Cheeseburger Sliders: The Ultimate Party-Ready Recipe

Introduction

If you love classic American comfort food, these Cheeseburger Sliders are a surefire crowd-pleaser. Soft Hawaiian rolls cradle a juicy beef mixture, sweet charred onions, and layers of melty cheese, all finished with a homemade burger sauce that brings the whole sandwich to life.

What sets these Cheeseburger Sliders apart is the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, thanks to soft Hawaiian rolls, caramelized onions, and a tangy homemade sauce. Whether you’re hosting a game-day spread or a casual family dinner, this recipe delivers all the flavor of a traditional cheeseburger in a fun, shareable format.

Why You’ll Love Cheeseburger Sliders

• Quick prep time makes Cheeseburger Sliders ideal for busy weeknights when you need a homemade dinner in under 30 minutes.
• Melty cheese and juicy beef in every bite — Cheeseburger Sliders deliver the classic burger flavor in a portable, snackable form.
• Sweet Hawaiian rolls add a unique twist, balancing savory beef with soft, tender bread.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prep the onions, beef, and sauce up to four days in advance for stress-free entertaining.
• Customizable: Easily swap cheeses, add spicy elements, or go vegetarian—perfect for pleasing picky eaters.

Ingredients for Cheeseburger Sliders (With Tips/Substitutions)

• 1 medium yellow or red onion, halved and thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
  Tip: Choose a sweet onion like Vidalia for a milder, more caramelized flavor.
• 6 ounces shredded medium cheddar cheese (about 1 1/2 cups)
  Tip: Freshly shred your own for creamier melt.
• 3 teaspoons neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable, divided
  Substitution: Use light olive oil for a hint of fruitiness.
• 1 pound lean ground beef
  Tip: An 80/20 blend yields the juiciest results.
• 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
  Swap: Dijon mustard adds extra tang.
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  Explanation: Builds rich umami depth.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  Tip: Minced fresh garlic can be used for more bite.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  Adjustment: Reduce slightly if using table salt.
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  Tip: Grind fresh for the best aroma.
• 1 (12-ounce) package Hawaiian sweet rolls, such as Kings
  Why: Their slight sweetness complements the savory filling.
• 8 slices American cheese
  Swap: Provolone or pepper jack for a different twist.
• 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles
  Tip: Thin slices cover more surface area.
• 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil
  Butter adds a richer, golden crust.
• 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds
  Tip: Toast lightly in a dry pan for extra crunch.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  Substitution: Light mayo cuts calories.
• 1/4 cup ketchup
  Option: No-sugar-added ketchup for a healthier sauce.
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  Homemade relish works beautifully here.
• 1 to 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
  Adjust the tanginess to your taste.
• Kosher salt
  For seasoning the burger sauce.
• Freshly ground black pepper
  For final seasoning on the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheeseburger Sliders

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, a key step for Cheeseburger Sliders that ensures even baking and melty cheese across all the rolls. Place a rack in the center so heat circulates evenly around the baking dish.
2. Caramelize the onions: In a large skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of neutral oil over high heat until shimmering, then add the sliced onions. When cooking the onions for your Cheeseburger Sliders, let them develop a bit of char around the edges—it deepens sweetness and adds texture. Once browned, transfer to a plate.
3. Cook the beef mixture: Lower the heat to medium-high and add the remaining teaspoon of oil along with the ground beef to the skillet. To build flavor in your Cheeseburger Sliders, break the meat up with a spoon and stir in mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, cooking until all the liquid has evaporated and the beef is well-seasoned. Remove from heat.
4. Prepare the rolls: Without separating, slice the Hawaiian sweet rolls in half horizontally using a serrated knife to create a sturdy base for your Cheeseburger Sliders. Keep the top and bottom together so the assembly stays intact.
5. Assemble the layers: Layer the American cheese, caramelized onions, beef mixture, and sliced pickles on the bottom half of the rolls. This is when your Cheeseburger Sliders really start to come together—each layer adds flavor and keeps every bite juicy. Place the top half of the rolls cut side down over the fillings.
6. Bake to perfection: Brush the top of the rolls with melted butter or oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake your Cheeseburger Sliders covered for 10 minutes, then uncovered for another 12 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the tops are golden. Meanwhile, whisk together mayo, ketchup, relish, and mustard to make the burger sauce.

Recipe Variations / Optional Add-Ons

• Lean protein swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Smoky flavor: Stir in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the beef mixture for a barbecue twist.
• Cheese upgrade: Replace American cheese with Swiss, pepper jack, or gruyère for a gourmet touch.
• Vegetarian version: Swap beef for a plant-based crumble and omit Worcestershire sauce (contains anchovies).

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these sliders with crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries tossed in a pinch of smoked salt for a sweet-savory contrast.
• Serve alongside a vibrant cabbage slaw dressed in a light apple cider vinaigrette to add crunch and freshness.
• Elevate your spread with an ice-cold craft beer or a fizzy lemonade—perfect for cutting through the richness and keeping the party vibe alive.

Storage & Leftover Tips

Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until warmed through. For make-ahead prep, assemble the sliders a day ahead, refrigerate covered, then bake just before guests arrive. Next-day leftovers also make an easy lunch: deconstruct the rolls and meat, then reheat separately for fresh texture.

FAQ

Can I make the components ahead of time?
Absolutely—cook and store the onions, beef, and sauce in separate containers up to four days in advance. Reheat gently before assembling and baking.

Is it possible to freeze these sliders?
Yes. Assemble unbaked sliders in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.

What’s the best way to keep the rolls from getting soggy?
Brushing the cut sides with melted butter or oil helps create a moisture barrier. Also, bake covered at first to melt the cheese, then uncover to crisp up the tops.

Conclusion & Call to Action

With melty cheese, savory beef, and a tangy sauce all on sweet Hawaiian rolls, these sliders are guaranteed to wow any gathering big or small. They’re quick to prep, endlessly customizable, and perfect for game days, potlucks, or casual family dinners.

Ready to impress your friends and feed a crowd? Give this recipe a try, then come back and leave a rating or comment below! Don’t forget to share your own twists on these sliders on social media with the hashtag #SliderNight. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Cheeseburger Sliders

A brief summary of the recipe.

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Total Time25 minutes mins

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups medium yellow or red onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 6 ounces shredded medium cheddar cheese (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 3 teaspoons neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable divided
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 package Hawaiian sweet rolls (12-ounce, such as Kings)
• 8 slices American cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles
• 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil
• 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 to 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and place a rack in the center.
• In a large skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of neutral oil over high heat until shimmering, then add the sliced onions. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes until they are partially charred, then transfer them to a plate.
• Lower the heat to medium-high and add the remaining teaspoon of neutral oil along with the ground beef to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking the beef into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon, until fully cooked. Mix in the mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper, and continue to cook, stirring constantly for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.
• Without separating, slice the Hawaiian sweet rolls in half horizontally using a serrated knife. Place the bottom half, cut side facing up, in a small rimmed baking sheet or baking dish.
• Layer the American cheese slices evenly on the bottom half of the rolls. Spread the cooked onions over the cheese, followed by the beef mixture. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top and add the sliced pickles. Finally, place the top half of the rolls cut side down over the pickles.
• Brush the top of the rolls with melted butter or olive oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden.
• While the sliders are baking, prepare the burger sauce by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and mustard in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning with additional mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper as needed. Serve the sauce alongside the sliders for dipping.

Notes

Prepare the onions and beef a day in advance; keep them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator and reheat before assembling. The burger sauce can also be made up to 4 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.