Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

Prep the shrimp

Pat shrimp dry with paper towels, then roughly chop into small pieces (or pulse 4–5 times in a food processor) until you have finely chopped shrimp but not a paste.

Mix the patty ingredients

In a medium bowl combine the chopped shrimp, panko breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped green onions, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir gently until the mixture holds together when pressed. If mixture seems too wet, add up to 2 tablespoons more panko; if too dry, add a splash of water or another beaten egg white (adjust by 1 tsp).

Form patties

Divide the mixture into 3 equal portions (about 3–4 ounces each). With lightly oiled hands, form each portion into a compact round patty about 2.5–3 inches in diameter and about 3/4-inch thick. Place patties on a plate and chill in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to firm up (this helps them hold together when cooking).

Cook the patties

Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chilled shrimp patties, leaving space between them. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F (shrimp should be opaque and cooked through). Flip gently once. Transfer cooked patties to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain briefly.

Toast the buns

Spread softened butter on the cut sides of the 3 mini buns. In a clean skillet over medium heat (or the same pan wiped clean), place buns cut-side down and toast 1–2 minutes until golden and lightly crisp. Remove from heat.

Melt cheese on patties

Return the cooked shrimp patties to the warm skillet over low heat. Top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid for about 30–45 seconds to melt the cheese, or until the cheese is soft and slightly melted.

Assemble sliders

If using, spread 1 teaspoon mayonnaise on the bottom of each toasted bun. Place a cheese-topped shrimp patty on each bottom bun. Top each patty with a halved crisp bacon slice and a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions. Cap with the top bun.

Serve

Serve the 3 shrimp cheeseburger sliders immediately with lemon wedges on the side (squeeze a little lemon over each patty if desired). Offer extra ketchup, tartar sauce, or hot sauce as optional condiments.