Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

Prepare buns

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Separate slider buns and place bottom halves on a baking sheet. Spread 1 tablespoon softened butter over the top of the cut side of the top bun halves and place the tops, buttered side up, on the sheet as well.

Mix and portion beef

In a medium bowl combine ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix until just combined — avoid overworking the meat. Divide mixture into 12 equal portions (about 1.7 oz / 48 g each).

Form patties

Lightly oil a work surface or a small round cookie cutter to shape patties about the size of the slider bun bottoms (roughly 2.5–3 inches). Press each portion into a thin patty roughly the diameter of the bun, creating a slight depression in the center to prevent doming during cooking.

Cook patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add a teaspoon of neutral oil and cook patties in batches (do not overcrowd) for 2–3 minutes per side for medium — adjust time for desired doneness. If using a griddle, cook similarly. During the last 30–45 seconds of cooking, place a slice of American cheese folded as needed on each patty and cover the pan briefly with a lid to melt the cheese.

Warm buns

While finishing patties, put the baking sheet with buns into the preheated oven for 4–6 minutes to warm through and to lightly toast the cut sides. Remove tops after toasting and set aside.

Assemble sliders

Spread about 1 teaspoon mustard and 1 teaspoon ketchup on each bottom bun. Place a cheese-topped patty on each bottom bun. Top patties with a dill pickle slice, a pinch of shredded lettuce and a few rings of sliced red onion. Place the top bun over each slider.

Finish (optional melt)

If you prefer all sliders warm together, place the assembled sliders back on the baking sheet, tent with foil and bake 3–5 minutes until heated through and cheese is fully melted.

Remove sliders from oven, transfer to a platter and serve immediately with extra ketchup, mustard, pickles or the optional toppings (tomato slices, chopped bacon or pickled jalapeños).

Leftovers: store cooled sliders (without lettuce or tomato) in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or assemble and warm briefly in a skillet.