Cheeseburger Sliders

Cheeseburger Sliders

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Introduction

Cheeseburger sliders are a delightful mini version of the classic cheeseburger, perfect for parties, game days, or a fun family meal. With juicy beef patties, melty cheese, and soft buns, these bite-sized treats are easy to make and even easier to eat, making them a crowd favorite.

The History of Cheeseburger Sliders

While the cheeseburger itself dates back to the 1920s, sliders became popular in the mid-20th century, particularly with White Castle’s introduction of their small, square burgers. The term “slider” originally referred to the small size and greasy nature of these burgers, but it has since evolved to encompass a variety of mini sandwiches, including cheeseburger sliders, which are beloved at gatherings and casual dining settings.

Ingredients Breakdown

  • Ground Beef: The main protein; choose a good quality ground beef for flavor.
  • Cheese: Typically American or cheddar, melted on top for that classic cheeseburger taste.
  • Buns: Soft slider buns or mini brioche buns for the base.
  • Onions: Sautéed or raw, depending on your preference for added flavor.
  • Condiments: Ketchup, mustard, and pickles for classic toppings.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the meat.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (American or cheddar)
  • 12 slider buns
  • 1 small onion, diced (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Ketchup, mustard, and pickles for serving

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the Beef: In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Form into small patties, about the size of the slider buns.
  3. Cook the Patties: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
  4. Add Cheese: During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and cover to melt.
  5. Assemble the Sliders: Place the cooked patties on the slider buns. Add diced onions, ketchup, mustard, and pickles as desired.
  6. Bake (Optional): Place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes to warm through.
  7. Serve: Enjoy warm, and watch them disappear!

Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger Sliders

  • Don’t Overwork the Meat: Handle the ground beef gently to keep the sliders tender.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: Cook to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.
  • Choose Quality Cheese: Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
  • Keep Buns Soft: Lightly toast the buns for added texture without drying them out.

Variations and Customizations

  • Add Bacon: Crispy bacon can be added for extra flavor.
  • Veggie Sliders: Substitute with black bean or chickpea patties for a vegetarian option.
  • Spicy Sliders: Incorporate jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for a kick.
  • Gourmet Touches: Use specialty cheeses or gourmet condiments like aioli or sriracha.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Cheeseburger sliders can be rich in calories and fats, depending on the ingredients used. To make them healthier, consider using leaner ground beef, whole grain buns, and loading up on veggies.

Nutritional Information (per slider, approximate):

  • Calories: 200
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Protein: 12g

FAQ

Can I make sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them. Cook just before serving.

What can I use instead of beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives work well for different dietary preferences.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I freeze cheeseburger sliders?

Absolutely! Assemble and freeze the uncooked sliders. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.

Cheeseburger Sliders

Cheeseburger Sliders

Juicy mini cheeseburgers topped with melted cheese, pickles, and special sauce, served on soft slider buns. Perfect for parties or game day snacking!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 24

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7 fat content)
  • 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 large yellow onion finely diced
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 8 slices medium cheddar cheese
  • 6 oz medium cheddar shredded (or used more sliced cheese)
  • 24 dinner rolls (or use 2 packs of 12)
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter melted, plus more to grease baking sheet
  • 1 Tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350˚F. Butter the bottom of a rimmed baking sheet.
  • 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.
  • Tilt skillet to spoon off and discard excess fat. Stir 1/4 cup mayo into the ground beef.
  • 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.
  • 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. Bake at 350˚F for 12-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and tops are golden brown.
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