Cheeseburger Sliders – Easy Party Classic
These Cheeseburger Sliders are everything you love about a classic cheeseburger but in a fun, crowd-pleasing, 2–3 bite size. Perfect for a party, game day, or family gathering, this recipe features ground beef seasoned to perfection, sweet caramelized onions, and melted cheddar cheese, all layered between soft Hawaiian rolls brushed with butter and baked until golden. These sliders come together in under an hour and are guaranteed to be the first dish to disappear from the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready for a Gathering: Whether you’re hosting a casual party or preparing for game night, these sliders are made in one pan and cut into 12 individual servings, making prep and cleanup a breeze.
- Nostalgic Burger Flavor: Loaded with savory ground beef, creamy dressing, and classic cheddar cheese—these sliders capture all the flavors of a good old-fashioned cheeseburger.
- Crowd-Pleasing and Customizable: Swap the cheese, use your favorite dressing, or add toppings like pickles or sautéed mushrooms to make it your own.
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Ground Beef
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Sliders
- 12 soft Hawaiian rolls (1 package)
- ½ cup Thousand Island dressing (or substitute Ranch or ketchup + mustard)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and season with ½ teaspoon salt.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and begin to caramelize. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Continue cooking until onions are deeply golden and tender, about 40–45 minutes. If needed, add a splash of water to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands to mix until just combined.
- Press the beef into the prepared baking dish in an even layer, about ½ inch thick.
- Bake for 15–17 minutes or until fully cooked. Carefully drain any excess grease and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
- Without separating them, slice the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally using a serrated knife.
- Lay the bottom half on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread the cut side with Thousand Island dressing.
- Place the cooked beef layer over the rolls. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the beef. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the onions.
- Place the roll tops back on. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
- Bake in the preheated oven for 6–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing into individual sliders using a sharp knife.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Keep the rolls intact: Cutting the rolls as a single unit makes assembly and serving much easier.
- Don’t skip draining the beef: Excess grease will make the sliders soggy.
- Use a sharp serrated knife: This helps keep the rolls from squishing while slicing.
- Double the batch: These sliders go quickly—consider making two if you’re feeding a crowd.
Serving Suggestions
These mini sliders pair beautifully with classic sides like oven-baked fries, crispy air-fried potatoes, or a simple green salad. For a fresher spread, try serving them with:
- Creamy Coleslaw
- Homemade Potato Wedges
- Tomato Cucumber Salad
- Fruit Salad for a Sweet Finish
Nutrition (Per Slider)
- Calories: 479
- Protein: 21g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbs: 19g
- Sodium: 884mg