Cheeseburger sliders are tiny, tasty burgers packed with cheesy goodness! Perfect for parties or a fun dinner, they’re really easy to make with juicy patties and melty cheese.
These little bites are great for sharing, or maybe just keeping them all for yourself (no judgment here!). I love making them with a side of fries for the ultimate treat! 🍔🍟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use 80% lean beef for this recipe. It’s juicy, but you can also opt for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just be aware that they will cook differently and might need a little extra seasoning.
Slider Buns: Brioche or potato buns are soft and perfect for sliders. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try whole wheat sliders or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb version!
Cheddar Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to use American cheese for that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience. For a kick, pepper jack cheese works wonders too!
Dill Pickles: If you’re not a fan of dill, bread and butter pickles add a sweet twist. You can also skip the pickles altogether if you prefer. No worries!
Special Sauce: This sauce is easy to customize! Swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a healthier version. You can add hot sauce if you want some heat!
How Do I Achieve the Perfectly Juicy Patties?
Cooking the patties just right is key to juicy cheeseburger sliders. Start by forming them a bit larger than your buns since they shrink during cooking. Here’s the process:
- Heat your skillet to medium-high and avoid flipping the patties too often—let them sear to lock in moisture.
- Cook your patties for 3-4 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—160°F is the safe temperature for ground beef.
- Top each patty with cheese in the last minute of cooking. Cover it with a lid for better melting.
Following these tips will help your sliders turn out juicy and delicious every time! Enjoy your sliders with the homemade dipping sauce for the complete experience!
Cheeseburger Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 slider buns, preferably soft brioche or potato buns
- 12 slices cheddar cheese (or American cheese)
- 12 dill pickle slices
- 6 leaves of lettuce, torn to fit slider size
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Butter, for toasting buns
For the Special Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice (from dill pickles)
- Pinch of garlic powder
- Pinch of smoked paprika
How Much Time Will You Need?
It’s a breeze to whip up these sliders! You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and around 20 minutes for cooking. Let’s chill the dipping sauce while everything cooks, so your total time is roughly 35-40 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, lightly butter the insides of the slider buns and set them on a large baking sheet or in a baking dish, open-faced, so they’ll get toasty.
2. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
In a big bowl, mix the ground beef with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Be gentle when mixing so you don’t overwork the meat—just combine everything until it’s mixed.
3. Form the Patties:
Divide the mixture into 12 equal parts and shape each part into small patties. Make them a touch bigger than the buns since they’ll shrink during cooking.
4. Cook the Patties:
Heat a skillet or grill pan on medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned and fully cooked (you can check them for your preferred doneness!).
5. Melt the Cheese:
During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty. Cover the pan with a lid to help the cheese melt perfectly.
6. Make the Special Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, pickle juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you want. Chill the sauce until you’re ready to use it!
7. Toast the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, pop the buttered buns in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until they’re golden and lightly crisp.
8. Assemble the Sliders:
On the bottom half of each bun, place some lettuce and then the cheesy patty. Add a pickle slice and a couple of onion rings. Spread a little of that delicious special sauce on the top bun, then place it on the sliders.
9. Serve:
Arrange your sliders on a serving platter and place a bowl of the special dipping sauce right in the middle. Enjoy these warm and delicious sliders fresh out of the kitchen!
These cheeseburger sliders are sure to impress at any gathering or simply as a tasty dinner option. They’re quick, fun, and absolutely delicious! Enjoy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just be mindful that it may cook faster, so keep an eye on it to prevent drying out.
How Do I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to retain their juiciness.
Can I Make the Special Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! The special sauce can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving. It actually tastes even better after sitting for a little while!
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to customize the toppings! You can add sliced tomatoes, crispy bacon, different cheeses, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick. Get creative based on your preferences!
