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Cheeseburger Sliders are a fun and easy meal perfect for those busy school nights or fun game days! When I’m not sure what to make for dinner, my son Henry always requests these. There’s nothing better than these easy baked sliders for feeding a hungry crowd. It’s a recipe we make throughout the year and also one of our favorite game day recipes.
What’s in this Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe?
I simply cannot get enough baked sliders in my life. Being a parent is busy, especially around back to school, and these cheeseburger sliders are just one way I make life easier. I tested several ways to make the burger part of these sliders, and once I developed this technique, I knew I’d found a winner. Here’s what I included in the recipe:
- Ground Beef: These sliders are made using a huge ground beef burger patty! It’s easy to make and provides a tasty and juicy base for our cheeseburgers. We recommend using lean ground beef.
- Sautéed Onion: Although optional, the sautéed onions are my favorite part of these sliders. We usually add them to half the pan to make sure everyone at the party can enjoy a slider.
- Hawaiian Rolls: I love the subtle sweetness that using Hawaiian roll slider buns provides. You can use your favorite rolls if you prefer.
- Quality Cheese: We used cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, and provolone. It was fun to make every cheeseburger a little different. Use your favorite quality cheese slices and don’t be afraid to get creative! We might try pub cheese for the Super Bowl!
- Sesame Butter Spread: This really takes the flavor profile up a notch! It’s a simple addition that we hope you try.
Pro Tip: I always check the internal temperature of the meat in the center of the pan with an instant-read thermometer. Use my burger temperature chart to find the perfect temp for you!
Variations on Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders
I’ve chosen to make our baked sliders with bacon, onion, and cheese, but there are so many ways you can change things up and keep things fun. Here are some ways we have customized this recipe:
- Add some peanut butter! Have you ever heard of a goober burger? It’s a cheeseburger topped with peanut butter. Sounds weird but trust me; they’re delish. It’s a bit of a Missouri tradition (the Wagon Wheel Inn was somewhere we frequented in my childhood). I hope you give it a try because it’s truly fantastic.
- Add other toppings such as tomatoes, bacon, pickles, or more! Any ingredients that won’t wilt (aka lettuce) would be a great addition to these baked burgers! I like to have a toppings bar on hand when feeding a crowd.
- Get creative with the cheese selection. Cheeseburgers are meant to be made with all kinds of different cheeses. I want to try pub cheese on these next!
- Use Chicken or Turkey instead of Beef. Any ground meat will work in this fun and easy recipe. Win! Buffalo Chicken would be a fun variation!
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover cheeseburger sliders in an airtight container, or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
How to Freeze
Freeze these baked sliders individually wrapped in 2 layers of plastic wrap and 1 layer of aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
The great thing about these cheeseburger sliders is that they’re so versatile. I serve them on their own as an appetizer, or serve them with everything from French fries to soft pretzels. Some of my favorite kid-friendly sides are avocado fries, baked sweet potato chips, tater tots, corn ribs, and loaded mac and cheese.
5-Star Review
“This is bar none one of the most delicious recipes I have ever made. My husband was over the moon! Thank you!!” – Lisa
Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13 Baking Pan
Ingredients
For the Cheeseburgers
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ white onion diced
- 12 slider-sized Hawaiian rolls (1 package)
- 12 (¾-ounce) cheese snack bars any flavor — I used Borden
For the Glaze (Optional)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted (½ stick)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ½ tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Combine the beef and spices in a bowl.2 pounds lean ground beef, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- Press the beef into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish into a flat and even layer.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Drain the liquid and set aside.
- In a large skillet set over medium-high heat add the olive oil. Add in the diced onion and stir to coat. Cook until onion is translucent and fragrant. Drain excess oil fully and set aside.1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ white onion
- Slice the rolls in half lengthwise. Place the bottom half in the same baking dish.12 slider-sized Hawaiian rolls
- Top the bottom half of the rolls with the cooked beef, then the onions, then slices of cheese in a single layer. Top with the top half of the rolls.12 (¾-ounce) cheese snack bars
- In a small bowl combine the melted butter and all other ingredients for the butter topping. (optional, see note)¼ cup unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, ½ tablespoon sesame seeds
- Brush the tops of the rolls liberally with melted butter (or pour it over) mixture and sprinkle the sesame seeds on top.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melty.
- Slice into individual sliders and serve hot. Enjoy!
Becky’s Tips
- The Sesame Butter is optional. You can use as little or as much as you’d like. It helps to keep the bread from getting too dry and toasted. Alternatively, you can tent the dish with foil to keep the tops from burning.
- Check the internal temperature of the meat in the center of the pan with an instant-read thermometer. Use my burger temperature chart to find the perfect temp for you!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
Once the beef is baked, is it removed from the pan so that the bottom half the rolls can be placed in the same baking dish?
Yes, or use a cookie sheet for the sliders and transfer the beef then.
I’m making these for a “Big Game” party. Do you have a suggestion for keeping them warm for a couple of hours? Maybe stacked in a slow cooker set on low, or an electric skillet with a cooling rack to keep them off the direct heat? Any ideas?
Hi Daniel, we recommend placing them in a 200°F oven covered with foil to keep them warm!
These turned out GREAT and were a real crowd pleaser. I made one batch with beef and one with ground turkey, to which I added a little shredded butter to keep the turkey moist, and Worcestershire Sauce for a kick to the flavor. To keep warm for the first 45-60 minutes, I heated my cast iron griddle, placed it on hot pads on my serving area, coved it with a dish towel (so people would not burn themselves) put the sliders on the dish towel and threw another towel over them to keep warm. Worked like a charm. And there weren’t many left after an hour to keep warm anyway. The last few went back in the over later to reheat and Boom, success!
You put the sliders on a dish towel? What do you mean? In the baking dish?
Really enjoy the flavors. Have made other slider recipes, this one is easier than others. The one thing I am trying to figure out is to have the meat less compact/hard.
Hi Michael, be gentle when pressing the beef. You don’t need to really compact it; just get it into an even layer!
Can these be made earlier in the day and baked just prior to serving? Thank you!
Hi Pam, the bottom buns will likely turn soggy if prepped ahead!
I thought this was really tasty and a definite keeper to make again. made exactly as written except extra onions and fried with olive oil and a bit of butter (more flavour). I also made sure to get as much of the fat off the meat and pan. No sogginess at all :)
Great recipe! Too much beef for our taste, I’ll substitute 1lb next time. Glaze was a nice addition, as others mentioned, I used foil for 10min after glaze then removed, perfect!
My VERY picky eater DEVOURED these sliders! The rest of the family absolutely loved this. We are definitely adding this to our dinner rotation. Thank you!!
What is the recommended lean beef ratio?80, 85, 92 ?
Hi Eve, we used 85%, but 90 or 92 also work well!
I really liked these..the sweetness of the Hawaiian Rolls and the brown sugar in the topping were great. the only thing I would do different is cover them with foil for half the baking. I felt like the top of the rolls cooked too much. I like a much softer bun. they were still delicious though!
Just curious if you could cook this on a grill in the sheet pan or in the smoker?
Since it’s hot this weekend I don’t want to heat the house up.
Hi Jodi, we haven’t tried that, but it could work with the right equipment!