Get ready to meet your new favorite party food: these incredible Cheeseburger Sliders. Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and tangy pickles all nestled in soft, toasted Hawaiian rolls, and brushed with a savory butter topping. They pack all the classic flavor of a full-sized cheeseburger into a fun, shareable, pull-apart package. Whether you’re planning for game day, a family dinner, or a backyard BBQ, this easy recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.
These aren’t just any sliders; they are the ultimate appetizer. They are incredibly simple to assemble, making them perfect for a quick weeknight meal, but impressive enough to serve to guests. Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible bites.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Cheeseburger Sliders
There are so many reasons to adore this recipe, but here are just a few that will get you heading to the kitchen.
- Perfect for a Crowd: This recipe easily doubles or triples, making it the ideal choice for feeding a hungry group without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Classic Flavors: We’ve captured the nostalgic, comforting taste of a classic American cheeseburger in a bite-sized form that kids and adults will love.
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have these baked cheeseburger sliders ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic base. You can easily add your favorite toppings like bacon, different cheeses, or a special sauce to make them your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick rundown of the simple ingredients required to make these mouthwatering ground beef sliders. The full measurements are in the recipe card below.
For the Sliders:
- Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend provides the perfect balance of flavor and moisture.
- Onion: Finely diced yellow onion adds a classic, savory base.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This is the secret ingredient for a deep, umami-rich beef flavor.
- Seasonings: A simple mix of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder is all you need.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sliced sharp cheddar cheese provides the perfect melt and tangy flavor. You can also use American cheese for a classic gooey texture.
- Dill Pickles: Sliced dill pickles add that essential tangy crunch.
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: A 12-pack of King’s Hawaiian rolls or a similar brand is the classic choice for their soft texture and hint of sweetness.
For the Savory Butter Topping:
- Butter: Melted salted butter forms the base of our delicious topping.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a little tang and complexity.
- Onion Powder: Reinforces the savory flavor profile.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkled on top to mimic a classic cheeseburger bun.
How to Make Cheeseburger Sliders (Step-by-Step)
Making these pull-apart cheeseburger sliders is incredibly easy. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time.
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, carefully slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without separating the individual rolls. Place the bottom half in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Season the Filling: Stir the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder into the cooked beef. Let it simmer for a minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Assemble the Sliders: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the bottom slab of rolls. Layer the cheddar cheese slices on top of the beef, followed by a layer of dill pickle slices. Place the top half of the rolls over the pickles.
- Add the Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, and onion powder. Brush this savory mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the sliders are heated through. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to get the tops golden brown and toasty.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Tips for the BEST Baked Cheeseburger Sliders
Want to ensure your sliders are absolutely perfect? Follow these pro tips.
- Toast the Buns: For extra protection against sogginess, you can lightly toast the bottom buns in the oven for 2-3 minutes before adding the beef mixture.
- Drain the Grease Thoroughly: Don’t skip this step! Removing excess grease from the beef is crucial for preventing a soggy bottom.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the sliders. You want the cheese melted and the tops golden, but overbaking can dry them out.
- Serve with a Special Sauce: Mix up a quick “secret sauce” with mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish to serve alongside for dipping.
Fun Cheeseburger Slider Variations
While the classic recipe is a winner, feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders: Add a layer of crispy, crumbled bacon on top of the cheese before baking.
- Spicy Sliders: Mix in some diced jalapeños with the ground beef or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
- BBQ Sliders: Stir a few tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce into the cooked ground beef for a smoky twist.
What to Serve with Your Sliders
These cheeseburger sliders are a meal on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with classic sides. Complete your meal with a refreshing creamy cucumber salad, a classic macaroni salad, or a hearty scoop of slow-cooker cowboy beans. French fries or onion rings are always a fantastic choice, too.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, it’s best to warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This helps keep the buns from getting soggy, which can happen in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheeseburger Sliders
Yes, you can assemble the sliders a few hours ahead of time. Prepare them up to the point of baking, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the initial covered baking time to ensure they are heated through.
We recommend sharp cheddar cheese for a great tangy flavor and good melting quality. However, American cheese is a fantastic option for an extra gooey, classic cheeseburger melt. Provolone or pepper jack also work well for different flavor profiles.
These sliders pair wonderfully with classic cookout sides like French fries, tater tots, onion rings, macaroni salad, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
The best way to prevent soggy buns is to drain the grease from the cooked ground beef very thoroughly. For extra protection, you can also lightly toast the bottom half of the buns in the oven for 2-3 minutes before adding the beef mixture.
The Ultimate Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe
Cheeseburger Sliders: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Without separating the rolls, slice the slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until beef is browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the bottom buns. Top with cheddar cheese slices, then with dill pickle slices.
- Place the top half of the rolls on top.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, and onion powder. Brush the mixture over the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to toast the tops.
- Let cool slightly before cutting and serving.
Notes
To prevent soggy bottoms, you can lightly toast the bottom buns for 2-3 minutes before adding the beef mixture.
Pin This Recipe!
If you loved these Cheeseburger Sliders as much as we do, don’t forget to save this recipe! Pin it to your favorite board on Pinterest to easily find it later. Your friends and family will thank you!
