These easy cheeseburger sliders are perfect for a tasty snack or fun party food! Juicy beef patties topped with melted cheese, all in soft mini buns—who can resist?
They’re super simple to make, and you can even add your favorite toppings. I often set out pickles and ketchup, and watch everyone go back for seconds! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Slider Buns: Aim for soft buns with sesame seeds for a classic touch. If you’re avoiding sesame, plain or whole wheat buns work just as well.
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is ideal for juicy burgers. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be used, but they may not be as moist.
Cheese: Cheddar is a go-to for cheeseburgers, but feel free to switch it up! American, Swiss, or pepper jack add a nice twist. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese slices.
Optional Toppings: Use whatever you like! I love adding crispy bacon or avocado for extra flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, top with fresh spinach instead of lettuce.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Patties for Perfectly Juicy Sliders?
Cooking the patties just right is key for juicy sliders. Here’s an easy way to get them done:
- Make sure your skillet or griddle is hot before adding the patties. This helps form a nice crust.
- Don’t press down on the patties while cooking, as this squeezes out the juices.
- Cook them until they reach a nice golden brown color. Use a meat thermometer; they should hit 160°F (71°C).
Remember, cooking times may vary based on your stove and thickness, so keep an eye on them!
Easy Cheeseburger Sliders
Ingredients:
- 12 slider buns, preferably soft and topped with sesame seeds
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 12 slices cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for cooking)
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, sliced onions, lettuce, tomato slices
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes approximately 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, plus an additional 5-7 minutes in the oven to warm the buns. In total, expect to spend about 30-35 minutes from start to finish!
Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure everything is nice and warm when you’re ready to serve.
2. Prepare the Patties:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a small patty, making sure they are slightly larger than the slider buns since they’ll shrink while cooking. Season each side with salt and pepper for flavor.
3. Cook the Patties:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add the olive oil or butter. Once hot, place the patties in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until they are nicely browned. Flip the patties over and place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty so it can melt while the other side cooks, which should take about another 3 minutes. Remove from heat when fully cooked through and the cheese is melted.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and lay all the bottom halves on a baking sheet. Place each cheesy burger patty on the bottom bun. Now, it’s time to add your favorite toppings! You can choose from sliced pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayo, onions, lettuce, and tomato slices.
5. Finish and Bake:
Once you’ve added the toppings, place the top bun over each slider. Cover the entire tray loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes. This will warm the buns and bring everything together nicely.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
After baking, let them cool for a minute, then serve warm to your family and friends. Enjoy your gooey, cheesy, flavorful cheeseburger sliders—perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself!
These sliders are a hit at parties or as a quick weeknight dinner. Feel free to customize them with your favorite ingredients and watch how quickly they disappear!
FAQ for Easy Cheeseburger Sliders
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef. Just remember that they tend to be leaner, so you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to keep the patties moist and flavorful.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, fully assemble the sliders without baking them, cover them tightly with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just increase the baking time slightly to ensure they’re heated through.
What Should I Do with Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave them briefly until warmed through. You can add a slice of cheese on top while reheating for an extra gooey experience!
Can I Freeze the Sliders?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked sliders! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake directly from the freezer for about 15-20 minutes (covered) at 350°F (175°C), then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until heated through.
