Introduction
Mini Cheeseburger Sliders are the perfect bite-sized version of a classic cheeseburger, packed with flavor and ideal for any occasion. These juicy, cheesy sliders are made with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and soft slider buns, making them a crowd-pleasing favorite.
I first made these sliders for a game day party, and they were such a hit that I’ve been making them ever since. The combination of tender, perfectly seasoned beef and gooey melted cheese makes each slider a satisfying treat. Plus, they’re super easy to assemble—just cook the beef, top with cheese, and slide them into those soft buns. For added flavor, I like to throw on some pickles, onions, or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard.
Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a backyard barbecue, or a casual family dinner, these sliders are easy to make and guaranteed to disappear fast. They’re the perfect little bite of cheeseburger goodness!
Perfect for:
- Game day snacks
- Party appetizers
- Family dinners
- Backyard barbecues
- Quick and easy meals
Why You’ll Love This Mini Cheeseburger Sliders
Here’s why Mini Cheeseburger Sliders will become a go-to favorite:
- Juicy and Flavorful: The seasoned beef patties are perfectly juicy and packed with flavor in every bite.
- Melted Cheese: Each slider is topped with gooey, melted cheese for a rich and satisfying taste.
- Bite-Sized and Fun: Their mini size makes them perfect for parties, kids, and casual gatherings.
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and easy steps, these sliders come together in no time.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite toppings, sauces, and seasonings to make them your own.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
- Servings: 12 sliders
- Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 12g
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Mini Cheeseburger Sliders:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for best juiciness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 12 slider buns
- 6 slices cheddar cheese, cut in half
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- ¼ cup diced onions (optional)
- 12 pickle slices (optional)
- Ketchup, mustard, or mayo for serving
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Beef: Using an 80/20 blend ensures juicy and flavorful patties.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a depth of umami flavor that enhances the beef.
- Cheese: Classic cheddar melts beautifully, but you can also use American, Swiss, or pepper jack.
- Slider Buns: Soft, mini-sized buns hold everything together without overpowering the flavors.
- Butter: Brushing the buns with melted butter enhances their flavor and gives them a golden finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Beef Patties:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if toasting the buns.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the beef mixture into 12 equal portions and shape them into small, flat patties slightly larger than the slider buns (they will shrink slightly when cooked).
Cook the Patties:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. If using onions, sauté them in the pan alongside the patties.
- During the last minute of cooking, place a half-slice of cheese on each patty and cover the pan with a lid to help the cheese melt.
Assemble the Sliders:
- If desired, lightly toast the slider buns in the oven for 3-5 minutes or in a skillet for extra texture.
- Spread ketchup, mustard, or mayo on the bottom buns.
- Place the cooked patties on top, followed by pickles or sautéed onions if using.
- Cover with the top buns and brush lightly with melted butter. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately while warm with fries, chips, or a side salad.
How to Serve Mini Cheeseburger Sliders
Mini Cheeseburger Sliders can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
- As a Party Appetizer: Serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
- With a Side of Fries: Classic French fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings make a perfect pairing.
- At a BBQ: Add these sliders to your grilling lineup for a bite-sized option.
- With Dipping Sauces: Serve with ketchup, mustard, mayo, or a special burger sauce.
- For a Family Meal: Serve with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables.
Additional Tips for Mini Cheeseburger Sliders
Follow these tips for the best Mini Cheeseburger Sliders:
- Use Fresh Ground Beef: For the juiciest sliders, use fresh (not previously frozen) ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio.
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: Gently mix the seasonings into the beef to keep the patties tender.
- Press a Small Indentation: Use your thumb to make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toasting the buns helps them hold up to the juicy patties and toppings.
- Keep the Patties Uniform: Making the patties the same size ensures even cooking.
- Serve Immediately: These sliders taste best when eaten fresh and hot.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can form the patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking.
- Pickles: A slice of pickle on each slider adds the perfect tang and crunch, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Make Patties Evenly Sized: Use a cookie cutter or your hands to shape uniformly sized patties so they cook evenly.
- Don’t Overcook the Meat: Mini patties cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid dryness. Aim for medium or medium-rare for the best texture.
- Keep Warm: After assembling, keep your sliders warm in a low-temperature oven (about 200°F) until ready to serve.
Recipe Variations for Mini Cheeseburger Sliders
Here are 10 fun variations for Mini Cheeseburger Sliders:
- Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders: Add crispy bacon for extra flavor and crunch.
- BBQ Sliders: Swap ketchup for BBQ sauce and add caramelized onions.
- Spicy Jalapeño Sliders: Add sliced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
- Mushroom Swiss Sliders: Top with sautéed mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese.
- Blue Cheese Sliders: Use blue cheese crumbles for a bold, tangy twist.
- Hawaiian Sliders: Use Hawaiian sweet rolls and add a slice of grilled pineapple.
- Buffalo Sliders: Toss the patties in buffalo sauce and top with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Italian Sliders: Add marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a pizza-inspired burger.
- Breakfast Sliders: Top with a fried egg and crispy bacon for a breakfast-style burger.
- Veggie Sliders: Use a plant-based patty or portobello mushroom instead of beef.
Freezing and Storage for Mini Cheeseburger Sliders
- Freezing: Cooked patties can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then wrap individually and store in an airtight container. Reheat in a skillet or oven before serving.
- Storage: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven for the best texture.
Special Equipment for Mini Cheeseburger Sliders
These tools will help make preparing Mini Cheeseburger Sliders easier:
- Mini Burger Press – For shaping consistent, small burger patties.
- Griddle or Grill Pan – For cooking the sliders evenly.
- Slider Buns – Small, soft buns that are perfect for mini sliders.
- Toaster or Oven – For toasting the buns to perfection.
- Cheese Slicer – For cutting small slices of cheese to fit the mini patties.
- Slotted Spoon – Useful for draining grease from the cooked patties.
- Meat Thermometer – To ensure your burgers are cooked to your desired doneness.
- Basting Brush – For applying sauces or butter to the buns.
- Small Tongs – To handle the mini patties without breaking them.
- Serving Tray – For presenting the sliders in an attractive way.
Frequently Asked Questions for Mini Cheeseburger Sliders
- Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can form the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook. - What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar, American, Swiss, or pepper jack all work great. - Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great leaner alternative. - How do I prevent the patties from shrinking?
Make them slightly larger than the bun and press a small indentation in the center before cooking. - Can I cook these on the grill?
Absolutely! Just cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
Mini Cheeseburger Sliders
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Mini Cheeseburger Sliders are the perfect bite-sized version of a classic cheeseburger, packed with flavor and ideal for any occasion. These juicy, cheesy sliders are made with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and soft slider buns, making them a crowd-pleasing favorite. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a backyard barbecue, or a casual family dinner, these sliders are easy to make and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for best juiciness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 12 slider buns
- 6 slices cheddar cheese, cut in half
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- ¼ cup diced onions (optional)
- 12 pickle slices (optional)
- Ketchup, mustard, or mayo for serving
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Beef: Using an 80/20 blend ensures juicy and flavorful patties.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a depth of umami flavor that enhances the beef.
- Cheese: Classic cheddar melts beautifully, but you can also use American, Swiss, or pepper jack.
- Slider Buns: Soft, mini-sized buns hold everything together without overpowering the flavors.
- Butter: Brushing the buns with melted butter enhances their flavor and gives them a golden finish.
Instructions
Prepare the Beef Patties:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if toasting the buns.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the beef mixture into 12 equal portions and shape them into small, flat patties slightly larger than the slider buns (they will shrink slightly when cooked).
Cook the Patties:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. If using onions, sauté them in the pan alongside the patties.
- During the last minute of cooking, place a half-slice of cheese on each patty and cover the pan with a lid to help the cheese melt.
Assemble the Sliders:
- If desired, lightly toast the slider buns in the oven for 3-5 minutes or in a skillet for extra texture.
- Spread ketchup, mustard, or mayo on the bottom buns.
- Place the cooked patties on top, followed by pickles or sautéed onions if using.
- Cover with the top buns and brush lightly with melted butter. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately while warm with fries, chips, or a side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 200-250 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 12g
Conclusion
Mini Cheeseburger Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing bite-sized burgers, packed with juicy, cheesy goodness. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re making them for game day, a backyard cookout, or a simple family meal, these sliders will always be a hit!
This recipe is as simple as it is delicious, making it perfect for everything from casual get-togethers to more festive occasions. Whether you’re serving them at a party or just enjoying them with loved ones, these mini cheeseburgers are guaranteed to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
I’d love to see how your Mini Cheeseburger Sliders turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your tasty creations. Happy cooking!