Chopped Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe
If you crave all the flavor and nostalgia of a diner-style burger but want something fun, easy, and totally shareable, these Chopped Cheeseburger Sliders are your new go-to. Imagine juicy, seasoned beef mixed with sautéed onions, gooey cheese, pickles, and crisp lettuce, all nestled inside soft slider buns and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd for game day or just jazzing up family dinner, Chopped Cheeseburger Sliders deliver big taste in bite-sized form. This is comfort food at its absolute finest!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chopped Cheeseburger Sliders lies in a handful of humble ingredients, each one playing a starring role in building classic burger flavor. Don’t skip or skimp—these essentials turn simple components into something crave-worthy!
- Ground Beef: The juicy, savory base that gives these sliders their hearty, meaty bite—choose 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and tenderness.
- Olive Oil: Helps soften the onions and adds a subtle richness to the beef filling.
- Onion: Finely diced for sweet, aromatic flavor that infuses every bite—don’t rush this step!
- Garlic Powder: Adds gentle warmth and depth without overpowering the beef.
- Smoked Paprika: Just a hint brings out a smoky, almost grilled note in the filling.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the savory flavors—taste and adjust as needed.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground gives the best kick and balances the richness of the cheese and meat.
- American Cheese or Cheddar: Melts beautifully into the beef and over the sliders for that classic cheeseburger pull—feel free to mix and match!
- Slider Buns: Soft, slightly sweet rolls that hold everything together—keep the halves intact for easy assembly.
- Melted Butter: Brushed on top for a golden finish and irresistible flavor.
- Sesame Seeds: Classic burger bun touch that adds a tiny bit of crunch and visual appeal.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the ultimate burger sauce.
- Ketchup: Sweet and tangy, it brings all the sauce flavors together.
- Yellow Mustard: A little sharpness to cut through the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Dill Pickles: Sliced for a briny, crunchy pop in every bite.
- Shredded Lettuce: For a fresh, crisp finish that balances the melty, savory filling.
How to Make Chopped Cheeseburger Sliders
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving a 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of nonstick spray. This keeps your sliders from sticking and helps achieve that perfect golden crust on the bottom.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add your finely diced onions and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and fragrant. This step builds a sweet, savory foundation for the filling.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook until it’s browned and crumbly—about 6 minutes. Drain off any excess grease to keep the sliders from getting soggy.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheese
With the heat still on low, stir in 4 slices of your chosen cheese. Let it melt right into the beef mixture, creating a creamy, cheesy texture that holds everything together. This is where your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
Step 5: Assemble the Chopped Cheeseburger Sliders
Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping each half intact for easier assembly. Place the bottom halves in your prepared baking dish, then spread the cheesy beef mixture evenly over them. Layer with the remaining cheese slices, pickles, and a generous sprinkle of shredded lettuce.
Step 6: Top, Butter, and Bake
Carefully set the top halves of the buns over the filling. Brush them with melted butter and shower on the sesame seeds for that iconic burger finish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes to melt the cheese, then uncover and bake 5 more minutes until the buns are golden and irresistible.
Step 7: Make the Burger Sauce
While the sliders bake, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard to create a creamy, tangy burger sauce. This is the perfect finishing touch for dipping or drizzling over your Chopped Cheeseburger Sliders.
How to Serve Chopped Cheeseburger Sliders
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra shredded lettuce or a few fresh pickle slices right before serving adds a pop of color and crunch. For those who love a little heat, thinly sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce on the side never hurt!
Side Dishes
Chopped Cheeseburger Sliders pair beautifully with crispy potato wedges, sweet potato fries, or a bright, tangy coleslaw. For a lighter spread, set out a big green salad or a platter of crunchy veggies with ranch dip—everyone will find their favorite combination.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your sliders on a big wooden board with bowls of burger sauce, extra pickles, and a rainbow of toppings, letting guests build their own perfect bite. For parties, stick a festive toothpick or mini flag in each slider for a fun, grab-and-go presentation. They’re just as at home at a backyard barbecue as they are on a game day buffet!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Chopped Cheeseburger Sliders left, simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer the sliders to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing their flavor or texture.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual sliders in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights or unexpected guests!
Reheating
For best results, reheat sliders in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This keeps the buns soft and the filling nice and melty. You can also microwave them for a quick fix, but the oven preserves that fresh-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I make Chopped Cheeseburger Sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and onion mixture a day in advance and keep it chilled. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble the sliders and pop them in the oven as directed.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Classic American cheese melts perfectly and delivers that nostalgic burger shop vibe, but sharp cheddar, Swiss, or even pepper jack are delicious if you want to switch things up. Mix and match for your favorite flavor!
Can I add extra toppings?
Definitely! Add sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, jalapeños, or even caramelized onions for a personalized spin. Just be careful not to overload, so the sliders stay easy to pick up and eat.
Are Chopped Cheeseburger Sliders kid-friendly?
These sliders are a huge hit with kids thanks to their size and familiar flavors. If your crowd isn’t into pickles or lettuce, you can serve those toppings on the side and let everyone customize their own.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free slider buns or rolls. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful way to feed a crowd or just want to shake up your weeknight dinner routine, Chopped Cheeseburger Sliders are pure magic. There’s nothing quite like pulling a cheesy, golden tray from the oven and seeing everyone dive in for seconds. Give these a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
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Chopped Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make chopped cheeseburger sliders featuring a savory ground beef mixture melted with cheese, topped with pickles and shredded lettuce, all baked inside buttery sesame slider buns. Perfect for parties, game day, or a tasty main course.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 slices American cheese or cheddar
Assembly and Topping
- 12 slider buns
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 6 dill pickles, sliced
- Shredded lettuce for topping
Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Onion. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Cook Beef and Season. Add the ground beef to the skillet along with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and crumbly, about 6 minutes.
- Drain and Add Cheese. Drain any excess grease from the beef mixture. Stir in 4 slices of the American or cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated into the meat.
- Prepare Buns. Slice the slider buns horizontally, keeping each half intact. Arrange the bottom halves of the buns evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Assemble Sliders. Spread the cheesy beef mixture evenly over the bottom buns. Layer the remaining cheese slices on top of the meat, then add the sliced pickles and shredded lettuce.
- Add Bun Tops and Finish. Place the top halves of the buns on top of the layered ingredients. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over them.
- Bake Sliders. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the buns are golden brown.
- Prepare Sauce. While the sliders bake, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard to create a flavorful burger sauce.
- Serve. Remove the sliders from the oven and serve hot with the prepared burger sauce on the side for dipping or spreading.
Notes
- You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and assemble the sliders just before baking for convenience.
- Add sliced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a spicy twist.
- Swap American or cheddar cheese with Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Make sure to drain excess grease from the beef mixture to prevent soggy buns.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
