creating gooey, dreamy cheesiness.
- 3 Tbsp. butter, melted: Used to brush the top of the rolls for golden, flavorful crust.
- Pinch of salt and garlic powder: Added to the butter for extra seasoning.
- 2 tsp. white sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for a classic burger look and extra texture.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the burger sauce.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Brings sweetness and tanginess to the sauce.
- 2 Tbsp. sweet pickle relish: Adds a crunchy, sweet contrast in the sauce.
- 2 tsp. sugar: Balances acidity in the sauce perfectly.
- 1 tsp. distilled white vinegar: Gives a subtle tang to brighten flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Important for seasoning the sauce just right.
How to Make Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the oven and pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, butter a baking sheet thoroughly. This little step ensures that your sliders won’t stick and that the bottoms will develop a lovely golden crust without getting dry.
Step 2: Sauté onions and brown the beef
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add your finely diced white onion. Cook until translucent and soft, which brings out their natural sweetness—a key contrast to the savory beef. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up as it cooks for even texture.
Step 3: Flavor the meat mixture
Stir in minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper. These seasonings combine to create a deep, savory, and slightly tangy profile that makes these sliders truly crave-worthy. Continue cooking to blend these flavors together well.
Step 4: Assemble the sliders
Lay the bottom halves of your dinner rolls on the buttered baking sheet in a neat row. Pile the meat mixture evenly over them, then cover with slices of American cheese. Place the top halves of the rolls snugly over the cheese for the classic slider look and perfect portion size.
Step 5: Butter and bake
Mix melted butter with a pinch of salt and garlic powder, then brush this flavorful blend over the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle white sesame seeds on top for that authentic burger finish. Bake everything in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cheese melts just right and the sliders are heated through.
Step 6: Make the burger sauce
While the sliders bake, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, sugar, distilled white vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This special sauce adds a creamy, tangy, sweet kick to every bite, tying the whole Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe experience together beautifully.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your sliders to another level. Thin slices of pickles, a few leaves of crisp lettuce, or even a sprinkle of diced tomatoes add color and freshness. For an extra savory note, you might add a few rings of red onion or a squirt of your prepared burger sauce right on top.
Side Dishes
Sliders pair perfectly with classic side dishes like crispy French fries, onion rings, or a colorful garden salad. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside sweet potato fries or a tangy coleslaw to keep flavors fresh and balanced. The key is to complement the savory richness without overwhelming the sliders themselves.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these at a party or casual gathering, consider presenting your Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe on a large wooden platter with small bowls of extra sauce for dipping. You could also serve each slider on a mini skewer with cherry tomatoes and olives for a playful, elegant twist. Presentation that invites guests to dig in makes all the difference.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your sliders, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, so you can easily enjoy a quick snack or pack a flavorful lunch the next day without any hassle.
Freezing
If you want to keep these sliders for longer, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing. Stored properly, they can last for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture. When ready, defrost in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your sliders in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to revive that fresh-baked texture, or use a microwave in short bursts to warm from frozen. Be mindful not to overheat to keep the cheese melty and the bread soft but not soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While American cheese melts beautifully and has that classic flavor, you could also try cheddar, pepper jack, or even Swiss for different flavor profiles. Just be sure the cheese melts well to maintain the slider’s signature gooey texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or seasoned crumbled tofu. The rest of the ingredients and assembly remain the same, delivering that satisfying slider experience without meat.
Do I have to use Hawaiian rolls?
Hawaiian rolls are a favorite for their soft texture and subtle sweetness, but any soft dinner roll or small bun can work if you prefer. The key is choosing something that complements the savory beef without overpowering it.
What’s the best way to prevent the sliders from drying out?
Ensuring the beef mixture stays juicy involves not overcooking the meat and baking the sliders just until heated through. Brushing the tops with butter before baking helps keep the rolls moist and adds great flavor as well.
Can I double this recipe for larger gatherings?
Definitely! This Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe scales up very well. Just be sure to use a large enough baking sheet or multiple pans so the sliders don’t crowd each other and bake evenly.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably joyful about sharing a plate of perfectly crafted sliders with friends or family, and this Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe promises just that kind of delightful experience. Easy to assemble, bursting with flavor, and customizable to your liking, these sliders are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give them a try, and watch how quickly they disappear!
Print
Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheeseburger Sliders are a perfect crowd-pleaser, combining juicy ground beef sautéed with onions and garlic, melted American cheese, and a tangy homemade burger sauce, all sandwiched between soft, buttery dinner rolls. Baked to perfection, these sliders are an easy and delicious appetizer or meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Slider Meat Mixture
- 1 Tbsp. softened butter
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 white onion, finely diced
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp. yellow mustard
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- Pepper, to taste
Sliders Assembly
- 1 pack dinner rolls, 12 count (King’s Hawaiian Savory Butter Rolls recommended)
- 16 slices American cheese (Boar’s Head recommended)
- 3 Tbsp. butter, melted
- Pinch of salt and garlic powder
- 2 tsp. white sesame seeds
Burger Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 Tbsp. sweet pickle relish
- 2 tsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. distilled white vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a baking sheet thoroughly to prevent sticking and add flavor to the sliders as they bake.
- Sauté Onions: In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté the finely diced white onion until translucent and soft. This brings out the onion’s natural sweetness and adds depth to the meat mixture.
- Cook Ground Beef and Season: Add the ground beef to the pan with the onions and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Mix in minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, kosher salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Assemble the Sliders: Slice the dinner rolls in half horizontally. Lay the bottom halves on the prepared baking sheet. Place a slice of American cheese on each bottom half, then evenly distribute the cooked meat mixture over the cheese layer.
- Add Top Buns and Butter: Place the top halves of the rolls over the meat and cheese. Brush the tops with the melted butter mixed with a pinch of salt and garlic powder to give a golden, flavorful crust. Sprinkle the white sesame seeds on top for added texture and presentation.
- Bake the Sliders: Bake sliders in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is perfectly melted.
- Prepare Burger Sauce: While the sliders are baking, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, sugar, distilled white vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl. This sauce adds a creamy and tangy complement to the sliders.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the meat mixture or burger sauce.
- Using King’s Hawaiian rolls gives the sliders a slightly sweet and soft texture, but any soft dinner rolls can be used as a substitute.
- The sliders can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Leftover sliders are great for reheating and can be wrapped individually to freeze.
- For a healthier option, consider using lean ground beef or turkey and whole-wheat dinner rolls.
