Cheeseburger Sliders – Easy McDonald’s Copycat

These baked cheeseburger sliders are a quick and super satisfying way to feed a group (or yourself, no judgment). Think soft dinner rolls, seasoned beef, melty American cheese, and a buttery garlic top — all baked together. They’re easy, affordable, and come out hot and gooey in just 30 minutes.

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Quick Summary

Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 15 mins
Flavor: Savory, cheesy, fast-food-ish but better
Great for: Late-night dinners, game night snacks, group eats

Why I Like This Recipe

Honestly? Didn’t overthink it. I had ground beef and a pack of dinner rolls that needed using. Tossed it together with cheese and a quick sauce and it hit way harder than I expected. Now it’s on repeat.

Ingredients

For the Beef Layer:

• 1 Tbsp softened butter
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• ½ white onion, finely diced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• Black pepper to taste

For the Sliders:

• 1 pack (12-count) dinner rolls (King’s Hawaiian Savory Butter is solid)
• 16 slices American cheese
• 3 Tbsp melted butter
• Garlic powder + pinch of salt
• 2 tsp sesame seeds

For the Burger Sauce:
• ½ cup mayo
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 Tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• Salt + pepper to taste

How To Make Cheeseburger Sliders 

1. Cook the beef: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a skillet, heat olive oil + butter. Add onions and cook until soft. Add ground beef and cook through. Drain excess fat.
2. Season the beef: Add garlic, mustard, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook 1–2 more minutes. Turn off heat.
3. Prep the rolls: Slice the dinner rolls horizontally (keep them connected if you want). Place bottom half in a greased or buttered baking dish.
4. Layer the cheese + beef: Lay down 8 slices of cheese, then the beef, then the other 8 slices. Place the top buns over everything.
5. Make the butter topping: Whisk melted butter with garlic powder and a pinch of salt. Brush over the top buns. Sprinkle sesame seeds.
6. Bake: Bake uncovered for 12–15 mins or until tops are golden and cheese is melted. Cover with foil if browning too fast.
7. Make the sauce: Mix all burger sauce ingredients in a bowl. Taste and adjust.

Tips for Success

• Press the beef mixture down gently when layering — helps the sliders hold together.
• Use foil toward the end if the buns brown too fast.
• Let them rest 1–2 mins before slicing — makes a cleaner cut.
• You can double the sauce and keep it in the fridge — it goes with everything.

Storage and Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil, freeze up to a month. Reheat in the oven (covered) at 325°F.
• Reheat: Best in oven at 325°F for 10 mins. Microwave works too, just softer buns.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use different cheese?
  Yep — cheddar, provolone, pepper jack all work. Just don’t skip the melt factor.
• What if I don’t like relish in the sauce?
  Leave it out or swap it with chopped pickles. Or just use mayo + ketchup.
• Do I have to bake them?
  Yes — the baking melts the cheese and seals the layers. Skipping that step changes the texture a lot.
• Can I make this ahead of time?
  You can prep everything, cover, and refrigerate. Then bake when ready.
• What’s the best roll for these?
  King’s Hawaiian Savory Butter or any soft dinner rolls. Nothing crusty.

Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them

• Overcooking the beef: Pull it once browned — it keeps cooking a bit after you add the other stuff. Dry beef = no thanks.
• Using too much beef per roll: Keep the layer even so it doesn’t spill out. These are sliders, not stacked burgers.
• Under-seasoning the meat: Add salt and pepper, then taste a tiny bite. You want flavor in every layer, not just the sauce.
• Forgetting to butter the pan: That bottom layer will stick. Grease it lightly before adding rolls.
• Over-saucing: The sauce is rich. A little goes a long way. Serve it on the side too if people want extra.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 330 kcal
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 580mg
• Potassium: 170mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 22g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 15g

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• Double Cheeseburger – Easy McDonald’s Copycat
• Triple Cheeseburger – Easy McDonald’s Copycat
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• Mini Biscuit Sliders – Easy McDonald’s Copycat