Okay, I have to confess—these cheeseburger sliders are basically my go-to weeknight hero. When I first started making them, I was rushing around in the kitchen, starving and overthinking dinner like usual. But then… boom! A handful of juicy little patties, melted cheese bubbling over soft buns, and that familiar smell of grilled beef hit the air. Suddenly, everything felt easier. If you’ve ever needed a quick, flavor-packed dinner that feels like a hug wrapped in bread, these sliders will be your new best friend—fast, fun, and totally satisfying.
Quick Facts
Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
8 slider buns
4 slices cheddar cheese, halved (8 pieces)
2 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing buns)
Optional: sliced pickles, lettuce, tomato slices
For the Sauce / Garnish:
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp mustard
Dash of paprika or hot sauce (optional)
How I Make It
Step 1:
First thing, in a bowl, mix together the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently combine—don’t overwork it or the sliders will get tough! Divide the beef mixture into 8 evenly sized patties, about 2 ounces each. Aim for thin, slightly wider than your buns so they fit perfectly once cooked.
Step 2:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the patties in the pan, leaving a little space between each. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side—the smell of those juices hitting the pan is unbeatable. Flip them carefully.
Step 3:
Immediately after flipping, add a piece of cheddar cheese on top of each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid or a sheet of foil to help the cheese melt perfectly, about 2 minutes.
Step 4:
While the cheese melts, lightly toast the slider buns by brushing them with melted butter and placing them cut-side down on another pan or under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely so they don’t burn!
Step 5:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and paprika or hot sauce if you like a little kick. This sauce adds the perfect tang to the sliders.
Step 6:
Now, assemble! Spread the sauce on the bottom bun, add the cheesy patty, then top with your favorite garnishes—pickles and a little lettuce or tomato brighten things up beautifully. Finish with the top bun and get ready to dive in.
Variations & Tips
Swap cheddar for pepper jack or Swiss for a different flavor twist.
Mix finely chopped onions or Worcestershire sauce into the beef for extra depth.
Toast buns in bacon fat instead of butter for a smoky boost.
Add crispy bacon to the sliders for serious indulgence.
Use Hawaiian rolls for a touch of sweetness that balances savory beef.
Make it vegetarian with black bean patties and your favorite cheese.
How I Like to Serve It
These sliders make a fantastic game day snack or a family dinner that pleases both kids and adults. Pair with crispy oven-baked fries or a simple green salad to cut through the richness. When the weather’s cooler, they’re perfect alongside a bowl of tomato soup for ultimate cozy vibes.
Notes
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep buns from getting soggy.
Closing: There’s just something so reliably delicious about a cheeseburger slider that makes it a recipe I always go back to when I want quick comfort done right.
