If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for game day, potlucks, or a fuss-free family dinner, Cheeseburger Sliders are your new go-to recipe. These mini burgers pack all the savory goodness of a classic cheeseburger into bite-sized buns, with melty cheese, juicy ground beef, and a hint of caramelized onions. I’ll walk you through my foolproof method for making these irresistible sliders—they’re quick to prep, easy to customize, and guaranteed to disappear fast!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Cheeseburger Sliders are the ultimate comfort food for sharing. They’re faster to make than individual burgers, bake all at once in the oven, and stay deliciously moist thanks to a buttery glaze brushed over the tops. You can tweak the toppings to suit your cravings (hello, pickles and bacon!), and even prep them ahead of time. Plus, they’re a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 12 slider buns (like King’s Hawaiian)
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 fat ratio works best)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slices American or cheddar cheese
- 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Ingredient Prep Guide
**Onion:** Finely chop the onion so it cooks quickly and blends evenly into the beef. If you’re short on time, a food processor works great!
**Ground Beef:** Use 80/20 beef for juicier sliders. Avoid pre-formed patties—fresh beef gives better flavor.
**Cheese:** Tear cheese slices into smaller pieces for easier melting. Shredded cheese works too, but slices hold moisture better.
**Slider Buns:** Keep buns connected in one slab for easy assembly. Lightly toast them beforehand to prevent sogginess.
Equipment & Tools
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan
- Mixing bowl (for butter glaze)
- Spatula
- Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and slightly golden. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until no pink remains, then stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Drain excess grease if needed.
Cut the slab of slider buns in half horizontally (keeping them connected). Place the bottom halves in your baking dish. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the buns, then layer cheese slices on top. Add the top halves of the buns.
Mix melted butter and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Brush this generously over the tops of the buns, letting some drip down the sides. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 5–7 minutes until the tops are golden. Let cool slightly before slicing into individual sliders.
Key Details
Total Time: 40 mins (Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins)
🍽️ Servings: 6 people (2 sliders each)
⚙️ Equipment: Skillet, baking dish, spatula, pastry brush
Serving Suggestions
Pair these sliders with crispy fries, tangy pickle spears, or a simple side salad. For parties, arrange them on a platter with bowls of ketchup, mustard, and ranch for dipping. They’re also great with a drizzle of burger sauce (mayo + ketchup + relish) on top!
Pro Tips
**Perfect Melt:** Cover the sliders with foil during the first half of baking. This traps steam, ensuring the cheese gets extra gooey and the buns stay soft.
**Flavor Boost:** Stir 1 tbsp of barbecue sauce or pickle juice into the butter glaze for a tangy twist.
**Make-Ahead Hack:** Assemble the sliders (without baking) up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the fridge and bake just before serving.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10–12 minutes (wrap in foil to keep moisture) or microwave for 20–30 seconds. For crispier buns, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat.
Troubleshooting
**Dry Beef?** Avoid overcooking the meat in the skillet—it should still release a little juice. If your beef is lean, add 1 tbsp of beef broth when baking.
**Soggy Buns?** Lightly toast the buns before assembling, and don’t skip the butter glaze—it creates a moisture barrier.
**Cheese Not Melting?** Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded (which contains anti-caking agents). Covering with foil while baking helps too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Just add 1 tbsp of olive oil to the turkey while cooking to keep it moist.
Can I freeze cheeseburger sliders?
Yes! Assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed (add 5 extra minutes).
What’s the best way to cut sliders without squishing them?
Use a sharp serrated knife and saw gently through the buns after baking. Let them cool for 5 minutes first.
Cheeseburger Sliders
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns like King’s Hawaiian
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 fat ratio works best
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slices American or cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp sesame seeds optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and slightly golden. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until no pink remains, then stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Cut the slab of slider buns in half horizontally (keeping them connected). Place the bottom halves in your baking dish. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the buns, then layer cheese slices on top. Add the top halves of the buns.
- Mix melted butter and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Brush this generously over the tops of the buns, letting some drip down the sides. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake another 5–7 minutes until the tops are golden. Let cool slightly before slicing into individual sliders.
