Save These juicy beef sliders feature tender patties seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powders, grilled to perfection. Each slider is topped with melted cheddar cheese and tangy dill pickles, layered in buttery toasted mini buns for an irresistible bite. Perfectly balanced flavors and a simple cooking method make these sliders ideal for casual gatherings or family meals. Versatile options include swapping cheeses or adding fresh veggies for extra zest.
The smell of sliders hitting a hot skillet takes me back to our first Super Bowl party in that tiny apartment with the uneven floors. I had that moment of panic when I realized regular burgers were too much food for people already juggling plates of wings and dips. These little sandwiches saved the night and somehow disappeared faster than anything else on the table.
My brother-in-law stood by the grill that night, asking if I was sure about making eight separate patties instead of one giant smash burger. When he took his first bite with that perfect crunch from the toasted bun and the tangy pickles cutting through the rich beef and cheese, he didnt say another word until he reached for a third slider.
Ingredients
- Ground beef 8020 blend: The fat ratio keeps these small patties incredibly juicy since they cook quickly
- Garlic and onion powder: This combo creates that classic burger flavor without needing fresh aromatics
- Slider buns: The smaller scale is everything here so dont substitute regular burger buns
- Cheddar cheese: Sharpness cuts through the rich beef but American or Swiss work beautifully too
- Dill pickle slices: Two per slider is the magic number for that perfect acidic pop against the meat
- Unsalted butter: Brushing the buns before toasting creates that golden restaurant style finish
Instructions
- Warm up your cooking surface:
- Fire up the grill or skillet to medium high so it is ready when the patties are formed
- Season the beef:
- Mix the ground beef with salt pepper garlic powder and onion powder just until combined
- Form the patties:
- Divide into eight equal portions and shape into flat patties slightly larger than your buns
- Cook the patties:
- Grill or pan fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they reach your preferred doneness
- Melt the cheese:
- Add a cheese slice to each patty in the last minute and cover to melt beautifully
- Toast the buns:
- Brush cut sides with butter and toast on the grill until golden and crisp
- Build the sliders:
- Place cheesy patties on bottom buns add two pickle slices and condiments then top
Save Last summer my daughter requested these for her birthday dinner instead of cake. She stood on her step stool carefully placing the pickle slices on each slider like she was assembling tiny edible masterpieces and that simple act of helping made the whole meal feel like a celebration.
Getting The Perfect Sear
A screaming hot pan creates that gorgeous crust that locks in all the beefy flavor. Dont overcrowd the cooking surface or you will steam the patties instead of searing them.
Make Ahead Magic
Form the patties in the morning and stack them between parchment paper in the fridge. They cook up beautifully from cold and actually hold their shape even better than room temperature ones.
Serving Style
Pile these on a wooden cutting board and let guests grab them as they please. Something about the casual presentation makes people feel instantly at home.
- Set out extra pickles for the pickle lovers in the group
- Keep the toasted buns warm in a low oven while finishing the patties
- Small cocktail skewers help hold everything together if you are serving them standing up
Save There is something universally joyful about food you can eat with one hand while holding a drink in the other. These sliders turn any Tuesday dinner into a tiny party.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of beef works best for these sliders?
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An 80/20 ground beef blend is recommended for juicy and flavorful patties.
- → How do I melt the cheese properly on the patties?
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Place a cheese slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking and cover briefly to allow melting.
- → Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
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You can pre-shape the patties and store them in the fridge, but it’s best to grill and assemble sliders just before serving.
- → What are good alternatives to cheddar cheese?
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Swiss, pepper jack, or American cheese work well as flavorful alternatives.
- → How should I toast the slider buns?
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Brush buns with melted butter and toast cut side down on the grill or skillet until golden brown.
