There’s something about Cheddar Cheeseburger Sliders that instantly brings me back to summer cookouts with family and friends. These bite-sized burgers are the perfect combination of rich, savory beef and creamy cheddar cheese, all nestled in a soft, buttery bun. One of my fondest memories involves a Fourth of July celebration where these sliders took center stage. We had a large gathering, and as the grill smoked away, the aroma of sizzling beef filled the air, drawing everyone toward the cooking area like a magnet. The simplicity of these sliders means they’re quick to whip up, yet their flavor is anything but ordinary.
What I love about this recipe is its versatility. The core ingredients are delicious on their own, but you can easily customize the sliders to suit different tastes. For a bit of a kick, try adding a slice of jalapeño or a smear of spicy mayo. If you’re a fan of bacon, adding a crispy strip under the cheese is a game-changer. You could even experiment with different cheeses, like pepper jack for a bit more heat or Swiss for a milder flavor.
These sliders also make an excellent base for themed variations. During football season, I like to serve them with a side of buffalo sauce and blue cheese for a fun, tailgate-inspired twist. Or, for a more indulgent treat, caramelized onions and mushrooms make for a gourmet version that’s sure to impress your guests. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing you to get creative with your toppings and sides without losing the essence of what makes these sliders so good.
Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, a game day party, or just looking for a quick and satisfying meal, Cheddar Cheeseburger Sliders are a go-to option that everyone will love. So fire up your grill, gather your favorite toppings, and get ready to enjoy one of the best slider recipes out there!
Making Cheddar Cheeseburger Sliders
Click here to get printable version
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 cheddar cheese slices, cut in half
- 12 small burger buns
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, gently blend the ground beef with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Form the beef mixture into 12 patties, ensuring they are slightly larger than the slider buns.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and fully cooked.
- During the last minute of cooking, place a half slice of cheddar cheese on each patty, covering the pan to allow the cheese to melt.
- While the patties are cooking, brush the slider buns with melted butter and lightly toast them on the grill or skillet.
- Assemble the sliders by placing one patty on each toasted bun. Add any desired toppings and serve right away.
Storing Suggestions:
To store any leftover sliders, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of cheese for these sliders?
Yes, you can easily substitute cheddar with other types of cheese like American, Swiss, or pepper jack. Each will give the sliders a different flavor profile, so choose based on your taste preferences.
What toppings work best with these cheeseburger sliders?
Popular toppings include lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. Feel free to experiment with other toppings like avocado slices or crispy bacon to customize your sliders.
How do I prevent the patties from shrinking too much during cooking?
To minimize shrinkage, make the patties slightly larger than the buns and press a small indentation in the center of each patty before cooking. This helps the patty maintain its shape and size while cooking.
Can these sliders be made in advance?
You can prepare the patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, for the best flavor and texture, cook the patties and assemble the sliders just before serving.
What is the best way to reheat leftover sliders?
The best way to reheat sliders is in a skillet over medium heat, which helps retain their juiciness. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an oven preheated to 350°F until they are warmed through.
Can I use a different type of ground meat instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used as alternatives to beef. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary depending on the meat you choose.
Cheddar Cheeseburger Sliders
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 mix
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6 cheddar cheese slices halved
- 12 small slider buns
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just blended.
- Shape the beef mixture into 12 patties, making them slightly larger than the buns.
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side until they are browned and cooked through.
- In the last minute of cooking, place a half slice of cheddar cheese on each patty, covering to melt the cheese.
- While the patties are cooking, brush the slider buns with melted butter and toast them lightly on the grill or in the skillet.
- To assemble, place a patty on each toasted bun, add desired toppings, and serve immediately.
