Baked Cheeseburger Sliders

Name: Baked Cheeseburger Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds lean ground beef; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 teaspoons ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 white onion, diced; 12 Hawaiian rolls; 12 slices cheese (cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, or provolone); 1/4 cup unsalted butter (optional for glaze); 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for glaze); 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for glaze); 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (for glaze); 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (for glaze); 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds (for glaze)

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When I was a kid, weekend nights meant gathering around the kitchen counter, assembling mini burgers with my siblings. We would each build our own, laughing over who made the tallest stack of toppings. Today, that memory lives on every time I make these baked cheeseburger sliders—a perfect nod to childhood joy, now simplified for busy days. Whether you’re prepping for a game day party or simply need a quick and healthy meal idea after work, this recipe is a lifesaver for beginners. It’s simple, flexible, and brings smiles to every table it graces.

Why This Recipe is Special

Baked cheeseburger sliders are the ultimate combination of flavor and ease. What makes this recipe stand out is its use of a single, giant beef patty baked all at once, instead of individually forming and frying tiny burgers. It’s a perfect easy sheet pan dinner that minimizes prep and cleanup. Plus, with melty cheese, soft Hawaiian rolls, and a deliciously seasoned meat layer, every bite feels indulgent without being overwhelming. The sliders are endlessly customizable and can easily fit into your list of quick and healthy meals when you tweak ingredients to suit your preferences.

Ingredients and Preparation

Ground Beef
Acts as the juicy, savory centerpiece of each slider. Choose lean ground beef to avoid excess grease while maintaining flavor.

Garlic Powder, Kosher Salt, Ground Black Pepper
These seasonings infuse the beef with classic, comforting flavors without overpowering the natural taste of the meat.

Olive Oil
Used to sauté the onions, it enhances their sweetness and prevents sticking.

White Onion
Adds a subtle crunch and natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich beef and cheese.

Hawaiian Rolls
Offer a slight sweetness that perfectly balances the savory filling. You can swap for plain slider buns if preferred.

Cheese Slices (Cheddar, Swiss, Pepper Jack, Provolone)
Each cheese brings its own unique flavor—sharp, creamy, spicy, or mild. Feel free to use mozzarella, gouda, or even blue cheese for a twist.

Unsalted Butter, Brown Sugar, Worcestershire Sauce, Dijon Mustard, Sesame Seeds
An optional sesame butter glaze that enhances the rolls with a slightly sweet, savory, and nutty finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Press this seasoned beef mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2 Bake the beef patty for 20 minutes until fully cooked through. Carefully drain any excess liquid and set the beef aside.

Step 3 In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and diced onions. Cook until the onions turn translucent and aromatic. Drain off any extra oil to keep the sliders from getting greasy.

Step 4 Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally without separating them individually. Place the bottom half in the same baking dish you used for the beef.

Step 5 Layer the cooked beef onto the rolls, followed by the sautéed onions. Top with a single layer of your chosen cheese slices, ensuring full coverage.

Step 6 Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese. If using, prepare the sesame butter glaze by mixing melted butter with brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and sesame seeds. Brush generously over the tops of the rolls.

Step 7 Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese has melted luxuriously.

Step 8 Slice into individual sliders and serve hot. Enjoy the ultimate easy sheet pan dinner that is sure to become a regular favorite.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Troubleshooting Advice
If the beef shrinks during baking, don’t worry—simply spread it gently to cover the rolls before adding toppings. If your rolls start browning too fast, tent the pan lightly with foil to prevent burning while letting the cheese continue to melt.

Kitchen Tips
Chop your onions while the beef cooks to save time. If you don’t have a brush for the butter glaze, a spoon works just fine. For an even quicker option, you can skip the sesame butter and lightly butter the rolls before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cheeseburger sliders with crispy baked fries, a fresh green salad, or homemade sweet potato chips for a complete meal. For a fun twist, set up a toppings bar with pickles, jalapeños, lettuce, and tomato slices to let everyone customize their slider.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to keep the buns soft and the cheese melty. These sliders also freeze beautifully when wrapped individually, making them a great grab-and-go option for quick and healthy meals later.

Conclusion

If you’re searching for an easy sheet pan dinner that’s packed with flavor, simplicity, and a hint of nostalgia, these baked cheeseburger sliders are a must-try. Perfect for beginner cooks, busy parents, and anyone craving comfort food without the hassle. I would love to hear how your batch turns out—feel free to share your slider successes and creative twists in the comments!

FAQ About Baked Cheeseburger Sliders

1. Can I use different types of meat for these sliders?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative. Just ensure it is cooked through before assembling.

2. How do I prevent the sliders from becoming soggy?

Drain any excess grease from the cooked beef and sautéed onions. Also, avoid adding watery toppings like tomatoes before baking.

3. What kind of cheese works best for baked sliders?

Cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, and provolone are excellent options. Feel free to mix and match cheeses based on your preference for a more exciting flavor profile.

4. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders up to one day in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and bake them just before serving for the best results.

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