Description
These easy baked cheeseburger sliders are the perfect solution for busy weeknights or game day gatherings. Made with juicy ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and sweet Hawaiian rolls, they come together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Sliders:
- 1 lb. ground beef (90/10 blend recommended)
- 1/2 tablespoon store-bought burger seasoning
- 16-pack King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- 6 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for topping the rolls)
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for topping the rolls)
For the Special Sauce:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Tools:
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Baking sheet
- Sharp knife/cutting board
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl
- Pastry brush
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the 16 Hawaiian Rolls in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 lb. ground beef. Sprinkle with 1/2 tablespoon burger seasoning. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat (this is important so burgers don't get soggy) and set the beef aside.
- Assemble the sliders: Place the bottom halves of the Hawaiian rolls on the prepared baking sheet. Layer with 5-6 slices of cheddar cheese, evenly distribute the cooked ground beef over the cheese, and sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top. Place the top halves of the rolls over the shredded cheese.
- Brush and top: Melt 1 tablespoon butter and brush it over the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle with 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake the sliders: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
- Prepare the special sauce: While the sliders are baking, whisk together 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 2 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp white vinegar, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder in a small bowl. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool slightly. Slice into individual portions and serve with the special sauce on the side, or spread a bit of sauce directly onto each slider. Offer additional toppings like pickles, lettuce, and sliced grape tomatoes for customization.
Notes
Cooking for a crowd: This recipe makes 12 sliders, but it’s a breeze to double, triple, or quadruple if you’re feeding a crowd. You can even pre-assemble them and stash them in the fridge overnight until it’s time to bake and serve.
Freezer: To freeze these sliders, skip the sauce and toppings for now. Wrap the entire loaf of assembled (not baked) burgers tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then pop them in the oven until they’re heated through.
Nut Free: This recipe is already nut free. Check specific ingredients if concerned with cross-contamination.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the King’s Hawaiian Rolls with a gluten-free alternative, such as gluten-free slider buns or dinner rolls. Look for brands like Schär, Canyon Bakehouse, or any other gluten-free bread option that you prefer.
Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based alternative, such as Beyond Meat, Impossible Burger, or any other vegetarian ground beef substitute you prefer. Cook it the same way as you would the ground beef.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative like Daiya or Violife, and replace the butter with a plant-based margarine, vegan butter, or olive oil.