Description
These Chopped Cheeseburger Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Ground beef, seasoned to perfection, is piled high on soft slider buns with melted cheddar cheese and your favorite burger toppings. Baked until golden brown, these sliders are perfect for parties, game days, or a fun family dinner. They’re easy to make, even easier to eat, and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor and moisture)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds umami and depth)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for a savory kick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (freshly ground black pepper is best)
- 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls, potato rolls, or brioche rolls work well)
- 6 slices of cheddar cheese, halved (medium or sharp cheddar)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (iceberg, romaine, or a spring mix)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (Roma or cherry tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced (dill or sweet pickles)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (full-fat or light)
- 1/4 cup ketchup (classic or low-sugar)
- 2 tablespoons mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (unsalted)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for topping – adds a nutty flavor and texture)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Positioning an oven rack in the center ensures even baking. Prepare your baking dish by lightly greasing it, which will prevent the bottoms of the slider buns from sticking. A 9×13 inch baking dish typically works well for 12 sliders.
Step 2: In a large skillet or frying pan, over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion. Break up the beef with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. The goal is to ensure the beef is evenly browned and the onion becomes translucent and softened. Drain any excess fat from the skillet after the beef is fully cooked. Removing excess fat will prevent the sliders from becoming greasy. Use a spoon, or carefully tip the skillet to drain the fat, being cautious of hot grease.
Step 3: After draining the fat, return the skillet to the stove over low heat. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine the seasonings with the cooked beef. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. This short simmer time helps enhance the overall taste of the sliders.
Step 4: Arrange the bottom halves of the slider buns in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are snugly positioned together. Evenly spread the cooked beef mixture over the bottom buns, ensuring each slider gets a generous portion. Layer the halved cheddar cheese slices over the beef mixture. The cheese should cover the majority of the beef, allowing it to melt evenly and create a gooey, cheesy layer. Place the top halves of the slider buns on top of the cheese.
Step 5: In a small bowl, melt the butter. You can do this in the microwave in short intervals (about 30 seconds) or in a small saucepan over low heat. Brush the tops of the slider buns evenly with the melted butter. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the buttered buns (if using). The butter will give the buns a golden-brown color and a slightly crisp texture, while the sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and visual appeal. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This step ensures the cheese melts and the sliders heat through without the buns browning too quickly. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and the buns are golden brown. Removing the foil during the last few minutes allows the buns to achieve a desirable golden-brown color.
Step 6: Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool slightly for a couple of minutes. This makes them easier to handle and prevents burning your fingers. Gently lift the top buns and spread the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard on the bottom buns. Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced pickles to each slider. Be creative with your toppings! Add as much or as little as you like. Replace the top buns.
Step 7: Serve the Chopped Cheeseburger Sliders immediately while they are warm and the cheese is melted. Use a serrated knife to cut the sliders apart for serving. Arrange them on a platter or serving tray for an attractive presentation.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These Chopped Cheeseburger Sliders are a guaranteed hit because they are:
- Easy and Quick: They come together quickly with minimal effort, making them perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the toppings and cheese to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a good cheeseburger, and these sliders are the perfect bite-sized version for parties and events.
- Fun to Eat: Their small size makes them incredibly easy and enjoyable to eat, especially for kids.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the sliders ahead of time and bake them just before serving, saving you time and stress.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings.
- Pair them with a fresh salad, such as a coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or a spicy aioli.
- Serve them as part of a slider bar with various toppings and condiments for guests to customize their own.
- Make them a fun addition to a picnic or tailgating event.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the beef, as it will become dry.
- Toast the slider buns lightly before assembling the sliders for added texture.
- Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the beef mixture for a smoky flavor.
- Use a variety of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
- Experiment with different toppings, such as bacon, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms.
- If making ahead, store the assembled sliders in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours and add the toppings just before serving.
- Freeze leftover sliders for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- To prevent the sliders from becoming soggy, avoid adding wet toppings, such as tomatoes, until just before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: Approximately 250-350 per slider
- Protein: 15-20 grams per slider
- Sodium: 400-600 mg per slider
Conclusion
These Chopped Cheeseburger Sliders are a fun, delicious, and easy way to satisfy your burger cravings. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching a game, or simply looking for a quick and tasty meal, these sliders are sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, get creative with your toppings, and enjoy the ultimate slider experience!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
A1: Absolutely! You can easily substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground beef alternatives like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger. Just follow the same cooking instructions and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can also use grilled and chopped portobello mushrooms for a meaty and flavorful vegetarian option.
Q2: What kind of cheese works best for these sliders?
A2: Cheddar cheese is a classic choice and melts beautifully, but feel free to experiment with other types of cheese. Swiss cheese adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, provolone cheese is mild and creamy, and pepper jack cheese gives a spicy kick. You can also use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
Q3: Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can definitely prepare these sliders ahead of time. Assemble the sliders as instructed, but hold off on adding the wet toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap, brush with melted butter, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and bake as directed. Add the toppings just before serving to prevent the sliders from becoming soggy.
Q4: How do I prevent the slider buns from getting soggy?
A4: To prevent soggy slider buns, avoid adding wet toppings until just before serving. You can also lightly toast the slider buns before assembling the sliders to create a barrier against moisture. Draining the excess fat from the cooked ground beef is also crucial. If you’re making the sliders ahead of time, consider spreading a thin layer of mayonnaise or mustard on the bottom buns to create a moisture barrier.
Q5: Can I freeze leftover sliders?
A5: Yes, you can freeze leftover sliders for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw the sliders in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them, as they may become dry.
