Wo-cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

Make the sauce

In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp yellow mustard, 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish, 1/2 tsp white wine vinegar, 1/4 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/8 tsp salt and a pinch (1/16 tsp) black pepper. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity — add another 1/2 tsp vinegar or 1/2 tsp sugar if desired. Cover and chill while you prepare the sliders so flavors meld.

Form patties

Place 1.5 lb ground beef in a bowl. Sprinkle in 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix with your hands until just combined — avoid overworking. Divide the beef into 12 equal portions (about 2 oz each). Form each portion into a thin patty slightly larger than the slider bun (they will shrink while cooking). Press a small shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help prevent doming.

Cook patties

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly oil or spray. When hot, place patties on the surface without overcrowding (cook in 2 batches if needed). Cook 2-3 minutes on the first side until browned. Flip and immediately top each patty with a half slice of cheese (cut to fit) so it starts melting. Cook another 1.5-2 minutes for medium (adjust time ±30-60 seconds for rarer or more done). Internal temp: about 160°F (71°C) for well done. Remove cooked patties to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

Toast buns

While patties finish, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) or heat a large skillet. Brush the cut sides of the 12 slider buns with a mixture of 3 tbsp melted butter (reserve 1 tbsp for glazing if using) and sprinkle sesame seeds on tops if desired. Place buns cut-side up on a sheet pan and bake 5-7 minutes until lightly golden, or toast in a skillet 1-2 minutes until crisp and warm.

Assemble sliders

Spread about 1 level tablespoon of the prepared special sauce onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add a small handful (about 1 tbsp) of shredded lettuce, then place a cheese-topped patty on each. Add a thin slice of red onion and one dill pickle slice per slider. Spoon another 1/2 teaspoon of sauce on the top bun interior if desired and close. If using, brush the top buns with the reserved 1 tbsp melted butter for shine and extra flavor and sprinkle a few sesame seeds. Secure each slider with a toothpick.

Arrange sliders on a serving platter and serve warm. Provide extra sauce on the side for dipping. If you want to keep sliders warm for a short time before serving, place the assembled platter in the 200°F (95°C) oven for up to 10 minutes — do not overheat or the buns will dry out.