Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

Prepare the beef

Place the ground beef in a bowl. Add 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix with your hands or a fork just until combined — do not overwork the meat (about 20–30 seconds).

Form patties

Divide the seasoned beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz each). Flatten each portion into a thin patty slightly wider than the slider buns (they will shrink). Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce puffing while cooking.

Toast buns

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread the softened butter on the cut side of each slider bun. Place buns cut-side down on the skillet and toast until golden and slightly crisp, about 1–2 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Cook patties

Add 1 tsp vegetable oil to the same skillet and increase heat to medium-high. Working in batches if necessary, place patties in the hot skillet and cook 2–3 minutes on the first side without pressing. Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes for medium (adjust time for desired doneness).

Melt cheese

When patties are almost done, place one American cheese slice (trim to fit if needed) on each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid or a large pan for 30–45 seconds to melt the cheese.

Assemble sliders

Spread about 1 tsp of ketchup and a light swipe (about 1/4 tsp) of mustard on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a small piece of lettuce if using, then set a cheese-topped patty on each bun. Add two dill pickle slices and a few thin red onion slices (if using) on top of each patty.

Finish and secure

Place the top bun on each slider and secure with a toothpick if desired. Repeat until all sliders are assembled.

Serve the sliders warm with extra ketchup on the side for dipping. To reheat leftovers, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave briefly, then re-crisp buns in a skillet if desired.