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Cheeseburger Sliders are juicy, cheesy, and satisfyingly beefy, capturing everything we love about a classic burger in a smaller, party-friendly form. They come together in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. These sliders reheat beautifully and are easy to make ahead, so you can enjoy them fresh or save time for later.
I first tried these sliders when hosting a game night, and they quickly became the crowd favorite. Now my family asks for them whenever we want an easy but impressive meal.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Two pounds of lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7 fat content): for juicy but not greasy patties
- Half a tablespoon olive oil: helps cook the onions and beef evenly without sticking
- One teaspoon salt and one teaspoon black pepper: essential seasoning for savory depth
- One teaspoon garlic powder: adds a mild, rounded garlic flavor
- Half a large yellow onion, finely diced: sweetens and adds texture to the beef mixture
- Quarter cup mayonnaise: keeps the beef extra juicy and adds creaminess
- Eight slices medium cheddar cheese: for the classic melty cheeseburger taste
- Six ounces shredded medium cheddar: spreads evenly over the sliders for additional cheesiness
- Twenty-four dinner rolls (or two packs of 12): soft buns that hold the fillings well
- Two tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: for brushing on buns to create a golden, flavorful crust
- One tablespoon sesame seeds: optional, but adds texture and a touch of nutty flavor to the tops
How to Make It
- Sauté the Aromatics and Beef:
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add half a tablespoon of olive oil. When hot, add the finely diced yellow onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about three to four minutes. Add the two pounds of ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up the meat into small pieces. Sprinkle one teaspoon of salt, one teaspoon of black pepper, and one teaspoon of garlic powder over the beef. Stir and cook, breaking up larger clumps, until the beef is just cooked through and no longer pink, about eight to ten minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Drain Excess Fat and Mix Mayonnaise:
- Tilt the skillet slightly to spoon off and discard any excess fat from the cooked beef and onions. Return the skillet to low heat and stir in a quarter cup of mayonnaise thoroughly so it blends evenly with the beef mixture. The mayo keeps the beef moist and adds a subtle creaminess.
- Prepare the Slider Base:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter the bottom of a rimmed baking sheet thoroughly to prevent sticking. Slice the dinner rolls in half horizontally. Arrange the bottom halves of the rolls, cut side up, on the buttered baking sheet in neat rows.
- Assemble the Sliders:
- Place one slice of medium cheddar cheese on each bottom bun half. Evenly spread the beef and onion mixture over the cheese using the back of a spatula to square off the edges neatly to match the shape of the buns. Sprinkle the six ounces of shredded medium cheddar evenly over the beef layer.
- Top and Bake:
- Place the top halves of the rolls over each slider, cut side down. Using a brush, apply two tablespoons of melted unsalted butter on the tops of the rolls. Immediately sprinkle the tops with one tablespoon of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for twelve to fifteen minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tops have turned a golden brown.
Cheddar cheese is my favorite part here. It melts beautifully into the beef, making each bite rich and gooey, reminiscent of classic cheeseburgers I grew up eating. One family night, I doubled the shredded cheese amount, and it was an instant hit with everyone asking for seconds.
Flavor Boosters
Serve these sliders with crispy oven-baked fries or a fresh cabbage slaw to balance the richness. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the cheesy beef perfectly. These sliders go great with ketchup, mustard, or even a smoky barbecue sauce on the side.
Serving Suggestions
Sliders originated in American diner culture as small burgers often served at bars or casual eateries. Their bite-sized appeal has endured because they offer the same comfort of a traditional burger but in a playful, shareable form, perfect for gatherings and parties.
Creative Twists
Add sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions in the fall months to add warmth and depth. Use fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and dill pickles in the summer for a bright and fresh taste. Spice things up with a dash of cayenne or jalapeño during cooler months when heat is welcome.
These cheeseburger sliders bring a perfect blend of comfort and convenience, ideal for any casual meal or party.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of beef is best for these sliders?
Lean ground beef with around 90/10 or 93/7 fat content provides great flavor while keeping sliders juicy and tender.
- → Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, the sliders can be assembled and refrigerated before baking, making them convenient for meal prep or entertaining.
- → What cheese works best for topping these sliders?
Medium cheddar, both sliced and shredded, melts well and adds rich flavor to complement the beef.
- → How do I achieve a golden, crispy top on the sliders?
Brushing the tops with melted butter and sprinkling sesame seeds before baking creates a golden, flavorful crust.
- → Are these sliders suitable for reheating?
Yes, they reheat nicely while maintaining their juicy, cheesy texture, perfect for leftovers.