If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food to wow a crowd, Classic Cheeseburger Sliders are about to become your new obsession. These mini burgers capture everything we love about the classic American cheeseburger: juicy seasoned beef, melty cheddar, soft slider buns, and that irresistible combo of ketchup and mayo. Whether you’re hosting game day, a backyard BBQ, or just want to treat yourself, these sliders deliver big flavor in a delightfully small package. Let’s dive into how you can master this easy, crave-worthy recipe that everyone will beg you to make again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you — each item here is absolutely essential to creating those mouthwatering layers of flavor and texture. These simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients give Classic Cheeseburger Sliders their signature taste and irresistible appeal.
- Ground beef (80/20): The 80/20 ratio provides the perfect balance of juiciness and flavor in every bite.
- Salt: Simple seasoning that brings out the natural beefy taste.
- Black pepper: Adds a little bit of warmth and classic burger spice.
- Garlic powder: Subtle depth that wakes up the beef without overpowering it.
- Onion powder: Enhances savoriness and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Cheddar cheese (slices, halved): The secret to that oozy, melty crown that defines a cheeseburger slider.
- Slider buns or dinner rolls (halved): Soft, pillowy bread that’s the perfect canvas for all your toppings.
- Butter (melted): A quick brush before baking adds color, richness, and bakery-style appeal.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle these on for the iconic cheeseburger finish — and an extra touch of crunch!
- Mayonnaise: Creamy and cool, it balances out the rich, savory flavors.
- Ketchup: Adds just the right hint of sweetness and tang.
- Sliced pickles: For classic burger zing and a crunchy snap.
- Lettuce: A refreshing layer that brings crispness with every bite.
- Tomato slices: Juicy and bright, tomatoes add color and summery flavor.
- Diced onions (optional): For everyone who loves that extra punch of oniony goodness!
How to Make Classic Cheeseburger Sliders
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you are! In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently, just until the seasonings are evenly incorporated — over-mixing makes burgers tough, so a light hand is key to keeping your Classic Cheeseburger Sliders juicy and tender.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Beef Slab
Press the seasoned beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish to form one even, flat slab. This technique is what makes Classic Cheeseburger Sliders such a breeze for feeding a group — no need to shape individual patties! Pop the dish into your hot oven and bake for 15–17 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked through and just starting to brown on top.
Step 3: Drain and Layer on Buns
Once the beef is done, carefully lift the whole slab out of the baking dish and drain off any excess fat. Arrange the bottom halves of your slider buns in a clean 9×13 dish or sheet pan, then lay the slab of beef right on top. This is where that perfectly uniform, crowd-pleasing look comes together!
Step 4: Top with Cheese and Fixings
While the beef is still hot, lay the halved cheddar cheese slices evenly over the top. The heat will start to melt the cheese just enough to get gooey. Now comes the fun part: pile on pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of diced onions if desired. Customize each row based on your crew’s favorite toppings — that’s the magic of Classic Cheeseburger Sliders!
Step 5: Add Sauces and Bun Tops
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise and ketchup onto the top half of each bun — feel free to get creative and add a squiggle of mustard too, if it’s your style. Place the saucy buns on top of your assembled sliders, pressing down gently to help everything come together beautifully.
Step 6: Brush, Sprinkle, and Bake Again
Brush the tops of each bun with melted butter for an irresistible sheen, then sprinkle on the optional sesame seeds for that final, classic burger shop look. Return the sliders to the oven for another 5–7 minutes, just until the cheese is fully melted and the buns are toasted to gold perfection.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
With everything warm and melty, use a sharp knife to cut between the sliders so they pull apart easily. Serve immediately while everything is at its gooey, toasty best. Can you believe how simple homemade Classic Cheeseburger Sliders can be?
How to Serve Classic Cheeseburger Sliders
Garnishes
Take your Classic Cheeseburger Sliders to the next level by setting out bowls of extras like crispy fried onions, more pickles, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. For a touch of zesty heat, a squeeze of sriracha or a thin slice of jalapeño can be a game-changer. Little finishing touches let everyone make their slider truly their own.
Side Dishes
What’s a slider party without a few classic sides? Serve yours with golden fries, onion rings, crunchy potato chips, or even a crisp, tangy coleslaw. If you want to lighten things up, a simple green salad makes a great fresh contrast to all that savory goodness. Whatever you choose, your Classic Cheeseburger Sliders will be the star of the show!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a gathering, try arranging your sliders on a big wooden board with colorful toppings and dips lined up around the edges for a build-your-own burger bar. Or, skewer each slider with a fancy toothpick and tie on a little label for a playful, party-ready touch. You can even serve them on mini baskets or trays to give everyone their own diner-style experience. Classic Cheeseburger Sliders are as fun to serve as they are to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have any sliders leftover, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make a fantastic quick lunch, snack, or next-day midnight treat!
Freezing
Classic Cheeseburger Sliders freeze surprisingly well! Wrap cooled individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or arrange them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring sliders back to life, arrange them on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Bake in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven helps maintain that nice toasty bun and melty cheese. Add fresh lettuce, tomato, or condiments after reheating for the best taste.
FAQs
What’s the best ground beef for Classic Cheeseburger Sliders?
A ground beef blend of 80/20 (80 percent lean, 20 percent fat) is ideal for these sliders. The bit of extra fat keeps the beef juicy and flavorful without making the buns soggy.
Can I make Classic Cheeseburger Sliders without baking the beef as a slab?
Absolutely! You can shape the beef mixture into 12 small patties and cook them in a skillet over medium-high heat. This gives a more traditional sear and works well if you prefer individually portioned patties.
What’s the best way to keep sliders warm for a party?
Keep the sliders loosely covered with foil in a low (around 200°F) oven until it’s time to serve. This keeps the cheese melted and the buns soft without drying anything out.
Can I make Classic Cheeseburger Sliders gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap out the regular buns for your favorite gluten-free rolls. All the other classic components — beef, cheese, and toppings — are naturally gluten-free.
Which toppings can I prepare ahead for Classic Cheeseburger Sliders?
You can wash and slice the lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and onions up to a day in advance; just keep them refrigerated in airtight containers until assembly time to keep everything snappy and fresh.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wished you could bottle up all the flavor and fun of a summer cookout and serve it right at your kitchen table, Classic Cheeseburger Sliders are your new best friend. There’s something so cheerful and satisfying about sharing these bite-sized burgers with friends and family. Give this recipe a try — you’ll be amazed at how fast they disappear (and how quickly they’ll be requested again)!
Print
Classic Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These classic cheeseburger sliders are perfect for any gathering or a fun family dinner. Juicy beef patties topped with melted cheese, fresh veggies, and spread with creamy sauces, all nestled in soft slider buns. Baked to perfection, these mini burgers are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Beef Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Slider Assembly:
- 6 slices cheddar cheese (halved)
- 12 slider buns or dinner rolls (halved)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- sliced pickles, lettuce, tomato slices, diced onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the beef: In a bowl, combine ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cook the beef: Press the seasoned beef into a baking dish and bake until fully cooked.
- Assemble sliders: Place cooked beef on bun halves, top with cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Spread mayo and ketchup on the top buns.
- Bake: Brush tops with butter, sprinkle sesame seeds, and bake until cheese melts.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy warm!
Notes
- You can cook individual beef patties in a skillet for more customization.
- American cheese can be used for a traditional taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
