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Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Sliders

Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Sliders - recipe card
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These Cheeseburger Sliders are inspired by the classic diner-style burgers, featuring juicy seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and tangy special sauce sandwiched between soft, buttery slider buns. Baked together on a sheet pan for effortless assembly, they are the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course. Each bite is a gooey, savory, and satisfying experience with a golden, toasted top bun.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar, packed
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 6 oz)
  • 12-count package slider buns (or 4 large burger buns split and halved)
  • For the butter sauce: 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
  • For special sauce: 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 1/8 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Set aside while preparing the beef mixture.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the finely diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, but not browned. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer the onion-garlic mixture to a large mixing bowl.
  4. In the same skillet, increase heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, for 5-7 minutes until completely browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  5. Return the cooked beef to the bowl with the onion mixture. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Lightly toast the slider buns in the oven for 2-3 minutes until just warm and slightly crispy on the edges. This prevents sogginess from the beef mixture. Keep them on the baking sheet.
  7. Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the bottom half of the buns. The mixture should be about 1/2 inch thick per layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the beef mixture.
  8. Place the top halves of the buns over the cheddar, pressing down gently to adhere. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and a pinch of sea salt. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the tops and sides of the buns with the butter mixture.
  9. If using, sprinkle sesame seeds over the buttered tops. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bun tops are golden brown.
  10. While the sliders bake, prepare the special sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, and smoked paprika. Set aside.
  11. Remove the sliders from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to slice and transfer without falling apart.
  12. Using a sharp knife, cut the sliders into individual portions along the bun seams. Serve warm with the special sauce on the side for drizzling or dipping.

Notes

Storage: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes (1-2 minutes if already thawed in fridge) until hot and bun is crisp. For microwave: cover with a damp paper towel and heat for 30 seconds at a time until warm. Do not use pork or bacon in any variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseburger sliders, burger sliders, baked sliders, party food, game day food, ground beef appetizer, slider recipe, American burger, diner-style sliders, easy weeknight dinner, cheddar cheese, caramelized onion sauce

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