Kids Slider Cheese Burgers W/ Fries Recipe

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) if baking fries. If frying, heat 1–2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pan to 350°F (175°C).

Wash and scrub the potato. Peel if desired. Cut into thin sticks about 1/4–3/8 inch thick for quick, kid-friendly fries.

Place cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and soak 10 minutes to remove excess starch (this helps crispness). Drain and pat very dry with a clean towel or paper towels.

Toss the dried potato sticks with 1–2 tablespoons oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp paprika if using, ensuring an even coating.

Oven method

Spread fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined or lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–22 minutes, flipping once at ~10 minutes, until golden and crisp at the edges. Keep warm.

Pan-fry / Deep-fry method

For pan-fry: add oiled fries in a single layer to a hot skillet and cook, turning occasionally, about 8–12 minutes until golden and tender. For deep-fry: fry batches at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels and season with a pinch more salt.

Divide 1/2 lb ground beef into two even portions (about 4 oz each). Form each into a loose patty slightly larger than the bun diameter; don't overwork the meat. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty to help them cook flat.

Season both sides of each patty with about 1/2 tsp of the salt and a pinch of the black pepper.

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Place patties in the hot skillet. Cook uncovered for about 2.5–3 minutes on the first side until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes for medium doneness (adjust time if you prefer more or less done).

About 30–45 seconds before the patties are done, lay one slice of American cheese over each patty so it starts to melt. Remove patties to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

While patties finish, split the slider buns and spread about 1/2 tsp softened butter on each cut side. Toast buttered sides in the same skillet, cut-side down, 30–45 seconds until lightly browned.

Assemble sliders: place a cheeseburger patty on the bottom bun, add about 1 tsp ketchup and 1/2 tsp mustard (or to taste), then top with the bun crown. Repeat for the second slider.

Serve the two sliders alongside the fries while hot.