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Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

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4.3 from 12 reviews

These Cheeseburger Sliders are a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make appetizer or snack, perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Juicy, seasoned ground beef is layered with cheddar cheese and creamy mayo on soft dinner rolls, then baked until the cheese melts and the tops turn golden with a buttery, sesame seed crust. Ready in just 30 minutes and serving 24, these sliders combine classic cheeseburger flavors in a convenient, bite-sized form.

Ingredients

Meat & Seasoning

  • 2 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7 fat content)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 large yellow onion, finely diced

Dairy & Condiments

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 8 slices medium cheddar cheese
  • 6 oz medium cheddar, shredded (or extra sliced cheese)
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus more to grease baking sheet)

Bread & Toppings

  • 24 dinner rolls (or 2 packs of 12)
  • 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1/2 Tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter the bottom of a rimmed baking sheet thoroughly to prevent sticking and add flavor to the slider bottoms.
  2. Cook the Onions and Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the finely diced onion first, cooking until softened and fragrant. Then add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Continue sautéing until the beef is fully cooked but not browned excessively. Remove from heat.
  3. Drain Excess Fat and Mix in Mayo: Tilt the skillet carefully to spoon off and discard any excess fat from the cooked ground beef mixture. Stir in 1/4 cup of mayonnaise until well combined, which adds creaminess and moisture to the beef.
  4. Assemble the Sliders: Slice all dinner rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves on the buttered baking sheet in a single layer. Top each bottom bun with one slice of cheddar cheese, spreading evenly across the bread. Distribute the beef mixture evenly over the cheese layer, using the back of a spatula to square off the edges for neat presentation. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the beef for extra cheesiness.
  5. Add Tops and Prepare for Baking: Place the top halves of the buns cut-side down over the cheese layers on each slider. Brush the tops generously with the melted butter to help them brown and add flavor. Immediately sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the buttery tops.
  6. Bake the Sliders: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tops of the buns are golden brown. This finishes cooking the sliders and melds all the flavors beautifully.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to minimize excess grease and keep sliders from being too oily.
  • Feel free to switch out cheddar for your favorite cheese like American, Swiss, or pepper jack for variation.
  • Adding mayonnaise to the beef mixture makes the sliders extra juicy and rich.
  • Butter the baking sheet and brush tops with butter for the best golden crust and to prevent sticking.
  • Cooking time can vary slightly depending on oven accuracy; watch for golden tops and melted cheese as signs of doneness.
  • These sliders are great for make-ahead; assemble then refrigerate before baking.
  • For added flavor, consider adding pickles or a slice of tomato before topping with the bun.