These Big Mac Sliders are seriously next-level. You get all the flavor of a classic Big Mac—melty cheese, pickles, seasoned beef, and that creamy special sauce—stacked inside soft slider buns, then baked to golden perfection.
They’re quick to make, super satisfying, and perfect for parties, game day, or just when you’re craving a fast-food vibe at home.
Why I Love This Recipe
I made these for a family get-together, and they were gone in minutes. Everyone wanted the recipe. It’s like biting into a mini Big Mac, but it’s homemade, fresh, and even better. I love how fun and easy it is to whip these up—and that special sauce? It’s a total game-changer.
- Super fast to make
- Tastes just like the real deal
- You can prep it ahead of time
- Feeds a crowd without fuss
- That melty cheese + sauce combo is addicting
Makes: 9 sliders
Total time: 30 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 9 slider buns (connected is best)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 slices cheddar cheese
- ½ cup dill pickle slices
- ½ cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- ¼ cup diced onion
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For the Special Sauce:
- ½ cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped pickles
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Pro Tips
- Keep the slider buns connected when assembling—it’s faster and less messy
- Use sharp cheddar for better flavor
- Warm the special sauce slightly if you want it to spread easier
- Don’t skip the butter + sesame topping—it gives that classic Big Mac feel
- Bake until cheese is fully melted for best results
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13 baking dish
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Pastry brush
- Knife and cutting board
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap cheddar for American cheese for a more classic fast-food flavor
- Use Hawaiian rolls for a slightly sweet twist
- Sub shredded lettuce for romaine or cabbage if needed
- Use turkey or plant-based ground instead of beef
Make Ahead Tips
- You can cook the beef and mix the sauce a day in advance
- Assemble sliders up to 4 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate until baking
Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Make the Special Sauce
In a small bowl, mix ½ cup mayo, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 2 tbsp finely chopped pickles, 1 tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp garlic powder until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Slice the Buns
Slice the 9 connected slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 4: Layer Beef and Cheese
Spread the cooked beef evenly over the bottom buns. Place 6 slices of cheddar cheese evenly over the meat.
Step 5: Add Pickles, Onions, Lettuce
Top cheese with ½ cup dill pickle slices, ¼ cup diced onion, and ½ cup shredded iceberg lettuce.
Step 6: Drizzle Sauce
Drizzle the special sauce over the layers evenly.
Step 7: Top and Butter
Place the top bun layer back on. Brush with 2 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle 1 tbsp sesame seeds over the top.
Step 8: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and tops are golden.
Leftovers and Storage
Wrap leftovers tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results. Avoid microwaving—they can get soggy.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The balance of fat in the beef and cheese helps everything melt and hold together perfectly. The shredded lettuce and pickles add crunch and tang, cutting through the richness. Brushing the buns with butter before baking gives that golden, crispy top—just like a Big Mac bun but better.
Common Mistakes
- Using too much sauce can make the buns soggy
- Not draining the beef will lead to greasy sliders
- Skipping the butter topping = dry buns
- Not preheating the oven can make them unevenly baked
What to Serve With
- Crispy oven fries or sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
- Dill pickle spears
- A big glass of lemonade or soda
FAQ
Can I make this with chicken?
Yep! Use cooked ground chicken or even rotisserie chicken.
Do I have to use sesame seeds?
Nope, but it gives that classic Big Mac look.
Can I freeze them?
Not really recommended—the lettuce doesn’t freeze well.
What kind of buns work best?
Connected slider buns or Hawaiian rolls are perfect.
Final Thoughts
These Big Mac Sliders are one of those “how is this so good?” recipes. You get all the flavor of your favorite fast food burger, but homemade, fresh, and totally shareable. Make a batch, enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to leave a comment if you try them—I’d love to hear how they turn out for you!