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mini cheeseburger sliders with special sauce

Mini burgers, maximum flavor—because size isn't everything ...

BAILEY SISSOM

September 1, 2024

Now, I’m not saying these sliders will change your life, but they just might save your Tuesday night. They’re quick, easy, and the kids will eat them without a single complaint (which, if we're being real, is a small miracle). Sure, they’re not going to win any awards for being the healthiest meal ever, but that’s not the point. Sometimes you just need something homemade, something that’s a step up from fast food, something that feels like a win—even if it’s a little indulgent.

I’ve kept this recipe simple, sticking to the basics. Could you add onions to the ground beef? Absolutely, but I didn’t—my kids would revolt. I set out pickles, lettuce, and some sliced grape tomatoes, and let everyone handle their own toppings. The boys enjoyed the freedom to pile on whatever they wanted—though we did mysteriously go through an entire jar of pickles.

For sides, I used the air fryer to warm up some frozen fries—honestly, it’s the best + easiest way to get them perfectly crispy. If you’re after something healthier but still easy, go for fresh fruit and sliced veggies with a dip.

The burger breakdown: Start with soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls, layer them with a generous amount of cheddar cheese, perfectly seasoned beef, and then top them off with a bit more cheese (because, why not?). The whole thing is finished with a swipe of creamy, tangy burger sauce that takes these sliders from good to unforgettable.

Two layers of cheese might seem excessive, but that second slice is crucial to avoid soggy burgers—don’t skip it. If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely), these sliders keep well in the fridge and reheat perfectly in the microwave. And if your picky eaters aren’t into the sauce, no worries—we’ll keep it on the side so everyone can dip (or not) as they please.

More easy dinner ideas: For those nights when you’re scrambling to get it all done, these recipes will save the day.

• ​Italian Sausage on A Bun: Quick and Easy Italian Sausage on a Bun combines spicy chicken sausage, roasted peppers, and sweet onions, all served up on a warm toasty bun with marinara and mozzarella.
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• ​Bacon Chicken and Rice Bowls: 30 minute Honey Dijon, Bacon, Chicken and Rice Bowls require just 7-ingredients and one-pot. Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, brown rice and fresh veggies tossed in a tangy honey mustard sauce.
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• ​Super Simple Sloppy Joes: Sloppy Joes are straight from your make-ahead meal dreams. 8-ingredients, 1 skillet and 30 minutes start to finish.

Let’s talk sauce— the quick burger sauce is the secret ingredient that takes these sliders from ordinary to extraordinary (don't skip it). It’s one of those easy, whip-it-up-in-minutes recipes that has the power to make even the simplest meal feel like something special. A little tangy, a little smoky, with just the right amount of sweetness. It doesn’t just complement the burger—it elevates it. And here’s the thing: once you’ve made it, you’ll realize how a simple homemade sauce can transform your cooking. It’s proof that sometimes, the smallest details make the biggest difference.

Pro Tip: Make the sauce ahead of time and let it sit in the fridge for a bit before serving. This allows the flavors to meld, creating a more cohesive and flavorful sauce. And if you’ve got leftovers, this sauce isn’t just for burgers—try it as a dip for fries, a spread on sandwiches, or even as a topping for grilled veggies.

Mini Cheeseburger Sliders with Special Sauce

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​Makes 16 mini cheeseburger sliders

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​Cook Time ~ 15 Minutes

Tools

​large skillet​
​spatula​
​quarter baking sheet​
​sharp knife/cutting board​
parchment paper
​small bowl​
​pastry brush​

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
• 5-6 thin 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: This sauce elevates the sliders (so make it if you can). In a pinch, a mix of ketchup and mustard, or your favorite store-bought sauce, works too.

• 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

Instructions:

First, 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.

Second, 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.

Third, 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.

Fourth, 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.

Fifth, 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.

Sixth, 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.

Seventh, 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.

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.