Cheeseburger Sliders

Cheeseburger Sliders feature seasoned ground beef with double layers of melted cheddar cheese on soft dinner rolls, all baked together in one pan until golden and delicious. Perfect for parties, game day, or feeding a crowd with minimal effort!

Love More Sliders? Try My Big Mac Sliders or this Philly Cheese Steak Sliders next.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy and packed with classic burger flavor in every bite. Made with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and soft rolls, they’re easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. Ideal for parties, game day, or quick family dinners, these sliders always disappear fast.

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For the Sliders

• 2 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or similar)
• ½ tablespoon olive oil (optional for cooking)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ large yellow onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 8 slices cheddar cheese
• 6 oz shredded cheddar cheese (or more sliced cheese)
• 24 dinner rolls (two 12-packs)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Optional Toppings

• Dill pickle slices
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Lettuce or tomato slices

Substitution Notes: Can’t find dinner rolls? Hawaiian rolls work beautifully and add a touch of sweetness! For the cheese, feel free to use American, pepper jack, or even Swiss. If you’re not a mayo person, you can skip it, but I promise it adds amazing moisture to the beef!

Why These Ingredients Work

Let me break down why this simple ingredient list creates such magic:

Lean Ground Beef (90/10): This is the sweet spot! It’s lean enough that you won’t have a greasy mess, but still has enough fat to keep the sliders juicy and flavorful. Any leaner and they can taste dry; any fattier and you’ll be draining forever.

Mayonnaise: I know, I know – it sounds weird! But trust me on this one. The mayo melts right into the beef and keeps everything incredibly moist and tender. It adds a subtle creaminess without making the sliders taste like mayo at all. This is my secret weapon!

Double Cheese Layer: Sliced cheese on the bottom creates a barrier between the beef and the bun (bye-bye, soggy bottoms!), while shredded cheese on top melts beautifully into all the nooks and crannies of the beef mixture. It’s pure melty, cheesy perfection.

Dinner Rolls: These soft, fluffy rolls are the perfect size for sliders and they hold up beautifully to the beef and cheese without falling apart. Plus, when you bake them all together, the sides get slightly crispy while the inside stays soft.

Melted Butter + Sesame Seeds: This gives you that golden, toasted top with classic burger vibes. The butter helps the rolls get gorgeously golden and adds rich flavor, while sesame seeds are totally optional but make these look bakery-perfect!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Spatula for breaking up the beef
• 9×13-inch baking dish or large rimmed baking sheet
• Sharp serrated knife for slicing rolls
• Pastry brush for the melted butter
• Cutting board

How To Make Cheeseburger Sliders

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives you time to cook the beef while the oven heats up perfectly.

Step 2: Cook the Onions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly translucent. Those onions are going to add so much flavor!

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the beef is completely browned and no longer pink. Make sure to break it up into small, even pieces – nobody wants giant chunks in their slider!

Step 4: Add the Secret Ingredient

Stir in the mayonnaise to bind the beef mixture and keep it super juicy. Mix it in really well so it distributes evenly. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly while you prep the buns.

Step 5: Prep the Rolls

Slice the dinner rolls horizontally so you have complete top and bottom halves. Here’s a pro tip: keep them connected as full sheets rather than separating into individual rolls – it makes assembly SO much easier!

Step 6: Build the Base Layer

Grease a baking sheet or 9×13-inch dish with a little melted butter. Place the bottom halves of the rolls in a single layer. If your rolls don’t all fit in one pan, you can use two smaller dishes.

Step 7: Layer the Cheese and Beef

Layer a slice of cheddar cheese on each bottom roll. This creates a protective barrier so your buns don’t get soggy! Then spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over all the cheese-covered bottoms. Try to get it right to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 8: Add More Cheese (Because Why Not?)

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of the beef layer. Don’t be shy here – the cheese is what makes these sliders legendary!

Step 9: Top and Butter

Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese and beef. Press down gently so everything nestles together. Brush the tops generously with melted butter, making sure to get into all the little crevices. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if you’re using them.

Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy. Your kitchen is going to smell AMAZING right now!

Step 11: Finish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let them cool for just 2-3 minutes. Add any toppings like pickles, ketchup, mustard, lettuce, or tomatoes.

You Must Know

Room Temperature Matters: Let your cooked beef cool for a few minutes before assembling. If it’s too hot when you add it to the rolls, the bottom cheese will melt too fast and make things messy during assembly.

Don’t Skip the Butter: That buttery brushed top is what transforms these from good to GREAT. It creates the most gorgeous golden-brown finish and adds incredible flavor.

Personal Secret: I always save a little bit of the melted butter and brush the cut sides after slicing. It makes each individual slider look glossy and extra appetizing.

Pro Tips & Cooking Hacks

• Drain excess grease: Even with lean beef, you might have a little grease. Tilt your pan and use a spoon to remove any excess before adding the mayo. This keeps your sliders from being greasy.
• Make them uniform: Use a measuring cup to scoop the beef mixture onto the rolls. This ensures every slider has the same amount of filling and they all look bakery-perfect.
• Watch the edges: If you notice the edges of your rolls browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
• Sesame seed trick: Press the sesame seeds gently into the butter after sprinkling so they stick better and don’t fall off when you’re serving.
• Common mistake to avoid: Don’t overbake! These can go from perfect to dry pretty quickly. Check them at 12 minutes – if the cheese is melted and the tops are golden, they’re done.

Flavor Variations / Suggestions

Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders: Cook 8-10 strips of bacon until crispy, crumble, and mix into the beef with the mayo. GAME CHANGER.

BBQ Ranch Sliders: Mix 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce into the beef along with the mayo, and use ranch dressing as a topping instead of ketchup.

Jalapeño Popper Style: Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy kick!

Mushroom Swiss: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and use Swiss cheese instead of cheddar for a more gourmet vibe.

Breakfast Sliders: Add a fried egg on top of each slider before the top bun for the ultimate breakfast-for-dinner situation.

Pizza Burger Fusion: Add a tablespoon of Italian seasoning to the beef, use mozzarella instead of cheddar, and top with pepperoni slices before baking.

Make-Ahead Options

These sliders are perfect for meal prep and busy days! Here’s what you can do ahead:

The Night Before: Cook the beef mixture completely, let it cool, and store it covered in the refrigerator. Slice your rolls and keep them in an airtight bag. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble and pop in the oven. You might need to add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time since the beef will be cold.

Freezer-Friendly: You can assemble the entire tray of sliders (minus the butter and sesame seeds on top), wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then brush with butter and bake as directed.

Partial Prep: You can slice the rolls and cook the beef mixture up to 2 days ahead. Keep them separate and refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble and bake.

Recipe Notes & Baker’s Tips

About the rolls: I typically use King’s Hawaiian rolls or regular dinner rolls. Both work beautifully! Hawaiian rolls add a subtle sweetness that some people absolutely love with the savory beef. If you can only find the 12-pack that’s smaller rolls, you might end up with 20-22 sliders instead of 24, which is totally fine.

Cheese flexibility: The 8 slices of cheese should cover all 24 roll bottoms if you break them strategically. If your slices are small, you might need 10-12 slices instead. Don’t stress about perfect coverage – just do your best!

Scaling up or down: This recipe is super easy to halve for smaller gatherings (use one 12-pack of rolls and 1 lb of beef). You can also double it for huge parties – just use two pans.

Crispy bottom hack: If you like your bottom buns a little crispier, bake the bottom layer of rolls alone for 3-4 minutes before adding the beef and cheese.

Serving Suggestions

These cheeseburger sliders are perfect for so many occasions! Here’s how I love to serve them:

Game Day Spread: Serve alongside tortilla chips with queso, buffalo wings, and a veggie tray. Set up a topping bar with pickles, ketchup, mustard, and extra cheese so everyone can customize their sliders.

Family Dinner Night: Pair with crispy French fries or sweet potato fries, coleslaw, and a simple green salad. The sliders are hearty enough to be the main event!

Party Platter: Cut into individual sliders and arrange on a big platter. Stick a toothpick in each one with a pickle speared on top for easy grabbing. They look so impressive!

Lunch Boxes: These are amazing for lunch the next day! Pack one or two sliders with some chips and cut veggies for a satisfying meal.

Sides That Shine: My favorite pairings are air fryer French fries, classic coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, corn on the cob, or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad.

How to Store Your Cheeseburger Sliders

Room Temperature: These are best enjoyed fresh, but they can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours if you’re serving them at a party.

Refrigerator: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re actually really good cold the next day as a quick snack!

Freezer: Wrap individual sliders or the whole tray tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Instructions:

• Oven Method (Best): Wrap sliders in foil and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place 1-2 sliders on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-45 seconds. They won’t be as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious!
• Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes for crispy tops.

Allergy Information

Contains:

• Dairy (cheese, butter)
• Gluten (dinner rolls)
• Eggs (most dinner rolls contain eggs)

Substitution Options:

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free slider buns or rolls (you might need to bake them separately as they can be more delicate)
• Egg-Free: Check the ingredient list on your dinner rolls and choose an egg-free brand if needed

Questions I Get Asked A Lot

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great here. Just know they’re leaner than beef, so I’d recommend increasing the mayo to ⅓ cup to keep them extra juicy. You might also want to add a little extra seasoning since poultry is more mild than beef.

My bottom buns got soggy – what did I do wrong?

This usually happens if you skip the bottom cheese layer or if your beef mixture has too much grease. That slice of cheese on the bottom is crucial – it creates a protective barrier! Also, make sure to drain any excess grease from your beef before adding the mayo.

Can I make these without mayo?

You can, but I really encourage you to try it with the mayo first! It completely melts into the beef and just makes everything more moist and delicious. If you absolutely can’t do mayo, try mixing in 2-3 tablespoons of beef broth or a little sour cream instead.

How do I keep the tops from getting too brown?

If your oven runs hot or if you’re baking for the full 15 minutes, just tent the sliders loosely with aluminum foil after about 10 minutes. This lets the cheese keep melting while protecting the tops from over-browning.

Can I prep these the night before a party?

Yes! Assemble everything completely (except don’t brush with butter yet), cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking, brush with melted butter, add sesame seeds, and bake. You might need to add 3-5 extra minutes since they’ll be cold.

What’s the best way to cut these without them falling apart?

Let them cool for 2-3 minutes after baking – this helps everything set. Then use a very sharp serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion. Cut along the natural divisions of the rolls rather than trying to make your own size portions.

💬 Tried this recipe? Leave a comment and rating below! I’d love to hear how your cheeseburger sliders turned out. Did you add any fun toppings? Make any creative variations?