Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

Cheeseburger sliders are a crowd-pleasing favorite for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, a game-day party, or looking for an easy family dinner, these mini burgers pack all the flavor of a classic cheeseburger into bite-sized portions. They’re easy to prepare, perfect for feeding a crowd, and always a hit with kids and adults alike.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make delicious cheeseburger sliders using ground beef, cheddar cheese, and dinner rolls. We’ll walk through every step, from prepping the beef to assembling and baking the sliders, while offering helpful tips to make sure your sliders turn out juicy, cheesy, and irresistible.

Ingredients for Cheeseburger Sliders

Here’s everything you need to make 24 sliders, perfect for serving a crowd:

• 2 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7 fat content)
• 1/2 Tbsp olive oil (for cooking the onions and beef)
• 1 tsp salt (for seasoning the beef)
• 1 tsp black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (adds flavor to the beef mixture)
• 1/2 large yellow onion, finely diced (for added texture and flavor)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (to keep the beef moist)
• 8 slices medium cheddar cheese (for layering over the bottom buns)
• 6 oz medium cheddar cheese, shredded (for extra cheesiness on top of the beef mixture)
• 24 dinner rolls (or 2 packs of 12, use soft, buttery rolls)
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (to brush over the buns)
• 1 Tbsp sesame seeds (for topping, optional)

this RECIPE

Essential Equipment for Cheeseburger Sliders

To make cheeseburger sliders, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Large skillet
• Spatula for breaking up the beef
• Rimmed baking sheet (to assemble the sliders)
• Basting brush (for buttering the rolls)
• Sharp knife (for cutting the rolls in half)
• Foil (for easy cleanup)

How to Make Cheeseburger Sliders: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter the bottom of a rimmed baking sheet to prevent the sliders from sticking.

Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the finely diced yellow onion until it softens and becomes translucent. Then, add the 2 lbs of ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a spatula. Season the beef with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder.

Cook the beef until it is browned and fully cooked, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking. Once done, tilt the skillet to remove and discard any excess fat. This helps prevent soggy sliders.

Step 2: Mix in Mayonnaise

After the beef has cooked and excess fat is removed, stir in 1/4 cup of mayonnaise. The mayonnaise will keep the beef moist, making the sliders juicy and flavorful. Remove the skillet from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Cut the 24 dinner rolls in half horizontally, separating the tops from the bottoms. Place the bottom halves of the rolls onto the buttered baking sheet.

Layer 8 slices of medium cheddar cheese evenly across the bottom half of the rolls. Next, spread the beef mixture evenly over the cheese, using a spatula to square off the edges. For extra cheesiness, sprinkle 6 oz of shredded cheddar over the beef mixture.

Once the beef is covered with cheese, place the tops of the dinner rolls on top, cut-side down.

Step 4: Brush and Bake

Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and use a basting brush to generously coat the tops of the rolls. For a finishing touch, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds over the buttered tops.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the sliders at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown. The melted cheese should act as a glue to hold the sliders together perfectly.

Expert Tips for Making Cheeseburger Sliders

• Don’t overcook the beef: Cook the ground beef just until it’s no longer pink. Overcooking will result in dry sliders.
• Use freshly shredded cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties, which often have anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Add condiments after baking: If you want to add extra condiments like ketchup or mustard, do so after baking to avoid soggy buns.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Sliders

• Skipping the butter on the buns: Butter adds flavor and helps achieve a golden, crispy top. Skipping this step may result in dry buns.
• Not removing excess fat: Failing to spoon out the fat from the beef mixture can make your sliders greasy and heavy.
• Underseasoning the beef: Don’t skimp on the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Proper seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors in the sliders.

Serving and Presentation Ideas for Cheeseburger Sliders

To elevate your presentation, serve these sliders on a large platter with the tops brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Arrange the sliders neatly in rows and provide dipping sauces like ketchup, mayo, or aioli on the side.

Consider adding a garnish of fresh parsley or a small toothpick in each slider for an extra touch of class.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Sliders

If you have leftover sliders, wrap them in aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.

To reheat, preheat your oven to 300°F and place the wrapped sliders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-12 minutes until warm. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the buns soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheeseburger Sliders

• Can I use different types of cheese?
  Yes! You can substitute cheddar with any cheese that melts well, like Swiss, American, or mozzarella.
• Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
  Yes, you can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving for the best results.
• How can I make these sliders gluten-free?
  Simply swap the dinner rolls for gluten-free rolls, and check that your other ingredients, such as mayonnaise and cheese, are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

These cheeseburger sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, offering the flavors of a full-size cheeseburger in a convenient and shareable form. They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe at your next gathering, and watch them disappear in minutes! If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family, and subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes.

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