These Cheeseburger Sliders are the ultimate party snack or meal, packing all the flavor of a classic cheeseburger into a portable, bite-sized form. They’re perfect for any occasion, from game-day snacks to summer cookouts, and their small size means you can sneak in a few extra without the guilt. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, these sliders will be a hit at any gathering.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls are ideal)

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor)

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup diced dill pickles

Directions

1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and place the bottom halves on the baking sheet.

2. Mix the Meat: In a large bowl, combine ground beef with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat.

3. Shape and Cook the Patties: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Form the beef mixture into 12 small patties. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.

4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. Spread this sauce on the cut sides of the buns.

5. Assemble: On the bottom buns, layer the cheese, cooked patties, and pickles. Top with the upper halves of the buns.

6. Bake: Place the assembled sliders in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden.

7. Serve: Serve the sliders hot and watch them disappear!

Nutrients

• Calories: ~250 per slider (varies based on ingredients)

• Protein: ~12g

• Carbohydrates: ~20g

• Fat: ~15g

• Fiber: ~1g

• Sugar: ~3g

Why Cheeseburger Sliders Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Cheeseburger Sliders are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for nearly every occasion. Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for parties, whether you’re hosting a birthday bash, a football game gathering, or a casual barbecue. The sliders allow guests to enjoy the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger without committing to a full-size burger. This makes them ideal for social settings where guests are mingling and snacking throughout the event.

Another reason Cheeseburger Sliders are such a great option for parties is that they are easy to prepare and serve. They can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving, making them an excellent choice for meal prep or stress-free entertaining. The fact that they’re small and easy to handle means that guests can grab one or two without feeling overstuffed, making them perfect for events with plenty of food options. Their portability and easy-to-eat format make them a popular choice for both kids and adults alike.

Additionally, Cheeseburger Sliders are perfect for family meals. If you’re looking to prepare a meal that both kids and adults will enjoy, these sliders are a great option. The small size makes them fun for children to eat, while the familiar flavors ensure they’ll be a hit with everyone at the table. They are also easy to customize to suit picky eaters, allowing you to add or remove ingredients based on individual preferences.

The Secret to the Perfect Slider Patty

The key to the success of any slider is in the patty, and for Cheeseburger Sliders, it’s all about the beef. Using ground beef with an 80/20 ratio (80% lean beef and 20% fat) ensures that the patties remain juicy and flavorful. The fat content helps keep the beef tender and moist while cooking, creating a deliciously rich flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the melted cheese and pickles.

When preparing the meat for the patties, it’s important to avoid overmixing the beef. Overworking the meat can lead to tough sliders, so be sure to mix the seasonings gently into the meat until just combined. Simple seasonings such as onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper are enough to enhance the natural flavor of the beef without overwhelming it. These seasonings give the patties a subtle depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients without overshadowing the beef.

For the best results, the patties should be cooked on a medium-high heat to create a nice sear on both sides while ensuring the inside remains tender and juicy. The goal is to have a golden-brown crust on the outside with a slightly pink and juicy interior. This creates the ideal slider patty, one that holds its shape but is still moist and flavorful.

Cheese and Toppings: The Perfect Combination

No cheeseburger is complete without the right cheese, and for these sliders, shredded cheddar cheese is the go-to choice. Cheddar melts beautifully, adding that classic creamy, slightly sharp flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory beef. The cheese is placed directly on the patty during the final moments of cooking, allowing it to melt evenly and become beautifully gooey.

While the cheese is an essential component of the Cheeseburger Sliders, the toppings play a major role in elevating the overall flavor. Pickles add a crunchy, tangy bite that balances the richness of the beef and cheese. The acidity of the pickles cuts through the fat, providing a refreshing contrast to the savory components of the slider.

The sauce—a simple combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard—brings everything together, adding creaminess, tang, and a slight sweetness. The sauce is spread on the buns before assembling the sliders, ensuring that each bite is full of flavor. The combination of mayo, ketchup, and mustard is a classic for a reason: it brings together the familiar flavors of a traditional cheeseburger and complements the other ingredients perfectly.

The Importance of Slider Buns

The choice of bun is just as important as the filling when it comes to making the perfect cheeseburger slider. Hawaiian rolls are a popular option for these sliders because they add a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the beef and cheese. The soft, slightly sweet texture of the rolls provides the perfect vehicle for the patty, absorbing the sauce and juices without becoming soggy.

However, other types of slider buns can also work well for this recipe, depending on your preferences. Traditional soft dinner rolls or even mini brioche buns are good alternatives if you prefer a different texture or flavor. When choosing buns, it’s important to pick ones that are sturdy enough to hold the fillings but soft enough to provide a pleasant bite.

For those on low-carb or gluten-free diets, you can opt for keto-friendly buns or gluten-free slider rolls. There are many options available today that cater to different dietary needs while still maintaining a delicious texture and flavor.

Making Cheeseburger Sliders Your Own

One of the best things about Cheeseburger Sliders is how customizable they are. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary restrictions. For instance, if you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or spicy pickles to the sliders. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as American, Swiss, or even a smoky gouda, for a unique twist on the classic slider.

If you’re looking to add more vegetables to your sliders, consider topping them with lettuce, tomato, or even sautéed onions. These fresh ingredients can provide a cool, crisp contrast to the richness of the beef and cheese. You could also try a variety of sauces, such as BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy chipotle mayo, to further enhance the flavor profile of the sliders.

For those who are vegetarian or vegan, you can easily swap out the beef patties for plant-based alternatives. There are numerous plant-based burger patties available today that mimic the taste and texture of beef, making them a great option for those who don’t eat meat but still want to enjoy the experience of a cheeseburger slider.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Meals

Cheeseburger Sliders are also an excellent choice for meal prep. You can make a large batch of sliders in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for easy reheating. Simply assemble the sliders, wrap them tightly, and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat the sliders in the oven or microwave until warm, and they’ll taste just as delicious as when they were freshly made.

These sliders are also great for parties, gatherings, or even tailgates. Since they’re small and easy to eat with your hands, they make the perfect snack for people to nibble on while chatting or watching the game. You can prepare them ahead of time and bake them just before serving, ensuring that they are warm and gooey when your guests arrive.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Sliders are the ultimate party snack, offering all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a bite-sized, easy-to-eat form. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, feeding a crowd, or preparing a quick weeknight meal, these sliders are sure to impress. Their customizable nature allows you to tailor the flavors to your liking, while the combination of juicy beef, melted cheese, pickles, and savory sauce makes each slider a satisfying and indulgent treat.

The simplicity of the recipe, along with its ability to be made in large batches, makes Cheeseburger Sliders an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or as the main event, these sliders are sure to be a hit with everyone. With their flavor-packed bite and easy-to-handle size, Cheeseburger Sliders are the perfect crowd-pleaser that will disappear in no time.