These cheeseburger sliders are the ultimate easy, cheesy, juicy party food. They’re bite-sized, super satisfying, and always the first to disappear when I bring them to any gathering.
The buns get golden and toasty, the cheese melts perfectly, and that savory seasoned beef hits all the right notes.
They come together fast, and they’re great for dinner, game day, or casual hangouts. You’re gonna love how simple and tasty these are.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve made these sliders more times than I can count—for potlucks, birthday parties, and lazy Friday nights. The best part? You can prep everything ahead, and they bake all together in one dish. They’re a total crowd-pleaser.
- Everything bakes in one pan
- Gooey cheese in every bite
- Super quick to prep
- Toasty, buttery buns
- Easy to make for a group
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juicy sliders)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 6 slices cheddar cheese (or American cheese)
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
- ½ cup finely shredded lettuce
- ¼ cup sliced pickles
- 2 tbsp mayo
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- Non-stick spray
Pro Tips
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Don’t skip the onion—it adds tons of flavor.
- Press the beef flat and evenly so it cooks uniformly.
- Brushing the tops with butter gives that irresistible golden crust.
- You can wrap the leftovers in foil and reheat in the oven to keep the buns crisp.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13 baking dish
- Medium skillet
- Spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Basting brush
- Small bowls for prep
- Aluminum foil
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap cheddar for American, Swiss, or pepper jack.
- Add crispy bacon before baking.
- Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Add a thin slice of tomato or sautéed mushrooms inside.
Make Ahead Tips
- You can cook the beef mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
- Assemble everything but don’t bake—wrap the dish in foil and refrigerate up to 1 day.
- Brush butter and add sesame seeds right before baking.
Cheeseburger Slider Recipe (Makes 12 sliders, serves 6)
Total Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef, 1 small finely diced onion, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder until fully browned, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Prep the Bun Base
Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray. Slice the 12 slider buns in half horizontally (keep tops and bottoms connected), then place the bottom half in the baking dish.
Step 3: Add the Cooked Beef
Evenly spread the cooked beef and onion mixture over the bottom buns.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Lay 6 slices of cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
Step 5: Add Pickles and Lettuce
Sprinkle ¼ cup sliced pickles and ½ cup finely shredded lettuce over the cheese layer.
Step 6: Spread Mayo and Ketchup on Top Buns
On the inside of the top buns, spread 2 tbsp mayo and 1 tbsp ketchup evenly. Then place the top buns back on.
Step 7: Butter and Top with Sesame Seeds
Brush the tops with 2 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds.
Step 8: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5 more minutes until tops are golden and cheese is melted.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 8 minutes or until warmed through.
- You can also reheat in a toaster oven to keep them crispy.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The sliders bake as one whole piece, so the heat circulates evenly, keeping everything warm and gooey inside while the tops get crispy. Using 80/20 beef gives you that juicy burger flavor, and spreading the butter on top before baking helps the buns toast without drying out.
Common Mistakes
- Not draining the beef: You don’t want soggy buns.
- Overstuffing: Keep the layers flat so the top bun doesn’t slide off.
- Skipping the foil: The first bake steams everything together—foil is key!
- Uneven cheese slices: Make sure it covers the beef layer edge to edge.
What to Serve With
- Crinkle-cut fries or sweet potato fries
- Simple garden salad
- Coleslaw
- Chips and dip
- Pickle spears
FAQ
Can I freeze them?
Yes! Wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven straight from frozen.
Can I use ground turkey?
Absolutely. Just make sure to season it well since it’s leaner.
Do I need to use lettuce and pickles?
Nope, totally optional—but they add great crunch and flavor.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but slices melt more evenly for this recipe.
Final Thoughts
These cheeseburger sliders are quick, super satisfying, and always a hit. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something fun for dinner, these are the way to go. Give them a try and drop a comment to let me know how they turned out—or if you made any fun twists!