Save to Pinterest These sliders feature juicy ground beef patties seasoned with salt, pepper, and aromatic spices, cooked to perfection on a skillet or grill pan. Each patty is topped with a slice of melted cheddar cheese and nestled inside toasted soft slider buns. Optional toppings like mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, tomatoes, onions, and shredded lettuce add fresh and tangy layers. Quick to prepare and ideal for parties or casual dinners, these sliders deliver rich flavor and satisfying textures in every bite.
My youngest son claimed these sliders were better than any restaurant burger after I made them for his birthday party last year. The secret is using that 80/20 beef blend and letting the cheese melt properly so it cascades down the sides. Now they are the most requested thing for every gathering we host.
I discovered the importance of making patties slightly larger than the buns after watching them shrink into disappointing little discs during our first barbecue. The red onion slices add such a nice crunch that my brother started putting them on every burger he makes now. These disappeared so fast at our Super Bowl gathering that I had to quickly make a second batch.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (80/20 blend): The fat content keeps these juicy and prevents dry hockey puck patties
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that lets the beef flavor shine through
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These add depth without overpowering the classic burger taste
- Cheddar cheese slices: Use good quality cheddar that melts beautifully over the hot patties
- Slider buns: Soft buns are essential because they need to yield to the juicy filling
- Vegetable oil or butter: Helps achieve that gorgeous crust and prevents sticking
- Mayonnaise and ketchup: The classic condiment combo that everyone loves
- Red onion, pickles, tomato, and lettuce: Fresh toppings add crunch and brightness
Instructions
- Season the beef:
- Gently mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl. Be careful not to overwork the meat or your sliders will be tough.
- Shape the patties:
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and form each into a small flat patty. Make them slightly larger than your buns since they will shrink during cooking.
- Heat the pan:
- Warm the vegetable oil or butter in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Cook the patties:
- Sear the patties for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a nice brown crust and reach your desired doneness.
- Melt the cheese:
- Place a cheddar slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking. Cover the pan to help the cheese melt perfectly.
- Toast the buns:
- Split the slider buns and give them a quick toast in the pan or under the broiler for extra texture.
- Assemble the sliders:
- Spread mayonnaise and ketchup on each bun, add the cheesy patty, and top with your choice of onions, pickles, tomato, and lettuce.
- Serve immediately:
- Get these to the table while they are hot and the cheese is still gooey.
Save to Pinterest These sliders have become our tradition for movie nights because everyone can customize their own exactly how they like it. My daughter always asks for extra pickles while my husband piles his high with onions. They are just so fun to eat and always bring people together.
Making Them Your Own
Try swapping the cheddar for pepper jack if you want some heat or go with Swiss for a milder flavor. A dash of Worcestershire sauce mixed into the beef adds amazing depth.
Serving Suggestions
Crispy fries or potato chips are the classic accompaniment but a fresh green salad helps balance out the richness. I like to serve a variety of condiments so guests can get creative.
Perfect Party Prep
You can form the patties ahead of time and stack them between parchment paper in the refrigerator. Toast all the buns at once and set up a toppings bar for a fun interactive element.
- Have everything prepped before you start cooking the beef
- Keep the cooked patties warm in a low oven
- Set up toppings in separate bowls for easy assembly
Save to Pinterest These sliders bring so much joy to the table and never fail to make everyone smile. Hope they become a favorite in your house too.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is the best beef blend for juicy patties?
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An 80/20 ground beef blend is ideal to keep patties moist and flavorful during cooking.
- → How can I melt cheddar cheese perfectly on sliders?
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Place a slice of cheddar on each patty during the last minute of cooking, then cover the pan to help it melt evenly.
- → What toppings pair well with these sliders?
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Classic toppings include mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, sliced tomato, onions, and shredded lettuce for fresh contrast.
- → How do I prevent slider buns from becoming soggy?
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Lightly toasting the slider buns before assembling helps keep them crisp and prevents sogginess.
- → Can I customize the cheese used on these sliders?
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Yes, Swiss or pepper jack cheese are excellent alternatives to cheddar for varied flavor profiles.
