Easy juicy cheeseburger sliders

Cheeseburger Sliders bring all the best parts of a classic burger into a fun, bite-sized form that family and friends adore. These sliders come together quickly and deliver juicy beef, melty cheddar, and soft buttery buns that make for an easy yet satisfying meal or party appetizer.

I first made these for a game day party and they were gone within minutes—now they are a regular at family cookouts and casual dinners alike.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Two pounds lean ground beef with 90/10 or 93/7 fat content: ensures juicy but not greasy patties
• Olive oil: helps brown the onions and beef for deeper flavor
• Salt and black pepper: provide essential seasoning to highlight beef’s natural taste
• Garlic powder: adds a subtle savory note that blends seamlessly
• Half a large yellow onion, finely diced: builds sweetness and texture
• Quarter cup mayonnaise: stirred into the cooked beef makes the filling extra creamy and moist without needing extra sauce
• Eight slices of medium cheddar cheese: give the sliders that rich gooey cheese layer
• Six ounces shredded medium cheddar: adds more melty cheesy goodness on top
• Twenty-four dinner rolls or two packs of twelve: create the perfect soft bun, choose fresh for best results
• Two tablespoons unsalted butter melted: to brush on tops giving a golden finish
• One tablespoon sesame seeds: sprinkle over the tops bring a pleasant crunch and visual appeal
• Look for high quality beef with a good fat ratio and fresh buns: to make these sliders shine at each step

How to Make It

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:

Butter the bottom of a rimmed baking sheet generously to prevent sticking and add richness during baking. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure a consistent cooking environment.

Cook the Aromatics and Ground Beef:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with half a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the finely diced yellow onion and cook until softened and translucent for maximum flavor release. Add the two pounds of ground beef next, breaking it apart with the spatula. Season evenly with one teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Continue cooking, breaking apart as needed, until beef is just cooked through, maintaining moisture and tenderness. Remove from heat.

Drain Excess Fat and Add Mayonnaise:

Tilt the skillet carefully to spoon off excess fat, leaving behind just enough to keep the beef moist. Stir in a quarter cup of mayonnaise thoroughly with the cooked beef mixture to add creaminess and help bind the filling.

Assemble the Sliders:

Cut all dinner rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves on the buttered baking sheet neatly lined up. Lay a slice of cheddar cheese on each bottom bun half. Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over these slices using the back of a spatula to create neat edges. Cover the beef layer with shredded cheddar cheese, making sure cheese coverage is generous for that perfect melt.

Top and Butter the Sliders:

Place the top halves of the buns cut-side down over the cheese-covered beef. Brush the tops with the melted butter to add flavor and help create a golden crust. Immediately sprinkle sesame seeds evenly on the top for texture and classic look.

Bake Until Golden and Melty:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for twelve to fifteen minutes or until cheese is melted thoroughly and tops are golden brown. Keep an eye to prevent over-browning.

My favorite ingredient is the mayonnaise stirred into the beef. It may sound unusual but it really locks in moisture and adds a silky texture that elevates the filling beyond typical ground beef sliders. I remember making a big batch for my kids’ birthday party and watching how much they loved the creamy filling between melty cheese and buttery rolls.

Flavor Boosters

Adding a quarter cup of mayonnaise into the cooked beef mixture makes the filling extra creamy and moist without needing extra sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders with classic sides like crispy fries, coleslaw, or a bright green salad to balance richness. They also make an excellent party finger food paired with pickles and dipping sauces like ketchup and mustard or a smoky barbecue sauce. A cold beer or soda rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Twists

Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for fall and winter richness. In the summer, introduce fresh tomato slices or crunchy lettuce for brightness and texture contrast. Swap sesame seeds for poppy seeds or everything bagel seasoning for an exciting twist depending on the season.

These sliders are a delicious, crowd-pleasing option that are simple to make and perfect for any occasion.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ What type of beef is best for these sliders?

Lean ground beef with about 90/10 or 93/7 fat content works best, balancing flavor and juiciness without excess grease.

→ Can I prepare the sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders beforehand and refrigerate them, then bake just before serving to enjoy fresh, melted cheese and warm buns.

→ What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the beef mixture?

You can substitute mayonnaise with sour cream or Greek yogurt to add moisture and creaminess to the beef blend.

→ How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?

Butter the baking sheet and bake the sliders just until the cheese melts to keep the buns crisp but moist on the inside.

→ Are sesame seeds necessary for the topping?

Sesame seeds add a nice texture and nutty flavor, but you can omit them or sprinkle with poppy seeds or everything seasoning as alternatives.