If you’ve ever wished you could capture the irresistible charm of a classic cheeseburger in a fun, bite-sized form, this Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. These little sandwiches pack all the juicy, cheesy goodness of your favorite burger but in mini portions that are perfect for parties, game days, or even a casual family dinner. With perfectly seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar, a touch of creamy mayo, and buttery, golden rolls topped with sesame seeds, every slider delivers a deliciously comforting bite. Get ready to fall in love with this savory treat that’s as easy to make as it is to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple but flavorful is the secret to nailing this Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of texture, taste, and aroma that makes these sliders shine.
- 2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7 fat content): Provides juicy, flavorful meat without too much grease.
- ½ tablespoon olive oil: Helps soften the onions and adds a subtle richness to the beef.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the delicious flavors in the beef.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth to the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic note that pairs perfectly with beef.
- ½ large yellow onion, finely diced: Brings sweetness and texture to the filling.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and moisture, making the beef mixture irresistibly smooth.
- 8 slices medium cheddar cheese: Creates that lovely melted layer inside each slider.
- 6 ounces medium cheddar cheese, shredded (or more sliced cheese): Gives an extra cheesy punch spread on top.
- 24 dinner rolls: Soft and slightly sweet, these hold everything together perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more to grease baking sheet: Adds richness and helps create golden, crispy tops.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for a nutty flavor and attractive finish.
How to Make Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, generously grease a rimmed baking sheet with melted butter. This helps the sliders bake evenly and keeps the bottoms from sticking while adding a touch of buttery flavor to every bite.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the finely diced onions. After they start to soften, add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder as it cooks. This step fills your kitchen with incredible burger scents while ensuring the beef is perfectly seasoned and the onions lend a lovely sweetness throughout.
Step 3: Drain and Mix in Mayonnaise
Once the beef is cooked through, tilt the skillet to spoon off excess fat for a less greasy bite. Stir in the mayonnaise at this stage—it might sound unusual, but it truly amps up the creamy texture and keeps the filling moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Carefully slice the dinner rolls in half and arrange the bottom halves on your buttered baking sheet. Lay one slice of cheddar cheese on each roll bottom, then spoon on the beef mixture evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the beef, giving a gooey layer of cheese on top. Finally, place the top halves of the rolls gently on each slider.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle sesame seeds for that classic burger bun look. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts thoroughly and the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown. The sliders will come out warm, cheesy, and beautifully toasted—ready to devour!
How to Serve Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, or tangy pickles can bring bright textures and flavors that contrast the rich meat and cheese. Tiny dollops of ketchup, mustard, or a pickle spear on the side also make for charming, classic accompaniments that elevate your Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe experience.
Side Dishes
Consider pairing these sliders with crunchy fries, sweet potato chips, or a crisp coleslaw. The fresh, crunchy sides balance the richness of the sliders wonderfully, making for a crowd-pleasing spread that everyone will love. Even a simple garden salad on the side adds a refreshing touch to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your sliders on a long platter lined up like a mini burger train for a party. You could also add colorful toothpicks or tiny flags for easy picking. Another idea is to serve them with mini dipping bowls of sauces like ranch, BBQ, or spicy mayo to create an interactive eating experience everyone will enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe (and trust me, you might!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the sliders fresh and ready for a quick snack or second meal.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze fully assembled sliders on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. This helps them keep their shape and quality. When frozen, they last up to 2 months, making them great to prep ahead for future gatherings or busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the sliders and place them on a baking sheet. Warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the slider is heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the bread soggy instead of perfectly toasted.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic and melts beautifully, you can experiment with Swiss, American, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Just choose cheeses that melt well to maintain that perfect gooey texture.
Is it possible to make these sliders vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils mixed with similar seasonings to achieve a hearty texture. Adding mushrooms could enhance the umami flavor, making a delicious plant-friendly version of this Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe.
How can I make these sliders spicy?
To add some heat, mix a bit of hot sauce or chili powder into the ground beef mixture, or top the sliders with slices of jalapeño before baking. Spicing up your Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe is easy and adds a tasty kick.
Can these sliders be made smaller or larger?
Definitely! You can adjust the size by using different types of rolls or slicing larger buns into more pieces. Just keep the proportions of ingredients the same for balanced flavor and texture in your Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe.
What wine or drink pairs well with these sliders?
The richness of cheeseburger sliders pairs wonderfully with a cold beer, especially a lager or pale ale. For wine lovers, a juicy Zinfandel or Shiraz complements the savory meat and cheese nicely. Non-alcoholic options like iced tea or a sparkling lemonade also provide refreshing balance.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing this Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles and hungry appetites, combining classic flavors in a fun, approachable way. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these sliders deliver satisfying bites filled with love and warmth. Give this recipe a go—you might just find your new favorite go-to comfort food!
Print
Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheeseburger Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack perfect for parties and gatherings. These mini burgers combine seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and a touch of mayonnaise on soft dinner rolls, baked to golden perfection with a buttery sesame seed crust.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7 fat content)
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ large yellow onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
Cheese
- 8 slices medium cheddar cheese
- 6 ounces medium cheddar cheese, shredded (or more sliced cheese if preferred)
Assembly and Topping
- 24 dinner rolls
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus more to grease baking sheet)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a rimmed baking sheet generously with melted butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Cook ground beef and onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and ground beef, breaking the meat up with a spatula. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the beef is fully cooked through and the onions are softened.
- Drain excess fat and mix mayo: Tilt the skillet carefully to spoon off and discard any excess fat. Stir in the mayonnaise thoroughly into the cooked ground beef mixture to add moistness and creaminess.
- Assemble sliders: Cut each dinner roll in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves on the prepared baking sheet. Line each roll bottom with a slice of cheddar cheese, then spread the ground beef mixture evenly atop. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and finish by placing the top halves of the rolls over the filling to close the sliders.
- Brush and bake: Brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter and sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over them. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese inside is nicely melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown and slightly crispy.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and maintain a juicy texture.
- Mayonnaise adds extra moisture—do not skip it for best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute or add different types of cheese based on preference.
- Make sure to brush the tops with melted butter to promote browning and add richness.
- If you want smaller sliders, use mini dinner rolls and adjust cooking time slightly.
