Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

Cheeseburger sliders are the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. These mini burgers pack all the flavor of a traditional cheeseburger into a bite-sized treat, making them ideal for parties, game day gatherings, or even a fun family dinner. Easy to make, versatile, and absolutely delicious, this cheeseburger sliders recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds. Keep reading to learn how to make the perfect cheeseburger sliders, from the ingredients to the best tips for cooking and serving!

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What Are Cheeseburger Sliders?

Cheeseburger sliders are small, handheld versions of the classic cheeseburger. Originating from the famous White Castle chain, sliders are traditionally smaller and served in soft buns, with all the essential cheeseburger ingredients like beef, cheese, pickles, and condiments. What makes cheeseburger sliders so appealing is their size, which allows you to serve them as appetizers or main dishes while still offering the classic flavors of a full-sized cheeseburger. Their versatility also makes them a popular dish to customize based on personal preferences or dietary needs.

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Ingredients List for Cheeseburger Sliders:

To make a batch of tasty cheeseburger sliders, you'll need the following ingredients:

For the Sliders:

• Ground beef (80/20) – 1 pound (for juicy, flavorful sliders)
• Cheddar cheese slices – 6 slices (or any preferred cheese)
• Slider buns – 12 soft buns (Hawaiian rolls work great)
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
• Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
• Onion powder – ½ teaspoon
• Butter – 2 tablespoons (melted, for brushing the buns)
• Diced onions – ½ cup (optional, for added flavor)
• Pickle slices – 12 pieces (for a classic burger taste)

For the Toppings:

• Ketchup – 2 tablespoons (or more to taste)
• Mustard – 2 tablespoons (or more to taste)
• Mayonnaise – Optional (for extra creaminess)
• Lettuce leaves – 6 pieces (torn into small pieces)
• Tomato slices – 6 slices (cut in half for easy fitting on sliders)
• Bacon – 4 strips (cooked crispy, then broken in halves)

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Substitutions and Variations:

One of the best things about cheeseburger sliders is how easy they are to adapt to your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Meat substitutes: For a vegetarian option, swap the ground beef for plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Cheese options: If you don’t love cheddar, feel free to switch to American, Swiss, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for a more gourmet flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps for a lower-carb and gluten-free option.
• Add some spice: Kick up the heat by adding jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese to your sliders.
• Sauce variations: Instead of traditional ketchup and mustard, try barbecue sauce, sriracha mayo, or garlic aioli to mix up the flavors.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

Follow these steps to create the perfect cheeseburger sliders that will impress any crowd:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). You can also cook the beef on the stovetop or grill, depending on your preference.
2. Prepare the ground beef: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
3. Shape the beef patties: Divide the ground beef mixture into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a small ball, then flatten it into a thin patty about the size of the slider buns.
4. Cook the patties: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are browned and cooked through. If you're using diced onions, sauté them in the same pan after the patties are done to soak up the flavor. Set the cooked patties aside on a plate.
5. Assemble the sliders: Place the slider buns on a baking sheet. Add a cooked beef patty to the bottom half of each bun, then place a slice of cheddar cheese on top. If you want to melt the cheese, place the sliders in the oven for 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese starts to melt.
6. Add the toppings: Once the cheese is melted, top each slider with your preferred condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo), pickles, lettuce, tomato, and crispy bacon.
7. Brush the buns with butter: For a golden finish, brush the tops of the slider buns with melted butter before baking. You can sprinkle a little garlic powder or sesame seeds on top for added flavor and texture.
8. Bake the sliders: Place the assembled sliders back in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and slightly toasted.
9. Serve hot: Remove the sliders from the oven, and they’re ready to serve!

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How to Cook Cheeseburger Sliders: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking cheeseburger sliders is easy and quick. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure that your sliders come out juicy and flavorful every time:

1. Season the beef properly: A mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder ensures that your beef patties are packed with flavor.
2. Cook in small batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the patties. This allows each patty to cook evenly and develop a good sear on the outside.
3. Melt the cheese perfectly: Once the patties are cooked, assembling them with cheese in the oven helps to melt the cheese just right, creating the perfect gooey texture.
4. Don’t skip the butter: Brushing the buns with butter before baking adds extra richness and helps the sliders brown beautifully.
5. Serve immediately: Cheeseburger sliders are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when they’re still warm, and the cheese is perfectly melted.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the patties: Since sliders are small, they cook quickly. Keep an eye on them and avoid overcooking to ensure they stay juicy.
• Not seasoning the beef: Proper seasoning is key to flavorful sliders. Don’t skip the seasoning step for the beef patties.
• Too much topping: It’s easy to overload sliders with toppings, but less is more. Stick to 1-2 slices of each topping to avoid overpowering the flavors.
• Using stale buns: Fresh, soft buns make a big difference in the final product. Hawaiian rolls or brioche buns are a great choice for sliders.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your cheeseburger sliders can make all the difference, especially when you’re hosting a party or gathering. Here are some tips to make your sliders stand out:

• Use a large platter: Arrange the sliders on a large serving platter for easy access. You can stack them in neat rows or create a fun, circular pattern.
• Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a little chopped parsley or green onions over the top of the sliders for a fresh pop of color.
• Serve with dipping sauces: Offering a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue, or chipotle mayo on the side can add a fun, interactive element for guests.

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How to Serve Cheeseburger Sliders

Cheeseburger sliders can be served as a main dish or as appetizers. If you’re serving them as a main course, pair them with side dishes like fries, onion rings, or a fresh salad. For a more casual appetizer or party snack, they’re perfect on their own or with a variety of dipping sauces.

Presentation Ideas for Cheeseburger Sliders:

• Skewer the sliders: Use decorative toothpicks or mini skewers to hold the sliders together and add a touch of style.
• Mini slider bar: Set up a “build-your-own slider” bar with various toppings and condiments so guests can customize their sliders to their liking.

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Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe Tips

• Prep ahead: You can shape the patties and prepare the toppings ahead of time to make assembly easier when you're ready to cook.
• Toast the buns lightly: For extra crunch, toast the slider buns before assembling to prevent sogginess.
• Use a baking sheet: Baking the sliders on a baking sheet after assembly helps melt the cheese and ensures everything is warm when serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make cheeseburger sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef patties ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, assemble and bake to warm everything up.

Can I freeze cheeseburger sliders?

Yes, you can freeze cooked patties. Just reheat them in the oven when ready to serve and assemble with fresh toppings.

What kind of cheese works best for sliders?

Cheddar, American, Swiss, and pepper jack all work great. Choose based on your flavor preference.

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Conclusion

Cheeseburger sliders are a fun, flavorful, and easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick family meal, these sliders are sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients, customizable options, and a few expert tips, you can create the perfect batch of cheeseburger sliders that everyone will love. Now, get ready to impress your guests with this ultimate recipe!

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