Juicy burgers in a small package with big flavor, these Cheeseburger Sliders are delicious, simple to prepare in about 20 minutes, and ideal for sharing. Make them for parties, tailgates, or a quick family dinner. Grill, broil, or air fry—these sliders are versatile and crowd-pleasing.
Growing up in Oklahoma, cheeseburgers were a weekly staple at our table. There’s something satisfying about firing up the grill, cooking a juicy patty, and watching the cheese melt. These mini cheeseburgers—sliders—capture that same comfort in a bite-sized format.
Cheeseburger sliders work perfectly as party appetizers or as a quick meal for a busy weeknight. They’re easy to scale up for crowds, easy to customize, and they cook fast—about 20 minutes from start to finish when you grill or broil them. You can also cook them in an air fryer for even easier cleanup.
Ingredients
- Ground beef – 80/20 blend is recommended for juicy, flavorful sliders.
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder – simple seasoning to enhance the beef. Adjust to taste.
- Sliced cheese – cheddar or American are classic choices; use your favorite cheese if you prefer.
- Buns – slider buns, dinner rolls, or sweet Hawaiian rolls all work. Brioche dinner rolls give a rich, slightly sweet finish.
Instructions
These directions are straightforward. The recipe yields about 8 sliders and can be doubled to serve a larger group. Choose your cooking method—grill, oven broiler, or air fryer—and follow the appropriate steps below.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix gently—overworking the meat can make the patties dense.
- Form the mixture into 8 slider patties, each about 1/2 to 1 inch thick. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.
- Grill method: Heat the grill to medium. Cook the sliders 3–4 minutes per side, until they reach your preferred doneness.
- Oven broiler method: Preheat the broiler to high. Place patties on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet under the broiler for 7 minutes, flip if desired, then broil an additional minute or two as needed.
- Air fryer method: Arrange the patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for about 8 minutes. After that initial cook, add cheese and air fry 1–2 more minutes until melted.
- During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty. For an extra cheesy bite, cut each slice in half and fold so you have a double layer of cheese on each patty.
- Toast the buns: slice dinner rolls if needed and toast them briefly under the broiler or on the grill until golden. Toasted buns add texture and keep them from getting soggy.
- Assemble sliders: place each cheeseburger on a toasted bun and top with your preferred sauces and toppings. Serve immediately.
Optional toppings and sauces
One of the best things about sliders is variety. Make a slider bar so guests can top their own, or prepare a few signature versions to showcase different flavors. Try any of these sauces and toppings:
- Sauces:
- Burger sauce (a creamy, tangy special sauce)
- Sriracha ketchup (mix sriracha into ketchup for a spicy-sweet kick)
- Gochujang mayo (Korean chili paste blended with mayonnaise for a savory-umami heat)
- Buffalo honey mustard (buffalo sauce combined with honey mustard for sweet and spicy notes)
- Classic BBQ sauce or a smoky bacon jam for a richer flavor
- Toppings:
- Crisp lettuce
- Fresh tomato slices
- Dill pickles
- Avocado slices
- Raw white onions or pickled onions
- Caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms
- Crispy fried onions or cooked bacon
What to serve with sliders
- Potato chips
- French fries (oven-baked or air-fried)
- Animal-style fries or cheesy grilled potatoes for extra indulgence
- Air fryer tater tots or sweet potato fries
- Onion rings or buffalo pickle chips
- A simple green salad for a lighter side
More cheeseburger ideas
If you love cheeseburger sliders, try other cheeseburger-inspired dishes for parties and weeknights: Buffalo cheeseburger dip, cheeseburger egg rolls, cheeseburger tater tot casseroles, or an “animal style” burger variation. Each offers a different take on the cheeseburger flavors you love.
Cheeseburger Sliders — Recipe Card
Servings: 8 sliders | Prep time: 12 minutes | Cook time: 8 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes
Author: Whitney Bond
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (or American), halved and folded
- 8 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Mix gently to combine.
- Form the mixture into 8 equal patties, each no more than 1 inch thick.
- Grill over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side, or cook under a high broiler or in an air fryer as outlined above.
- In the final minute of cooking, top each patty with cheese so it melts evenly.
- Toast buns briefly, assemble sliders, and add sauces and toppings to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes & tips
- If making sliders ahead for a party, keep cooked patties warm in a slow cooker set to warm; keep buns and toppings separate until serving.
- To double the recipe, simply double ingredient amounts—easy to scale for larger gatherings.
- Plan 1–2 sliders per person when serving alongside several appetizers, or 2–3 sliders per person as a main course.
- For a low-carb or gluten-free option, serve the patties wrapped in lettuce instead of on a bun.
- Store leftover sliders (separated from buns and toppings) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To reheat: microwave just the cheeseburger patty 30–60 seconds, or reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, then place on a bun and add fresh toppings.
Nutrition (approximate per slider)
Calories: 263 kcal | Carbohydrates: 17 g | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 15 g | Saturated Fat: 6 g | Sodium: 385 mg