Cheeseburger Sliders (Easy, 30-Minute Recipe)

These Cheeseburger Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, packing all the juicy, cheesy, beefy goodness of a classic burger into a fun, handheld size. Perfect for game day, parties, or a simple family dinner, this easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and is guaranteed to disappear fast. With our step-by-step guide, you’ll have a pan of irresistible sliders ready for the oven in no time.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd without the hassle of grilling individual burgers. The method of layering cheese both under and over the savory, seasoned ground beef locks in incredible flavor and ensures every bite is perfectly moist and cheesy. Best of all, these sliders are fantastic for make-ahead prep and reheat beautifully, making them a genius solution for stress-free entertaining or easy weekday meals.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7 fat content)
• 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 8 slices medium cheddar cheese
• 6 oz medium cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 24 dinner rolls (like King’s Hawaiian Sweet or Savory Butter Rolls)
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
• Extra butter for greasing the baking sheet

Step-by-Step Instructions

• 1. Prepare the Beef Mixture: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and diced onion. Cook for 1-2 minutes until starting to soften. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is just cooked through (no longer pink). Remove from heat.
• 2. Drain & Flavor: Carefully tilt the skillet and use a spoon to remove and discard the excess fat and liquid released from the beef. This is a crucial step to prevent soggy buns! Stir the mayonnaise into the cooked beef until well combined.
• 3. Assemble the Sliders: Generously butter the bottom of a large, rimmed baking sheet (about 13″x18″). Slice your entire pack of dinner rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact. Place the bottom slab of rolls on the buttered sheet. Layer the 8 slices of cheddar cheese evenly over the rolls.
• 4. Add Beef & More Cheese: Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the cheese layer, using a spatula to press it into a neat, even rectangle. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef.
• 5. Add the Tops & Bake: Place the top slab of rolls over the cheese-covered beef. Brush the tops generously with the melted butter, then immediately sprinkle with sesame seeds so they stick. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the roll tops are golden brown.
• 6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Use a sharp knife to slice along the roll seams, separating them into individual sliders. Serve warm.

Expert Tips / Pro Tips

• Prevent Sogginess: Draining the excess fat/liquid from the cooked beef is non-negotiable. The cheese layers also act as a barrier to protect the buns.
• Sesame Seed Hack: Brush the butter on just before baking and sprinkle the sesame seeds immediately after. The butter acts as a “glue” for the seeds.
• Bake Uncovered: Always bake these sliders uncovered. Covering them will trap steam and make the buns soggy.
• Halving the Recipe: You can easily cut this recipe in half. Use a 12-pack of rolls and a 9″x13″ baking dish, but keep the baking time the same.

Variations & Substitutions

• Rolls: Use any soft dinner rolls, potato rolls, or even homemade rolls. Hawaiian rolls add a delightful sweet contrast.
• Cheese: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, Swiss, American, or a Monterey Jack blend.
• Protein: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative. Adjust seasonings to taste.
• Add-Ins: Mix 1/4 cup of your favorite burger sauce, BBQ sauce, or diced pickles into the beef after cooking. You can also add thin slices of tomato or pickle under the top bun before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders as the main attraction for a casual dinner, a party appetizer, or a game-day feast. They pair wonderfully with classic sides like dill pickle spears, potato wedges, crispy french fries, or a simple green salad. Offer small bowls of ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, or a special burger sauce for dipping.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

• Storage: Cooled leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Assemble the sliders completely (including butter and seeds) but do not bake. Wrap the entire baking sheet tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual sliders in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or just until the cheese is melted and the beef is warm. You can also reheat a larger portion, covered with foil, in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition Information

(Per 1 slider)

• Calories: 266 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 13g

Note: Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Cheeseburger Sliders (Easy, 30-min Recipe)

Cheeseburger Sliders are juicy, cheesy and beefy – everything we love about classic burgers! These sliders are quick and easy, make-ahead, and reheat really well so they’re perfect for meal prep or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 8 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 24 sliders

Course: Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 266

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Beef

• 2 lbs lean ground beef 90/10 or 93/7 fat content
• 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 large yellow onion finely diced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

For Assembly

• 8 slices medium cheddar cheese
• 6 oz medium cheddar cheese shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 24 dinner rolls like King’s Hawaiian
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
• butter for greasing for the baking sheet

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• Rimmed Baking Sheet
• Sharp Knife or Spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350˚F. Butter the bottom of a rimmed baking sheet.
   butter for greasing
2. Place a large skillet over medium/high heat with 1/2 Tbsp olive oil. Add diced onion then 2 lbs ground beef and break up with a spatula. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Sautee over medium/high heat, breaking up the beef and cook just until cooked through then remove from heat.
   1/2 Tbsp olive oil, 1/2 large yellow onion, 2 lbs lean ground beef, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder
3. Tilt skillet to spoon off and discard excess fat. Stir 1/4 cup mayo into the ground beef.
   1/4 cup mayonnaise
4. Cut buns in half. Place bottom half of dinner rolls on buttered baking sheet and line bread with sliced cheese. Spread ground beef mixture evenly over the sliced cheese, using the back of a spatula to square off the edges. Cover the ground beef with 6 oz of shredded cheddar.
   24 dinner rolls, 8 slices medium cheddar cheese, 6 oz medium cheddar cheese
5. Place the top of buns, cut-side down, over the burgers. Brush tops with 2 Tbsp melted butter and immediately sprinkle tops with sesame seeds.
   2 Tbsp unsalted butter, 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
6. Bake at 350˚F for 12-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and tops are golden brown.

Notes

Tips: Spoon out excess fat from the beef to avoid soggy buns. Apply sesame seeds immediately after brushing with butter so they stick. Bake uncovered. Can be made a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.

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