I’ll never forget the first time I made these appetizer burger sliders for a family gathering. The kitchen was a flurry of activity, kids were running around, and I needed something quick and easy that everyone would love. That’s when these little gems came to life, and they were a hit! Ready in under 30 minutes, these Appetizer Burger Sliders are now a staple in my home, and I know they’ll be a lifesaver for you too, especially if you’re a busy mom or just need a quick, crowd-pleasing meal.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Appetizer Burger Sliders
- Easy Assembly: This recipe is so simple to put together, even the kids can help.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory beef, sweet onions, melty cheese, and that amazing butter topping is just divine.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These sliders disappear in minutes, whether it’s a family dinner or a party.
- Quick and Convenient: From start to finish, you’ll have these sliders on the table in under 30 minutes.
Key Ingredients for Appetizer Burger Sliders
The magic of these sliders lies in a few key ingredients: lean ground beef, sweet Hawaiian rolls, your favorite cheese snack bars, and a simple but flavorful butter topping. I’ll dive into each ingredient in detail, sharing why they work and how you can even customize them!
Decoding the Ingredients
Let’s break down what makes each ingredient special. I prefer lean ground beef (85%) because it gives us great flavor without being too greasy. Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, though!
For the cheese, I love using cheese snack bars. They melt beautifully and add a fun twist. You can use any flavor you like; I often go with Borden because my kids love them. The apple cider vinegar in the butter sauce adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness and richness perfectly. It’s a game-changer!
Step-by-Step: Making Your Appetizer Burger Sliders
Making these sliders is a breeze! You’ll start by cooking the beef, then layering it onto sweet Hawaiian rolls with cheese and savory onions. A generous brushing of that irresistible butter topping, and a quick bake in the oven, transforms these into the perfect appetizer or easy dinner. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through each step with helpful tips and tricks.
Amazing Appetizer Burger Sliders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine the beef and spices in a bowl.
- 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.
- Slice the rolls in half lengthwise. Place the bottom half in a lined baking pan.
- Top the bottom half of the rolls with the cooked beef.
- In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Add in the diced onion and stir to coat. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Top the beef with the cooked onions, cheese, and top half of the bun.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and all other ingredients for the butter topping.
- 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!
Notes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef (I used 85%)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ white onion (diced)
- 12 slider-sized Hawaiian rolls ((1 package))
- 12 (¾ oz.) cheese snack bars (any flavor — I used Borden )
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted (½ stick))
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tsp broth
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tbsp sesame seeds (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
Image of oven preheating - Combine the beef and spices in a bowl.
Image of mixing beef and spices in bowl - Press the beef into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish into a flat and even layer.
Image of the beef pressed into the baking dish - Bake for 20 minutes. Drain the liquid and set aside.
Image of baked beef being drained - Slice the rolls in half lengthwise. Place the bottom half in a lined baking pan.
Image of sliced rolls in baking pan - Top the bottom half of the rolls with the cooked beef.
Image of beef topped on the rolls - In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Add in the diced onion and stir to coat. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Image of onions cooking in skillet - Top the beef with the cooked onions, cheese, and top half of the bun.
Image of sliders assembled before the butter topping - In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and all other ingredients for the butter topping.
Image of the butter topping ingredients being mixed - Brush the tops of the rolls liberally with melted butter (or pour it over) mixture and sprinkle the sesame seeds on top.
Image of the butter topping being brushed onto the rolls - Bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melty.
Image of the finished sliders baking in the oven - Slice into individual sliders and serve hot. Enjoy!
Image of the finished sliders sliced and ready to be served
Troubleshooting: Avoiding Common Appetizer Burger Slider Mishaps
Ever had sliders that were soggy on the bottom? The key is to drain the excess liquid from the beef after baking! This prevents the rolls from getting soggy. Burnt cheese? I recommend keeping an eye on the sliders during the last few minutes of baking. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, simply tent the baking dish with foil.
Variations and Substitutions for the Perfect Appetizer Burger Slider
| Variation | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | Use gluten-free slider buns. |
| Dairy-free | Substitute dairy-free cheese and butter alternatives. |
| Low-carb | Use lettuce wraps instead of buns. |
| Bun options | Try brioche or pretzel rolls for a different flavor profile. |
| Meat options | Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat substitutes work well. |
| Cheese options | Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack. |
Dipping Sauce Magic: Beyond the Usual
While these sliders are fantastic on their own, a good dipping sauce takes them to the next level. I love serving mine with a smoky BBQ sauce for a classic burger flavor. A creamy garlic aioli adds a touch of sophistication, and a spicy sriracha mayo brings the heat. For a tangy option, try a homemade thousand island dressing.
Serving Suggestions: Sides to Complete Your Appetizer Burger Slider Feast
To make it a complete meal, I love serving these sliders with a side of crispy fries or sweet potato fries. A fresh garden salad adds a refreshing contrast, or you can add some roasted vegetables for a healthier option. My personal favorite is pairing them with a simple coleslaw.
Make-Ahead Tips for Stress-Free Appetizer Burger Slider Prep
Want to get ahead? You can cook the beef and prepare the butter topping up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble, just reheat the beef and continue with the recipe.
How to Store and Reheat Your Appetizer Burger Sliders
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the sliders in foil and bake at 350°F until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the buns might get a little soft. For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled sliders. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to keep sliders warm for a party?
I find that using a slow cooker on the warm setting works great. Place the sliders in a single layer and cover them with a slightly vented lid to prevent them from getting soggy.
Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes are all great options.
What kind of cheese melts best on sliders?
I love using cheese snack bars because they melt beautifully, but cheddar, provolone, and pepper jack are also excellent choices.
How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
Make sure to drain the excess liquid from the beef after baking. You can also lightly toast the buns before assembling the sliders.
What are some good side dishes to serve with sliders?
Fries, salad, coleslaw, and roasted vegetables are all fantastic options.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double or even triple this recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just use a bigger baking dish!
How should I reheat the sliders?
Wrapping the sliders in foil and baking them at 350°F until heated through is the best way to reheat them.
Can I freeze Cheeseburger Sliders?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled sliders. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
These Appetizer Burger Sliders are a guaranteed hit, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick and delicious meal. They’re easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser! So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! Leave a comment below sharing your results, ask any questions you have, or share any variations you’ve tried. I can’t wait to hear from you!
