Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

This crowd-pleasing Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe is a cheesy and pull-apart party favorite, which features seasoned ground beef and soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls. It’s the ultimate game day appetizer, ready to feed a crowd with a double layer of cheese in about 35 minutes.

Jump to Recipe

Cheeseburger Sliders Ingredients

The Beef Filling:

• 1 Tbsp softened butter & 1 Tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics.
• 1/2 white onion, finely diced: Cooked down to add sweetness and texture.
• 1 lb ground beef: Use lean beef (85/15) to minimize grease, or drain well if using higher fat content.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds punch.
• Flavor Profile: 1 Tbsp yellow mustard & 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. These mimic the classic fast-food burger taste.
• Seasoning: 1/2 tsp kosher salt & Black pepper.

The Assembly:

• 1 pack (12-count) Dinner Rolls: King’s Hawaiian Savory Butter rolls are the gold standard for their sweetness and softness.
• 16 slices American Cheese: You need enough for a layer below and above the meat.
• Topping: 3 Tbsp melted butter, Garlic powder, pinch of salt, & 2 tsp sesame seeds. This creates the signature “bun” finish.

The Burger Sauce:

• 1/2 cup Mayo & 1/4 cup Ketchup: The creamy, tangy base.
• 2 Tbsp Sweet Pickle Relish: Essential for that “special sauce” vibe.
• 2 tsp Sugar & 1 tsp White Vinegar: Balances acidity and sweetness.

How To Make Cheeseburger Sliders

1. Sauté and Brown: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and softened butter. Add the finely diced onions and cook until soft and translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned. Crucial Step: Drain the excess fat thoroughly. If you leave the grease, the bottom buns will become soggy.
2. Season the Meat: To the drained beef, add the minced garlic, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 1–2 more minutes to let the flavors meld. Remove from heat.
3. Slice the Rolls: Keeping the rolls connected in one large slab, use a large serrated bread knife to slice them horizontally. Place the bottom slab into a greased or buttered baking dish (9×13 usually fits well).
4. Layer Up: Lay down 8 slices of cheese on the bottom buns (this acts as a barrier). Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the cheese. Top with the remaining 8 slices of cheese. Place the slab of top buns over the cheese.
5. Glaze: Whisk the melted butter with a dash of garlic powder and a pinch of salt. Brush this generously over the top buns. Sprinkle evenly with sesame seeds.
6. Bake: Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes. You are looking for golden brown tops and fully melted cheese cascading down the sides. If the tops brown too fast, tent loosely with foil.
7. Make the Sauce: While the sliders bake, mix the mayo, ketchup, relish, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve alongside the sliders for dipping or spreading.

Recipe Tips

• The Double Cheese Strategy: Don’t put all the cheese on top! Placing a layer of cheese under the meat helps protect the bottom bun from soaking up meat juices, keeping the slider structural.
• Keeping Rolls Connected: Do not pull the rolls apart before cooking. Slicing the entire slab horizontally allows you to assemble 12 sliders at once, keeping the beef warm and the cheese melty inside the “casserole” structure.
• Finely Diced Onions: Make sure your onions are diced very small. Large chunks of onion can make the sliders hard to bite into smoothly.
• Sauce on the Side: Don’t bake the sauce inside the slider. Mayo can separate when heated in the oven. It is much fresher and tangier served as a dip or spread on after baking.

What To Serve With Cheeseburger Sliders

• Tater Tots: The perfect crispy potato companion.
• Dill Pickle Spears: Essential acid to cut through the rich cheese and beef.
• Coleslaw: A creamy crunch on the side.
• Potato Salad: Great for a BBQ-style spread.

How To Store Cheeseburger Sliders

• Refrigerator: These are best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The buns will soften over time.
• Reheating: Reheat wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Microwaving tends to make the bread chewy and tough.

Cheeseburger Sliders Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 18g
• Protein: 14g
• Sugar: 6g

Nutrition information is estimated per slider (including sauce).

FAQs