Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

Prepare beef mixture

Place the ground beef in a large bowl. Add salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and (if using) garlic powder and onion powder. Gently mix with your hands or a spatula until just combined — do not overwork the meat, about 20–30 seconds.

Form patties

Divide the beef into 12 equal portions (about 2 ounces / 56 g each). Lightly roll each portion into a loose ball, then flatten into 2.5–3 inch diameter patties about 1/2 inch thick. Make a shallow thumb indentation in the center of each patty to help prevent doming during cooking.

Cook patties

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil, swirling to coat. When the pan is hot, add patties in a single layer without overcrowding (cook in 2 batches if necessary). Cook for 2–3 minutes on the first side until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook another 1.5–2 minutes for medium; adjust time for desired doneness.

Melt cheese

When patties are nearly done (about 30–45 seconds before removing), place a half slice of cheese over each patty (or fold full slices to fit). Cover the pan with a lid or a sheet pan to trap steam and melt the cheese for about 30–45 seconds.

Prep buns

While the second batch cooks, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally. Place bottom halves on a baking sheet. Brush the cut sides of the top halves with melted butter and sprinkle sesame seeds if using. Place tops buttered-side up on the sheet.

Toast buns

Once all patties are cooked and cheesed, place each patty on a bottom bun. Toast the assembled baking sheet in the oven for 4–6 minutes until buns are warmed through and lightly golden (this also helps cheese fully set). Remove from oven.

Finish assembly

Brush the exposed top bun cut sides lightly with any remaining melted butter. Add pickles, thin onion slices, a small amount of shredded lettuce and a tomato slice to each slider as desired. Spread mustard and ketchup on top buns (or on bottom buns if preferred). Close sliders and serve immediately.

Distribute mustard and ketchup evenly among the 12 sliders, using about 1/2 tsp of each per slider (adjust to taste). Place one or two pickle slices per slider. Add a few thin onion rings and a small amount of shredded lettuce and tomato to each burger as preferred. Ensure each topping used corresponds to its ingredient amount.

If using, dust the patties lightly with additional garlic or onion powder after flipping for a flavor boost. Sprinkle sesame seeds on buttered bun tops before toasting for extra texture and appearance.