Ingredients:
For the Sliders:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80% lean for flavor and juiciness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 12 slider buns (mini brioche or regular slider buns)
- 12 slices of cheddar cheese (or American cheese, for a classic cheeseburger taste)
- Ketchup, for serving
- Mustard, for serving
- Pickles, for serving (optional)
Toppings (Optional, Customize as Desired):
- Lettuce leaves (small, torn pieces)
- Tomato slices
- Sliced red onions
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Bacon strips (optional for extra richness)
- Avocado slices (for a creamy twist)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Patties:
Season the Beef: In a large bowl, place the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently to combine. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the sliders tough.
Form the Patties: Divide the seasoned beef into 12 even portions (or more, depending on the size of your buns). Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten them into small patties, about the size of your slider buns. The patties should be just a bit smaller than the buns to account for shrinkage as they cook.
Optional Step—Create a Dimple: To prevent the patties from puffing up in the middle as they cook, use your thumb to make a small dimple in the center of each patty. This helps them cook more evenly and ensures a flatter shape when serving.
2. Cook the Sliders:
Cook on a Grill or Skillet: You can either cook the sliders on a grill or on the stovetop in a large skillet. If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. For a skillet, place it over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
Grill the Sliders: Place the patties on the hot grill or skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Since these are mini sliders, they cook quickly, so be sure to monitor them closely.
Melt the Cheese: Once the patties are almost done, place a slice of cheese on top of each slider. Cover the grill or skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt, about 1-2 minutes. If you like your cheese extra melty, you can add a little splash of water to the skillet and cover it to create steam that will help melt the cheese.
3. Toast the Slider Buns:
Toast the Buns: While the patties are cooking, slice the slider buns in half, if not pre-sliced. If you like toasted buns, you can toast them lightly in a toaster, or heat a small amount of butter in a skillet over medium heat and toast the insides of the buns until golden and crispy. This adds flavor and texture to your sliders, preventing the buns from becoming soggy when the toppings are added.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Spread Condiments: Once the buns are toasted and the cheese has melted on the patties, it’s time to assemble the sliders. Spread ketchup and mustard on the bottom half of each bun. You can also add any other condiments you like, such as mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, or hot sauce.
Add the Patties: Place each cheesy beef patty on the bottom half of the slider buns.
Top with Toppings: Now it’s time to add your desired toppings. Add a small leaf of lettuce, a slice of tomato, a few pickle slices, and any other toppings you want to add. If you’re using bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or avocado, these are great additions for extra richness and flavor.
Top with the Other Bun Half: Place the top half of the slider bun on top of the patty and toppings, pressing down gently to help everything stick together.
5. Serve the Sliders:
Serve Immediately: Once the sliders are assembled, serve them immediately while they’re still warm and the cheese is gooey. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with extra pickles, chips, or fresh veggies for a well-rounded meal.
Side Dishes: Mini cheeseburger sliders are perfect for pairing with crispy fries, onion rings, or a side salad. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or even a creamy aioli for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Fries: Classic fries or crinkle-cut fries are a perfect side for sliders. You can also serve them with sweet potato fries for a twist. Add a little dipping sauce for even more flavor.
- With Onion Rings: If you’re looking for an extra indulgent side, crispy onion rings are a great option to pair with your sliders.
- With a Side Salad: For a lighter meal, serve your sliders with a fresh salad. A simple coleslaw or a garden salad with vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the sliders.
- With Chips or Pickles: Serve the sliders with kettle-cooked chips for extra crunch, or alongside pickle spears for a classic combo.
Tips for the Perfect Mini Cheeseburger Sliders:
- Use Fresh Ground Beef: The key to a juicy and flavorful slider is using fresh, high-quality ground beef. Aim for an 80% lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: When mixing the beef with seasonings, be gentle. Overmixing the meat can lead to tough sliders. A light hand will give you tender, juicy patties.
- Customize the Toppings: Sliders are incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with your toppings. Try sautéed onions, mushrooms, or even a fried egg for a different twist on the classic cheeseburger.
- Toast the Buns: Toasting the slider buns adds texture and flavor. You can butter the buns lightly for extra richness or toast them in a pan for that golden, crispy edge.
- Use Different Cheeses: Cheddar is the classic choice for cheeseburgers, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Swiss, Gouda, or provolone. For a more decadent slider, melt a combination of cheeses.
Storage and Reheating:
Storing Leftovers: If you have leftover mini cheeseburger sliders, store the patties and buns separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the patties and toppings in separate containers to prevent the buns from getting soggy.
Reheating: To reheat the sliders, place the patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. For the buns, you can toast them lightly again in a skillet or wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven. Reassemble the sliders with the fresh toppings before serving.
Final Thoughts:
Mini Cheeseburger Sliders are a fun, customizable, and satisfying way to enjoy all the great flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a bite-sized form. Whether you’re serving them for a party, a casual dinner, or a game-day snack, these sliders are always a hit. The combination of juicy beef, melted cheese, fresh vegetables, and a soft, toasted bun makes for the perfect mini sandwich. Add your favorite toppings, and you’ve got an irresistible treat that everyone will love. Enjoy!
4o mini