Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

Prepare the beef

Place ground beef in a bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined — do not overwork (about 20–30 seconds).

Form patties

Divide the meat into 12 equal portions (about 1.3 oz / 37 g each). Roll each portion into a loose ball then flatten into 2.5–3 inch wide, 1/3 inch thick patties. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming while cooking.

Cook patties

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Once shimmering, cook patties in batches (do not overcrowd) for 2–3 minutes per side for medium, or until desired doneness. If using a griddle, press lightly with a spatula for even contact. Total cook time should be 4–6 minutes per patty depending on thickness. Remove to a plate and keep warm.

Prep buns

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice mini buns horizontally if not pre-sliced. Brush cut sides lightly with melted butter.

Toast buns

Arrange buns cut-side up on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 5–7 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven.

Melt cheese on patties

When the last batch of patties is nearly done, top each hot patty with a half-slice of cheddar (fold slices in half to fit two patties per slice if desired). Cover the skillet with a lid for about 30–60 seconds to melt the cheese.

Prepare condiments

Pour ketchup into a small bowl and mix with yellow mustard if you prefer a tangy-sweet sauce. Arrange dill pickle slices, sliced red onion and lettuce leaves on a platter for assembly.

Assemble sliders

Place the bottom half of each toasted bun on a work surface. Add a lettuce leaf (optional), then a cheeseburger patty. Top each patty with two pickle slices and a small spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of ketchup mixture. Add a few thin onion rings if using, then cap with the top bun.

Secure each slider with a toothpick or small skewer through the center. Arrange sliders on a serving platter and serve immediately while warm. Provide extra ketchup and pickles on the side.