Introduction
If you are looking for a delicious and simple recipe that can satisfy a crowd or just your family, oven baked cheeseburger sliders are a fantastic choice. These sliders bring together the classic flavors of a cheeseburger but in a mini, handheld form that makes them perfect for parties, casual dinners, or even game day snacks.
What makes this recipe so great is how easy it is to prepare. You do not need to stand over a hot grill or spend hours in the kitchen. Instead, you assemble the sliders, bake them in the oven, and in less than 30 minutes you have juicy, cheesy little burgers with perfectly toasted buns.
The melted cheese, combined with the savory beef and tangy pickles, creates a harmony of flavors that everyone will love. Whether you are a beginner cook or an experienced home chef, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving.
Plus, these sliders are incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite toppings, cheeses, or sauces. They are also a great way to feed kids because their small size makes them fun to eat. If you want a recipe that delivers on flavor and convenience, oven baked cheeseburger sliders should be on your regular rotation.
Ingredients Needed
To make about 12 sliders, you will need just a handful of common ingredients. These are items you can find in any grocery store. The main star of the recipe is ground beef, which provides that classic burger flavor. Choose beef that is around 80 percent lean for the best balance of juiciness and fat.
You will also need soft slider buns, which are smaller than regular hamburger buns and hold the patties perfectly. Cheddar cheese is a great choice for melting and adding richness, but you can swap it out for your favorite cheese. Mustard and ketchup give the sliders a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, while pickles add crunch and zest.
Onion adds a bit of bite and depth to the beef mixture, and a little salt and pepper help bring all the flavors together. To finish, melted butter brushed on top of the buns gives them a golden brown color and a rich taste. Here is a simple table with the ingredients, quantities, and approximate calories to help you plan:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approximate) per serving |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef (80% lean) | 1 pound | 290 |
| Slider buns | 12 | 150 |
| Cheddar cheese slices | 6 slices | 60 (per slice, halved) |
| Yellow mustard | 2 tablespoons | 20 |
| Ketchup | 2 tablespoons | 30 |
| Pickles (sliced) | 12 slices | 5 |
| Onion (finely chopped) | ¼ cup | 15 |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | 0 |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | 0 |
| Butter (melted) | 3 tablespoons | 300 |
On average, each slider contains roughly 365 calories. This makes it easy to keep track of your intake, especially if you serve these sliders with some healthy sides.
Read More: Quick Buffalo Chicken Casserole for Busy Nights
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making oven baked cheeseburger sliders is easy and quick. The first step is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Preheating the oven ensures even cooking. While the oven heats, prepare your baking dish by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Next, take the ground beef and place it in a large bowl. Add salt, black pepper, and finely chopped onions to the beef. Mixing these ingredients will add flavor and texture to the patties. Be gentle when mixing. Overworking the meat can make your sliders tough, so just combine until everything is evenly distributed.
Now, divide the beef mixture into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it into a thin patty. The size should match the slider buns so the burger fits nicely inside.
Take your slider buns and slice them in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves of the buns in your prepared baking dish. Spread a little mustard and ketchup on each bottom bun to add moisture and tanginess.
On top of the sauce, place one beef patty on each bun. Then, cut the cheddar cheese slices in half and place one half slice on each patty. This allows the cheese to melt perfectly over the meat.
Next, add a slice of pickle on top of the cheese for crunch and a burst of flavor. Finally, cover each slider with the top halves of the buns. Brush melted butter over the tops of the buns generously. This will give them a golden brown finish and a rich flavor once baked.
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil to keep the sliders moist while baking. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This step allows the cheese to melt fully and the buns to crisp up slightly.
Once done, remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This rest time lets the juices settle so you get a perfect bite every time. Serve warm and enjoy!
Read More: Easy Pan Fried Potatoes and Onions
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. You can switch up the cheese to suit your taste. Swiss cheese adds a creamy texture and mild flavor, while pepper jack cheese adds a bit of spice. You can also add different toppings to your sliders to make them stand out. Try fresh lettuce, tomato slices, or caramelized onions after baking.
Adding bacon is a great way to add crunch and smoky flavor if you like. For those who enjoy a little heat, mixing chili powder or cayenne pepper into the ground beef before forming patties will give the sliders a spicy kick. If you prefer a different sauce, swap the mustard and ketchup with barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
To make the sliders healthier, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Whole wheat slider buns can also add fiber and nutrients. You could even add finely grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots into the beef mixture to sneak in some extra nutrition. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations.
Nutritional Information
Each oven baked cheeseburger slider offers a balanced mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. On average, a single slider contains around 365 calories. You will get about 22 grams of protein from the beef and cheese, which helps keep you full and supports muscle repair.
The fat content is roughly 22 grams, mostly from the beef and butter, providing energy and flavor. Carbohydrates total about 22 grams per slider, mainly coming from the buns. While the fiber content is low at about one gram, you can boost it by serving these sliders with a side salad or vegetable sticks.
Sodium levels are moderate at around 550 milligrams per slider, mainly due to the cheese, pickles, and condiments. Overall, these sliders make a satisfying meal or snack, especially when balanced with fresh vegetables or fruit on the side.
Serving Suggestions
Oven baked cheeseburger sliders are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Classic French fries or sweet potato fries are always a hit and complement the sliders nicely. You could also serve them with coleslaw, which adds a crunchy, tangy contrast.
For a lighter option, try a fresh garden salad with a simple vinaigrette. Pickle spears or a vegetable platter with dip make for great finger foods alongside these sliders at parties. If you want to elevate the meal, add a side of baked beans or roasted vegetables. These sliders also go well with many beverages.
A cold soda, iced tea, or lemonade works well for casual meals. For adults, consider serving with craft beers or a refreshing cocktail. The small size of the sliders means guests can try different flavors and sides without feeling too full. They also make fantastic appetizers or finger foods at larger gatherings.
Read More: The Best Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes Recipe Ever
Conclusion
Oven baked cheeseburger sliders are a delicious, easy, and crowd-friendly recipe. They bring all the classic cheeseburger flavors in a convenient, mini size that is perfect for many occasions. The recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal preparation, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Baking the sliders in the oven means less mess and a hands-off approach so you can focus on other parts of your meal or time with guests. The sliders are highly customizable so you can tweak the cheese, toppings, and sauces to match your taste. Nutritionally, they provide a good balance of protein and energy, making them a satisfying meal or snack option.
Whether for a casual dinner, party appetizer, or game day treat, these oven baked cheeseburger sliders will not disappoint. Give this recipe a try and enjoy juicy, cheesy sliders fresh from your oven every time.