Introduction:
Baked Cheeseburger Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish, perfect for game days, parties, or family gatherings. These mini burgers pack all the classic cheeseburger flavors into an easy-to-prepare recipe that everyone will love. With juicy beef, melty cheese, and soft slider buns, these sliders are sure to be a hit!
Inspiration Behind the Recipe:
Inspired by the love for classic cheeseburgers, this slider version allows you to serve up the flavors in a fun and shareable way. They are simple to make, can be prepared in advance, and are perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients Breakdown:
- For the Sliders:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for optimal flavor and juiciness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls or your choice)
- 6 slices of American cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Beef Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, but do not overwork the meat.
- Shape the Patties:
- Divide the beef mixture into 12 equal portions and form small patties, slightly smaller than the slider buns as they will shrink while cooking.
- Cook the Patties:
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the patties for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned but not fully cooked through. They will finish cooking in the oven.
- Assemble the Sliders:
- Slice the slider buns in half, keeping them attached. Place the bottom half in the greased baking dish. Lay the cooked patties on top of the bottom buns, then place a slice of cheese on each patty.
- Top with Buns:
- Place the top half of the buns over the cheese-topped patties.
- Prepare the Butter Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Brush the mixture over the tops of the buns. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top, if desired.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve:
- Let the sliders cool for a few minutes before slicing them apart. Serve warm with your favorite condiments and toppings.
Tips for the Perfect Baked Cheeseburger Sliders:
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Since the patties will cook further in the oven, remove them from the skillet while they are still slightly undercooked.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated cheese and high-quality beef will make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Add More Toppings: Feel free to customize with toppings like pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, or special sauces.
Variations and Customizations:
- Cheesy Bacon Sliders: Add cooked bacon on top of the cheese for extra flavor.
- BBQ Sliders: Mix BBQ sauce into the beef mixture for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Veggie Sliders: Substitute beef with black bean patties or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
- Lean Protein Option: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Whole Wheat Buns: Opt for whole wheat slider buns for added fiber and nutrients.
FAQ:
- Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook. Assemble and bake just before serving. - How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. - Can I freeze Baked Cheeseburger Sliders?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled sliders before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Baked Cheeseburger Sliders
Enjoy the deliciousness of Baked Cheeseburger Sliders, perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner. These easy-to-make mini burgers are cheesy, flavorful, and sure to please everyone at the table!
Ingredients
For the Cheeseburger Sliders:
- 1 medium yellow or red onion
- 6 ounces medium cheddar cheese about 1 1/2 cups shredded
- 3 teaspoons neutral oil such as canola or vegetable, divided
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 12-ounce package Hawaiian sweet rolls (such as King’s)
- 8 slices American cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil
- 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds
For the Burger Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 to 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Make the Cheeseburger Sliders:
Preheat the Oven:
- Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat it to 350°F.
Cook the Onions:
- Halve and thinly slice 1 medium yellow or red onion (about 2 cups).
- Grate 6 ounces of medium cheddar cheese (about 1 1/2 cups).
- Heat 2 teaspoons of the neutral oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering.
- Add the onions and cook until charred in spots, about 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer the onions to a plate and set aside.
Cook the Beef:
- Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil to the pan.
- Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon into small pieces, until cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of mustard, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until browned in spots, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Sliders:
- Without separating the rolls, cut the package of Hawaiian sweet rolls in half horizontally using a serrated knife.
- Place the bottom half of the rolls in a small rimmed baking sheet (11×7-inch) or a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer 8 slices of American cheese evenly over the bottom half of the rolls, overlapping as needed.
- Top with the cooked onions, followed by the beef mixture.
- Sprinkle with the shredded cheddar cheese and add 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles.
- Place the top half of the rolls over the pickles, cut-side down.
Bake the Sliders:
- Brush 1 tablespoon of melted butter or olive oil over the top of the rolls and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of sesame seeds.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bun tops are toasted.
Make the Burger Sauce:
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, and 1 tablespoon yellow mustard.
- Stir to combine and taste. Add up to 1 more tablespoon of mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper as needed.
Serve:
- Serve the burger sauce alongside the sliders for dipping.
Notes
- Make Ahead: The onions and beef can be cooked up to 1 day ahead and stored separately in airtight containers. Reheat before assembling the sliders.
- The burger sauce can be made up to 4 days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container.
Storage:
- Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
