Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

Prepare buns and toppings

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the mini slider buns in half horizontally if not pre-sliced. Finely slice the red onion into thin rings or half-rings and separate into individual pieces. Drain the dill pickle slices on paper towel.

Arrange the bottom halves of the slider buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil, leaving space for the patties. If you like warm, slightly toasted buns, brush the cut sides lightly with 1 tablespoon melted butter and place in the oven for 3–4 minutes until just warmed and slightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.

Mix the remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter with sesame seeds (if using). After assembling sliders (see below), brush the top halves with the butter mixture and warm in the oven for 2–3 minutes to glaze the tops.

Make the patty mixture

In a medium bowl combine 1.25 lb ground beef, 2 tablespoons fine dry breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Gently mix with your hands or a fork until just combined — avoid overworking to keep patties tender.

Form patties

Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions (about 1.5 ounces / 42 g each). Roll each portion into a loose ball and flatten to a patty roughly the diameter of your slider buns (about 2–2.5 inches). Make a slight dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly.

Cook patties

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. When the oil shimmers, add patties in a single layer without crowding (cook in batches if necessary). Cook 2–3 minutes per side for medium, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for well done. In the last 30–45 seconds of cooking, place half a slice of cheddar over each patty (use whole slices folded as needed) and cover the pan briefly with a lid to melt the cheese.

Remove cooked patties to a plate and tent loosely with foil while you finish cooking remaining patties so they stay warm.

Assemble sliders

Spread about 1/2 teaspoon mustard on the bottom half of each warmed bun and 1/2 teaspoon ketchup on the top half (adjust to taste). Place a cheesy patty on each bottom bun, top with 2 pickle slices and a few rings of red onion. Cap with the top bun and arrange assembled sliders on the baking sheet. Brush tops with the melted butter + sesame seed mixture (if using) and warm in the oven 1–2 minutes just to meld flavors and finish glazing.