Bite-sized yet bursting with flavor, Cheeseburger Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food. These mini burgers combine juicy, seasoned beef patties, melty cheese, and all your favorite toppings, all nestled within soft, buttery slider buns. They’re perfect for game day gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even as party appetizers.

What makes these sliders irresistible is their balance of classic cheeseburger flavor packed into a handheld portion. With a golden toasted bun, tangy pickles, and optional add-ons like caramelized onions or spicy sauces, they offer a delicious twist on the beloved American burger in a fun and convenient size.

Ingredients for this Cheeseburger Sliders

1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
12 slider buns (or Hawaiian rolls)
6 slices cheddar cheese, halved
½ cup dill pickle slices
¼ cup ketchup (optional)
¼ cup mayonnaise (optional)
2 tablespoons yellow mustard (optional)
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Lettuce, tomato, or sautéed onions (optional for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheeseburger Sliders

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will help with easy cleanup and even cooking of the sliders.

Step 2: Season and Form the Patties

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix just until combined—avoid over-mixing to keep the patties tender. Divide the meat into 12 equal portions and gently shape them into small, flat patties slightly larger than the buns (they will shrink when cooked).

Step 3: Cook the Patties

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the patties and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. You may need to work in batches. Once done, transfer the patties to a plate to rest.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and lay the bottoms in the prepared baking dish. Place a cooked beef patty on each bottom bun, followed by a half-slice of cheddar cheese. Add your preferred toppings—pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayo, lettuce, etc. Top with the upper halves of the buns.

Step 5: Butter and Bake

Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the tops are lightly toasted.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the sliders from the oven, let them rest for a few minutes, then use a spatula to serve. These sliders are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating Leftovers

Store any leftover cheeseburger sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. To prevent sogginess, you may want to separate the buns and reheat the patties separately.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, heating in 30-second intervals, though the buns may soften more.

Freezing

Sliders can be frozen (without fresh toppings like lettuce or tomato). Wrap each slider individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen by baking at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per 1 slider, with standard toppings and cheddar cheese)

Calories: 280
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 450mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g

Nutritional values may vary based on toppings and exact ingredient brands used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best ground beef to use?

An 80/20 blend of lean to fat provides juicy, flavorful patties without being overly greasy.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties and store them in the fridge up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving.

What cheeses work besides cheddar?

American, Swiss, pepper jack, or provolone all melt well and offer great flavor.

How can I keep the buns from getting soggy?

Adding a layer of cheese or lettuce beneath the patty can help create a barrier. Also, avoid overloading with wet condiments.

Are these good for parties?

Absolutely! They’re easy to serve, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Can I use a different meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well with this recipe.

How can I make them spicy?

Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or spicy aioli to give your sliders a kick.

What side dishes go best?

Try fries, onion rings, coleslaw, potato salad, or even a green salad for balance.

Cheeseburger Sliders

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 sliders

Print Recipe

Description

Cheeseburger Sliders are juicy, cheesy, and loaded with classic burger flavor, all packed into a mini bun. Perfect for parties, game days, or casual family dinners, these sliders are fun to eat and easy to make. The golden, butter-brushed buns and gooey cheese take these small burgers to the next level.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease or line a large baking dish.
In a bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently.
Divide into 12 portions and shape into small patties.
Cook patties in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
Place bottom halves of slider buns in baking dish. Add patties, half slice of cheese, and desired toppings.
Cover with top buns. Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 5 minutes.
Let rest briefly and serve warm.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer