If you are craving a bite-sized burst of burger flavor that’s perfect for parties, game days, or just a fun family dinner, this Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine juicy ground beef simmered with fire roasted tomatoes and tangy Dijon mustard, all nestled between soft slider buns layered with melty American cheese and a flavorful buttery glaze. These sliders are not only easy to make but also packed with layers of deliciousness that make every bite addictive. Whether you’re a burger fanatic or looking to impress guests with minimal fuss, this Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe is the perfect way to deliver big taste in a small, irresistible package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your sliders. From the caramelized onions to the melty cheese and the toasted sesame seed tops, every component is essential for creating those mouthwatering bite-sized burgers.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the onions to sweet, fragrant perfection without overpowering the meat.
- Diced onion: Adds savory depth and natural sweetness to the beef mixture.
- Ground beef: The hearty base of the sliders providing juiciness and rich flavor.
- Fire roasted tomatoes: Bring a smoky, robust flavor and a splash of vibrant color.
- Dijon mustard (3 teaspoons, divided): Adds a tangy kick that brightens up the meat and the butter glaze.
- Worcestershire sauce (3 teaspoons, divided): Enhances umami depth both inside the beef and on the slider tops.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and elevate all other flavors.
- Slider rolls (12): Soft, small buns that cradle all that burger goodness perfectly.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Adds creamy moisture and richness on the bottom roll.
- American cheese slices (14): Melts beautifully to tie all the ingredients together with gooey deliciousness.
- Butter (¼ cup, melted): Used to create a golden, flavorful topping on the buns.
- Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon): Provide a toasty crunch and a classic burger look.
How to Make Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the baking dish and cook the aromatics
Begin by heating your oven to a cozy 350°F and give your 9×13-inch pan a quick spray with cooking spray to keep the sliders from sticking. While the oven warms, heat olive oil in a saute pan and cook the diced onions until they become fragrant and tender, about 4 minutes. This soft, sweet base brings a wonderful flavor punch to the meat that will build the heart of your sliders.
Step 2: Brown the ground beef
Add the ground beef to the onions and cook it until no longer pink, ensuring it’s broken into small pieces that will create those irresistible meaty layers inside each slider. Properly cooked beef here means juicy and flavorful every time you bite.
Step 3: Add flavor and simmer
Stir in the fire roasted tomatoes, 1 teaspoon each of Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, plus salt and pepper. Let this mixture simmer gently until almost all the moisture evaporates, concentrating the flavors perfectly. This step transforms simple beef into a rich, savory filling that keeps your sliders far from ordinary.
Step 4: Assemble the sliders
Slice your slider rolls in half horizontally and place the bottoms snugly into your prepared pan. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on each bottom bun—this adds creamy moisture that keeps every bite juicy. Next, top with some slices of American cheese, then add the beef mixture. Finish the layering with the remaining cheese slices and cover with the top halves of the slider buns. This layering ensures gooey melted cheese and beefiness spread evenly throughout.
Step 5: Add the buttery glaze and sesame seeds
Combine melted butter with the remaining Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Brush this flavorful butter mixture generously over the tops of your slider buns, then sprinkle with sesame seeds. This step gives you the golden, shiny finish and toasty crunch that make these sliders so visually inviting and delicious.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Cover your pan with foil and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld beautifully. Then remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 5 minutes to brown and crisp the tops just right. When your kitchen fills with that inviting aroma, you’ll know your sliders are ready to eat!
Step 7: Serve and enjoy
Pull your sliders out of the oven, let them cool just enough to handle, and get ready to dive into those perfect, cheesy little burgers. Serve immediately while warm and melty for the ultimate eating experience.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
These sliders are fantastic on their own but bringing in extras like sliced pickles, crisp lettuce, or a few thin tomato slices can add freshness and a satisfying crunch. A dash of ketchup or mustard on the side lets everyone customize their own little sandwiches just the way they like.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe with classic sides like crispy French fries, onion rings, or a fresh coleslaw. Light salads with a tangy vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy sliders. Whatever you choose, aim for something that balances the warm, savory flavors on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings and game days, arrange the sliders on a wooden serving board with small bowls of assorted toppings and dips nearby. This lets guests build or top their sliders however they want, adding a playful and interactive element. You can also thread them on decorative skewers for easy grab-and-go fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They stay moist and flavorful, making for a perfect quick lunch or snack the next day. Just keep the buns wrapped tightly to maintain their softness.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked sliders by wrapping the entire pan tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then proceed with baking as usual. This is a fantastic way to prep ahead for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, wrap your leftover sliders in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This gentle reheating melts the cheese again and refreshes the bun’s softness without drying anything out. Skip the microwave for best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great leaner alternative. Just keep in mind these meats are milder in flavor, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning or Worcestershire sauce to keep that savory punch.
What kind of cheese works best for these sliders?
American cheese is classic for its creamy melting quality and mild taste, but feel free to experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss if you want a different cheese vibe. Just pick one that melts well to keep the sliders gooey and delicious.
Can I make these sliders gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap the slider rolls for gluten-free buns or small gluten-free rolls. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free, just check your Worcestershire sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free certified.
How spicy is this Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe?
It’s pretty mild with just a subtle tang from the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. If you want a bit of heat, you can add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the beef mixture.
Can I prepare these sliders for a large crowd?
Yes! This recipe scales up well. Just multiply the ingredients accordingly and use larger pans or bake in batches. These sliders are perfect for feeding a hungry group with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about these bite-sized bundles of joy that makes the Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe a true keeper in any kitchen. They blend simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish that feels indulgent without requiring hours of prep. Whether for a casual night in or your next celebration, these sliders are guaranteed to get everyone smiling and asking for seconds. So go ahead, make a batch and share the love — your taste buds and your friends will thank you!
Print
Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
Description
These Cheeseburger Sliders are a savory and easy-to-make party favorite, featuring juicy ground beef cooked with fire-roasted tomatoes, tangy mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Layered with melted American cheese and mayo on soft slider rolls, then brushed with a flavorful butter glaze and baked to perfection, they make the perfect handheld bite-size cheeseburger.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1/2 cup Diced onion
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1 cup Fire roasted tomatoes
- 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard (divided)
- 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 12 Slider rolls
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 14 slices American cheese
- 1/4 cup Butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Heat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Onions and Beef: Warm the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until fragrant and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring, until no longer pink.
- Simmer Beef Mixture: Stir in fire-roasted tomatoes, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture until most of the moisture evaporates and beef is thickened, scraping occasionally.
- Assemble Sliders: Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in the prepared baking pan. Spread mayonnaise evenly over the bottom rolls. Layer half of the American cheese slices on top of the mayo, then add the cooked beef mixture. Top with the remaining cheese slices and place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese.
- Prepare Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, remaining 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, and 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the slider buns. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly on top.
- Bake Covered and Uncovered: Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to brown and melt the cheese fully.
- Serve: Remove sliders from oven and serve warm for a delicious bite-sized cheeseburger experience.
Notes
- For juicier sliders, do not overcook the ground beef before assembling.
- Feel free to substitute fire-roasted tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes for a milder flavor.
- Slider rolls can be replaced with mini brioche buns for a richer taste.
- Cheese variety can be changed according to preference, such as cheddar or pepper jack.
- Make sure to brush the tops thoroughly to achieve a golden crust and added flavor.
- Leftovers can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
