Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

Cheeseburger sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack, perfect for game days, backyard barbecues, or any casual get-together. These mini burgers pack all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into small, handheld bites, making them ideal for sharing. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just want a fun twist on your regular burger night, these cheeseburger sliders will be a hit. The best part? They’re quick and easy to make! Read on for a step-by-step guide to creating these juicy, cheesy sliders at home.

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What Are Cheeseburger Sliders?

Cheeseburger sliders are small, bite-sized burgers typically made with ground beef, cheese, and classic burger toppings like pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes. The mini size makes them perfect for appetizers or as part of a party spread. Sliders are usually made by cooking the ground beef in one large patty, then layering it with cheese and cutting it into squares to fit on soft slider buns. This method ensures you can make a lot of sliders at once, saving time and effort while still delivering juicy, flavorful burgers.

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Ingredients List for Cheeseburger Sliders

To make delicious cheeseburger sliders, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that you can easily find at the grocery store. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Ground Beef Patties:

• Ground Beef (80/20): The fat in the beef keeps the patties juicy and flavorful. Aim for 80% lean, 20% fat ground beef for the best texture and flavor.
• Onion: Finely diced or grated, it adds moisture and flavor to the beef.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory punch to the patties.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This brings depth and a rich umami flavor to the meat.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the ground beef.

For the Sliders:

• Slider Buns: Soft, mini-sized buns are perfect for these bite-sized burgers. Hawaiian rolls or brioche slider buns work great.
• Cheddar Cheese Slices: Use sharp cheddar for a classic cheeseburger flavor, or try American, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese for variation.
• Pickles: Dill pickles add a crunchy, tangy contrast to the rich beef and cheese.
• Ketchup and Mustard: The classic condiments for cheeseburgers.
• Lettuce and Tomatoes: Optional, but these fresh toppings add texture and flavor.
• Butter: For brushing the tops of the buns before baking.

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Ingredients List for Toppings:

Toppings can take your sliders to the next level. Here are some popular topping options:

• Sliced Bacon: Crispy bacon adds smoky, savory goodness to your sliders.
• Caramelized Onions: Sweet, caramelized onions complement the savory beef perfectly.
• Sautéed Mushrooms: Earthy and flavorful, sautéed mushrooms make a great topping.
• Jalapeños: For a spicy kick, add pickled or fresh jalapeño slices.
• Barbecue Sauce: Swap out the ketchup for BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.

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Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about cheeseburger sliders is how customizable they are. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:

• Turkey or Chicken Sliders: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to make lighter, leaner sliders.
• Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute or black bean patties for a vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free slider buns to accommodate gluten-sensitive guests.
• Spicy Sliders: Add a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture or top the sliders with pepper jack cheese and jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, gouda, or blue cheese for a unique flavor twist.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making cheeseburger sliders is quick and easy. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with finely diced onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat (which can make the patties tough).

Step 2: Press the Ground Beef into a Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking sheet or a rimmed baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Take the ground beef mixture and press it evenly into the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out to form one large patty that covers the entire surface of the sheet.

Step 3: Bake the Beef Patty

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked through and slightly browned on top. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake

Once the beef is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and layer the cheddar cheese slices evenly over the top of the beef. Return the sheet to the oven and bake for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Prepare the Buns

While the beef and cheese are baking, slice your slider buns in half. Place the bottom halves of the buns on a clean, lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Assemble the Sliders

Remove the large beef patty from the oven and carefully transfer it onto the bottom halves of the slider buns. You can cut the large patty into smaller squares that match the size of the buns for easy assembly. Top each square with a pickle slice and any additional toppings you’d like (such as ketchup, mustard, lettuce, or tomatoes).

Place the top halves of the slider buns over the beef and cheese.

Step 7: Brush with Butter and Bake

Melt a tablespoon of butter and brush it over the tops of the slider buns for extra flavor and a golden finish. Optionally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a classic burger bun look.

Place the assembled sliders back in the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the buns are warm and toasty.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two before serving. Slice between each slider to separate them, and serve with your favorite side dishes like fries, onion rings, or a fresh salad.

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How to Cook Cheeseburger Sliders: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the ground beef mixture with onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Press the beef into a baking sheet to form one large patty.
3. Bake the beef until fully cooked.
4. Top with cheese and bake until the cheese is melted.
5. Assemble the sliders by layering the beef patty and cheese onto slider buns.
6. Brush with butter and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the buns are warm and golden.
7. Serve and enjoy with your favorite condiments and sides.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your cheeseburger sliders turn out perfect every time, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Overworking the Beef: Be careful not to overmix the ground beef, as this can result in tough, dry patties.
• Overcooking the Beef: Keep an eye on the patties while they bake to avoid overcooking, which can lead to dry sliders. Use a meat thermometer to check that the beef reaches 160°F (71°C).
• Soggy Buns: To prevent soggy buns, you can lightly toast the bottom halves of the slider buns before assembling the sliders. This helps create a barrier between the bun and the juicy beef.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

When serving cheeseburger sliders, presentation matters! Here are some ways to make your sliders look and taste even more appealing:

How to Serve Cheeseburger Sliders

• Party Platter: Serve the sliders on a large platter with a variety of toppings and condiments on the side so guests can customize their burgers.
• As a Main Dish: Pair your sliders with classic sides like French fries, onion rings, or a crisp coleslaw for a complete meal.
• At a Barbecue: Serve the sliders alongside other grilling favorites like hot dogs, grilled chicken, and corn on the cob.

Presentation Ideas for Cheeseburger Sliders

• Serve the sliders with colorful toothpicks to make them easy to grab and eat, especially if you're serving them at a party.
• Add a garnish of parsley or lettuce to the platter for a fresh, vibrant touch.
• If you want to get creative, set up a “slider bar” with a variety of cheeses, toppings, and sauces so everyone can build their perfect slider.

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Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the beef patty in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just assemble the sliders when you’re ready to serve, and pop them in the oven for the final bake.
• Freezing Sliders: If you want to make a large batch of sliders, you can freeze the cooked beef patties and buns separately. Reheat the beef in the oven and assemble the sliders when you’re ready to eat.
• Adding Extra Flavor: Brush garlic butter over the buns before the final bake for an extra layer of flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use store-bought slider patties instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use store-bought slider patties to save time. Simply cook them according to the package instructions and assemble them with the buns and cheese.

Can I grill the sliders instead of baking them?

Absolutely! You can grill small individual patties and assemble the sliders on the grill. Just be sure to cook the patties evenly on both sides and toast the buns lightly before assembling.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftover sliders can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Definitely! While cheddar is classic, feel free to use American, Swiss, mozzarella, or even blue cheese for a unique twist.

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Conclusion

Cheeseburger sliders are a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in mini form. Whether you’re serving them at a party, making them for family dinner, or whipping up a quick snack, these sliders are sure to be a hit. With juicy beef, melty cheese, and all your favorite toppings, you’ll love how simple yet satisfying these little burgers can be. Give this recipe a try, and watch these bite-sized burgers disappear in no time!

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