Cheeseburger Sliders are little bites of classic comfort food that are hard to resist. They feature juicy mini beef patties topped with melty cheese, all nestled inside soft, buttery slider buns. These tiny burgers pack all the best flavors of a big cheeseburger but in a perfectly snackable size that’s great for sharing or casual gatherings.
I love making cheeseburger sliders when I want something fun and easy to serve for friends or family. They’re a big hit with kids and adults alike, and I find that they come together really quickly. My favorite tip is to add a little pickle or special sauce to each slider for an extra pop of flavor—it makes every bite a little more exciting without any extra fuss.
When I serve these sliders, I usually pair them with crispy fries or a simple side salad for a straightforward meal that feels satisfying but not heavy. They’re great for game days, parties, or just a weekend dinner at home. Anytime I make these cheeseburger sliders, I know I’m in for a tasty, no-hassle meal that everyone will ask for again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: I suggest using an 80/20 mix for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer leaner meat, try 90/10 but watch out for drier sliders. For a twist, ground turkey or chicken can work too.
Cheddar cheese: Cheddar melts nicely and gives great flavor. If cheddar is not your favorite, try American, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese. For a sharp bite, pepper jack is a fun alternative.
Slider buns: Soft dinner rolls are ideal because they stay tender but hold up well. If you can’t find rolls, mini burger buns or Hawaiian rolls are excellent substitutes that add a slight sweetness.
Butter and seasonings: Butter brushed on the buns brings a golden, rich finish. If butter isn’t available, olive oil can work. I also like adding garlic powder to the beef for extra flavor, but this is optional.
How Do You Get Juicy, Flavorful Mini Beef Patties?
Making juicy burger patties in small sizes can be tricky. Here are some tips I follow:
- Use ground beef with at least 20% fat content to keep the patties moist.
- Mix seasonings gently into the meat to avoid dense burgers.
- Form patties slightly larger than the buns; they’ll shrink as they cook.
- Cook on medium-high heat quickly to get a good sear that locks juices inside.
- Don’t press down on patties while cooking—that squeezes out moisture.
Following these steps helps keep your sliders tender and packed with flavor every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet or griddle – I recommend a heavy-bottomed skillet for evenly browning the patties and melting the cheese.
- Baking sheet – useful for warming the buns and melting the cheese at the same time.
- Brush or spoon – to lightly coat the buns with melted butter for a golden finish.
- Spatula – essential for flipping the patties carefully without breaking them.
- Measuring spoons – for precise seasoning and butter portioning.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Meat options: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for dietary preferences or different flavors.
- Cheeses: Use pepper jack for some heat, Swiss for a milder taste, or blue cheese crumbles for a bold twist.
- Extra toppings: Add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or crispy bacon on top for more flavor and texture.
- Seasoning ideas: Mix in herbs like thyme or rosemary, or add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to boost the savory flavor of your patties.
How to Make Cheeseburger Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sliders:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 6 slider buns (soft dinner rolls or mini burger buns)
- 6 slices cheddar cheese (cut in half if buns are very small)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Coarse sea salt for topping buns (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Pickles
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayonnaise
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced onions
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 to 15 minutes to cook, including warming the buns in the oven. It’s quick and perfect when you want a tasty meal in about half an hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Patties:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Don’t overmix! Divide the meat into 6 equal parts and shape each into small patties slightly bigger than your slider buns—they shrink when cooking.
2. Cook the Patties and Melt Cheese:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each patty for about 3 minutes on one side until nicely browned, then flip and cook 2 more minutes. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt for 1–2 minutes.
3. Assemble and Bake the Sliders:
While the cheese melts, slice the slider buns in half if they aren’t already. Place the bottom bun halves on a baking sheet. Lightly brush with melted butter. Place the cheesy patties on the buns. Add any toppings you like—pickles, ketchup, lettuce, and more. Top with the bun tops, brush them with butter, and sprinkle coarse sea salt if desired.
Bake the assembled sliders for about 5 minutes in your preheated oven to warm the buns and let everything meld together.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the sliders from the oven and serve them warm. These juicy, cheesy mini burgers are perfect for parties, game days, or a fun family meal!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for These Sliders?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the ground beef in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and juicy patties.
Can I Make Cheeseburger Sliders Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the patties and assemble the sliders up to a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake or reheat just before serving to keep the buns fresh.
How Should I Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the buns soft and the cheese melty.
What Are Some Good Substitutions for Slider Buns?
If slider buns are unavailable, soft dinner rolls, Hawaiian rolls, or small brioche buns work great as substitutes and add delicious flavors and textures to your sliders.