Mini Hamburgers with Cheese

Sliders are the ultimate party food, packing all the flavor of a classic hamburger into a fun, bite-sized package. These mini burgers are incredibly juicy, featuring perfectly seasoned beef patties, gooey melted cheddar cheese, and a tangy special sauce that brings everything together. Nestled in soft, toasted slider buns, they are guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults.

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The secret to a truly great slider lies in the details. From the 80/20 ground beef blend that ensures a moist patty, to the buttery, toasted buns that provide the perfect texture, every element plays a crucial role. This recipe guides you through creating each component perfectly, resulting in sliders that taste like they came from your favorite gourmet burger joint.

Ingredients

• Beef Patties
• 500 g (1.1 lb) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Special Sauce
• 4 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Sliders Assembly
• 12 mini slider buns
• 6 slices cheddar cheese, halved
• 12 dill pickle slices
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 small tomato, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce (optional)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing buns)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the special sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Chill until ready to use.

Step 2

Form the beef: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Gently mix. Divide into 12 equal portions and shape into small patties, slightly larger than the buns (they will shrink when cooked).

Step 3

Cook the patties: Heat a large skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. In the last minute, top each patty with a half-slice of cheddar cheese to melt.

Step 4

Toast the buns: Brush the cut sides of buns with melted butter. Toast in a dry skillet or in the oven until golden.

Step 5

Assemble sliders: Spread special sauce on both the top and bottom buns. Place a cheesy patty on each bottom bun, top with a pickle slice, onion, tomato, and lettuce as desired. Cap with the top bun. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.

Step 6

Serve immediately while hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Mini slider buns are available at most bakeries; Hawaiian rolls are a tasty alternative that adds a touch of sweetness.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to customize your sliders. Add crispy bacon, spicy jalapeños, or sweet caramelized onions for extra flavor. For a lighter option, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or even plant-based patties.

Serviervorschläge

These sliders are fantastic on their own but also pair perfectly with classic sides. Serve them with a side of crispy french fries, creamy coleslaw, or crunchy potato chips for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Whether you're hosting a game day party, a summer barbecue, or just looking for a fun and delicious dinner, these homemade sliders are the answer. They are simple to make, endlessly customizable, and so much better than any fast-food version. Enjoy the process of creating these little bites of heaven and watch them disappear in minutes!

Questions & Answers

→ What type of beef is best for these mini hamburgers?

A blend with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio ensures juicy, flavorful patties that hold together well during cooking.

→ How can I melt the cheese perfectly on the patties?

Add halved cheddar slices onto patties in the last minute of cooking and cover the skillet briefly to achieve melted cheese.

→ Can I prepare the special sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be mixed and chilled in advance to enhance its flavors before assembly.

→ What alternatives are there for slider buns?

Mini buns from bakeries work well, and Hawaiian rolls make a soft, slightly sweet alternative.

→ How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?

Brushing buns with melted butter and toasting them creates a barrier that helps prevent sogginess when layered with sauce and patties.