Cheese-topped, juicy, and utterly irresistible — this grilled sliders recipe is perfect for game day, BBQs, or quick dinners. Warning: they disappear fast!
Cheeseburger sliders are one of those dinners that are so incredibly easy, even a 10-year-old can make them, which is probably why this recipe has been a staple in my house for so many years. I love keeping ground beef on hand because on a busy night, we can make a batch of sliders in no time and everyone can add their own toppings. I personally love mine lettuce wrapped, while the boys usually load theirs up with all the classic toppings. Since the sliders are little, everyone can have a few and make each one a little different, which makes such a simple dinner feel extra fun.
Did you know? One idea is that the name “slider” dates back to the 1940s when U.S. Navy sailors noticed how these greasy mini burgers could easily “slide” down the throat in one or two bites. White Castle fast food restaurant later made them famous. What makes it different than a sandwich? Sliders use ground beef and a burger bun, while sandwiches rely on deli meat and bread.
Grilled Cheeseburger Sliders Video
How To Make Burger Sliders
This grilled sliders recipe is quick and low-fuss. Here’s the general process.
- Mix the ground beef: Combine lean ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper — keep the mixing gentle to keep the meat tender.
- Shape uniform patties: Divide the mixture into equal balls, then form them into 1/2‑inch thick rounds. A jar lid or patty former yields rounds that are the same size.
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium‑high heat. Cook patties a few minutes per side, until the beef is at least 160°F. Flip once, using a wide spatula to keep the patty intact. Add a slice of cheese in the last minute of cooking. Let the patties rest a few minutes to redistribute juices.
- Toast the buns: While the meat rests, place cut‑side buns on the grill for a minute, or brush them with melted butter and toast under the broiler.
No access to a grill? For an oven baked version, press the seasoned beef into a rimmed sheet pan, bake at 350°F until cooked through, then cut into slider sized squares.
Best Bread for the Sliders
I believe the slider bun actually makes a big difference in taste in this grilled slider recipe. Look for soft, slightly sweet rolls that hold up to the juicy patty.
- Low‑carb or gluten‑free options: Although it is not a bread, thick iceberg lettuce is a great low-carb, gluten free substitute!
- King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls: This is my top pick for their pillowy texture and subtle sweetness.
- Brioche slider buns: Second up are these buns that are super buttery, which complements the savory beef and melted cheese wonderfully.
- Potato rolls or dinner rolls: Pillowy and sturdy — potato rolls bring extra tenderness.
Slider Additions & Substitutions
These cheeseburger sliders shine with simple toppings, but there are so many to choose from! Make it your own with a few of these ideas.
- Bacon: Add crispy cooked bacon strips to make bacon cheeseburger sliders with extra protein and saltiness.
- Condiments: Set out the usual condiments- ketchup, mustard, mayo, BBQ sauce, and special burger sauce (mix mayo, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish).
- Cheese swaps: American, provolone, Swiss, or mozzarella work beautifully. Honestly, use whatever slices of cheese you like! Or, skip the cheese to make plain hamburger sliders.
- Veggies: Shredded lettuce, tomato slices, dill pickle chips, and raw or grilled onions add freshness and the classic burger taste.
- Pickled jalapeños: Pickled jalapeños and pepper jack cheese give sliders a Southwest spin.
- BBQ sauce: BBQ sauce and crispy fried onions make delicious BBQ sliders.
- Caramelized onions: Caramelized onions and Swiss cheese create a patty melt style.
- Ground turkey or chicken: Substitute ground turkey or chicken, but make sure to add an egg as a binder to keep the patties from crumbling.
- Seasoning: Make the burger patties even more flavorful by adding more of your favorite seasonings. Garlic powder, onion powder, and Montreal steak seasoning are great flavor-boosters.
Tips for The Best Cheeseburger Sliders
How do I make my sliders taste just as good as real burgers? Here are all my tips and tricks on making the best cheeseburger sliders around.
- Handle the meat lightly. Overmixing makes tough patties, so combine the ingredients just until they’re well blended.
- Make an indentation in the patty. Press a slight dimple in the center of each patty to counteract shrinkage during grilling.
- Shape patties slightly larger than the buns. Patties shrink as they cook, so a slightly oversized patty ensures full bun coverage.
- Toast the buns. A quick toast on the grill or under the broiler adds structure and prevents sogginess. If you like, brush the buns with butter first for a golden finish.
- Use a meat thermometer. Aim for 160°F internal temperature. It removes guesswork and keeps patties juicy instead of overdone.
- Let the patties rest. A 5‑minute rest after cooking redistributes juices so they don’t leak out at the first bite.
- Assemble right before serving. Keep the buns, patties, and toppings separate until guests are ready to eat — this eliminates soggy bottoms and ensures ultimate freshness.
- Keep cooked patties warm. If not serving immediately, hold patties in a baking dish at 170°F or in a slow cooker set to warm.
Making Grilled Sliders Recipe in Advance
You can totally prep sliders ahead of time, just make sure to do it separately. I recommend you prep the patties up to a day early and refrigerate. Prep the toppings and refrigerate them in separate containers, too. Assemble the sliders right before serving so they’re hot and fresh!
Serving
These sliders are built for sharing. Use them as the centerpiece of a game day spread, party buffet, or a quick weeknight dinner. By the way, plan 1–2 sliders per person as an appetizer, but 2–4 per person if a main dish.
- Dipping sauces: Go beyond ketchup — offer mustard, mayo, barbecue sauce, chipotle aioli, and any special sauce.
- DIY topping bar: Set out lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, bacon bits, jalapeños, and sauce choices so everyone builds their dream slider.
- Classic sides: Pair with French fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, potato chips, or tater tots. Coleslaw, corn tomato avocado salad, or Mexican street corn salad also add freshness.
Storage Tips + Reheating Cheeseburger Sliders
Leftovers are often my favorite part. Same great taste, but virtually no effort the next day!
- Refrigerator: Store sliders in an airtight container for up to four days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual sliders (without fresh toppings) in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheating: Reheat uncovered in a 325–350°F oven for 8–15 minutes to revive the crispness. Microwave in 30‑second bursts if you’re in a hurry, but be aware the buns may soften.
More Slider Recipes
- Messy Burger: A saucy, flavorful burger that’s perfect for piling high on slider buns
- Ham and Cheese Sliders: Classic comfort food with layers of ham and melty cheese on soft rolls
- Philly Cheesesteak Sliders: Thin-sliced beef, sautéed peppers and onions, all topped with gooey provolone
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef 93% or leaner
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 8 slider buns
- 2 slices cheddar cheese cut into quarters
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.
- Break beef into 8 equal-sized pieces and form them into 1/2 inch thick patties.
- Place patties on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes on each side or to 160°F when a thermometer is placed in the center of the patty. During the last minute of grilling, top off each patty with cheddar cheese for easy melting.
- Serve on your favorite slider buns. If you like, toast the buns right on the grill for a minute or so while you are finishing off the patties.
Do the nutrition facts include the bun?
Hi Lisa, Yes, the bun is included. However, the nutrition can vary depending on the type of bun used. Hope this helps.
That little bit of worcestershire sauce really deepens the flavor in these sliders. So delicious!
Jen, yes, it does make a difference. Thank you!
Good call on the Hawaiian bread. The sliders were fantastic!
Right?! Gotta love Hawaiian rolls they add a delicious sweet note. I'm glad you enjoyed the sliders.
Served these for dinner last night and they were a hit all around the table! Easily, my kids new favorite meal!
Sara I am glad you enjoyed the recipe. It is always the best compliment when kids love a recipe!