Cheddar Cheeseburger Sliders with House Sauce Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate party snack or a fun family dinner that everyone will rave about, look no further than these Cheddar Cheeseburger Sliders with House Sauce. These sliders pack all the juicy, cheesy flavor of a classic cheeseburger into a perfectly handheld bite, complete with a zesty, creamy house sauce that takes everything over the top. They’re easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for entertaining—just wait until you see how quickly they disappear!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cheddar Cheeseburger Sliders with House Sauce is that they use straightforward, everyday ingredients, but each one plays a key role in creating bold flavor and crave-worthy texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single thing:
- Ground beef (1 pound, 80/20): The perfect balance of fat for juicy, flavorful sliders that don’t dry out.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the deep, savory taste in the beef.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of kick without overpowering the meat.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle layer of garlicky goodness that enhances every bite.
- Onion powder (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a mellow sweetness and classic burger-shop flavor.
- Slider buns (6): Soft, pillowy buns are the perfect base—choose your favorite brand or bakery.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (6 slices): Melts beautifully for that unmistakable cheeseburger finish.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, for toasting buns): Gives your buns a golden, crispy edge and a rich flavor boost.
- Shredded lettuce: For a fresh, crunchy contrast to the hot, melty slider.
- Sliced pickles: Bring a bright, tangy pop that cuts through the richness.
- Sliced tomatoes (optional): Add juiciness and a splash of color—totally up to you!
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup, for house sauce): The creamy base that makes the sauce irresistibly smooth.
- Ketchup (1 tablespoon, for house sauce): Lends sweetness and that classic burger flavor.
- Yellow mustard (1 tablespoon, for house sauce): Adds zing and a little tang to balance the richness.
- Pickle juice (1 teaspoon, for house sauce): The secret ingredient for brightness and depth.
- Paprika (1/4 teaspoon, for house sauce): Gives a hint of smokiness and color.
- Garlic powder (pinch, for house sauce): Rounds out the sauce with a subtle savory note.
How to Make Cheddar Cheeseburger Sliders with House Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture
Start by combining your ground beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a mixing bowl. Use your hands or a fork to gently mix—overworking the beef can make the sliders tough, so just bring everything together until the seasonings are evenly distributed. This quick seasoning step is the foundation for flavorful, juicy Cheddar Cheeseburger Sliders with House Sauce.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Beef
Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and press the seasoned beef into a flat, even layer. This method is a game-changer for sliders: you’ll bake the beef as one slab, which keeps things simple and ensures every piece is perfectly cooked. Pop it into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until fully cooked and nicely browned on top. Once it’s done, drain off any excess grease and cut the slab into 6 equal slider-sized squares.
Step 3: Mix the House Sauce
While the beef bakes, whip up the house sauce that sets these sliders apart. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle juice, paprika, and a pinch of garlic powder. Stir until smooth and creamy. This sauce is tangy, savory, and just a touch smoky—exactly what you want drizzled over your Cheddar Cheeseburger Sliders with House Sauce.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
Melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Place the insides of your slider buns down and toast until golden brown and crisp. Don’t rush this step—the buttery, toasted buns really elevate the final dish, giving you that classic burger-shop experience right at home.
Step 5: Assemble Your Sliders
Now for the fun part! Spread a generous layer of house sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a square of baked beef on top, followed by a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. Pile on shredded lettuce, a few pickle slices, and tomato if you like. Add a bit more sauce to the top bun, cap your slider, and get ready for burger bliss!
How to Serve Cheddar Cheeseburger Sliders with House Sauce
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top of the buns can add a playful nod to classic burger style. For a pop of color, try fresh chopped parsley or chives. If you love an extra kick, offer some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce on the side. These little touches let everyone customize their Cheddar Cheeseburger Sliders with House Sauce to perfection.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs better with these sliders than a pile of crispy fries or golden onion rings. For something lighter, serve with a crunchy coleslaw or a simple green salad. If you’re feeding a crowd, consider a platter of sweet potato fries or even some baked mac and cheese bites to keep everyone reaching for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
Set up a slider bar at your next gathering, with bowls of shredded lettuce, pickles, sliced tomatoes, and extra house sauce so guests can build their own. For a fun twist at family dinner, serve the sliders on a wooden board alongside mini cups of dipping sauce. You can even skewer each slider with a colorful toothpick for easy grabbing at parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Cheddar Cheeseburger Sliders with House Sauce, wrap each slider tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. Keep the house sauce separate, if possible, to prevent the buns from getting soggy.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the sliders without the lettuce, tomato, or sauce. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. The cooked beef and cheese freeze beautifully and will last up to 2 months. Thaw sliders overnight in the fridge, then reheat and add fresh toppings and sauce just before serving.
Reheating
For best results, reheat sliders in the oven at 350°F until warmed through—this keeps the buns from getting too soft. You can also use a toaster oven or air fryer for a quick, crispy finish. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but pop them in for just 30-45 seconds to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I make the house sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The house sauce can be made up to three days in advance. Just store it in a sealed container in the fridge, and give it a quick stir before using. The flavors actually get even better as they meld together.
What’s the best ground beef ratio for sliders?
For Cheddar Cheeseburger Sliders with House Sauce, an 80/20 beef-to-fat ratio is ideal. This blend keeps the sliders juicy and flavorful without being greasy, but you can use leaner beef if you prefer.
Can I grill the beef instead of baking it?
Yes! Simply shape the beef into six small patties and grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side. This method gives you a smoky, charred flavor that’s fantastic with the house sauce.
Are there any cheese alternatives I can use?
Definitely. While sharp cheddar is classic, you can swap in American, Swiss, pepper jack, or even smoked gouda if you want to change things up. Each cheese brings its own character to the sliders.
How do I keep the sliders warm for a party?
Place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet, cover lightly with foil, and keep them in a low oven (about 200°F) until ready to serve. This way, Cheddar Cheeseburger Sliders with House Sauce stay melty and delicious without drying out.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something joyful about sharing a platter of Cheddar Cheeseburger Sliders with House Sauce—whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating your family to a fun meal. Every bite is loaded with juicy beef, oozy cheddar, and that tangy, creamy sauce that brings everything together. Give this recipe a try and watch the smiles light up around your table!
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Cheddar Cheeseburger Sliders with House Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 6 sliders 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cheddar Cheeseburger Sliders with House Sauce are a fun and flavorful twist on classic burgers. Made with juicy baked ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy homemade sauce, these sliders are perfect for game day, parties, or a quick family dinner.
Ingredients
Slider Burgers
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 6 slider buns
- 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced pickles
- Sliced tomatoes (optional)
House Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Beef: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently to combine without overworking the meat. Press the beef into a flat, even layer inside a lightly greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Bake the Beef: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the beef for 15 to 18 minutes, or until fully cooked and browned on top. Once done, drain any excess grease from the dish and cut the beef slab into 6 equal slider-sized squares.
- Make the House Sauce: While the beef is baking, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle juice, paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and well blended. Set aside.
- Toast the Buns: In a skillet or on a griddle, melt the butter over medium heat. Toast the insides of the slider buns until they turn golden brown for added flavor and texture.
- Assemble the Sliders: Spread a generous amount of house sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a square of the baked beef on top, then layer with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. Add shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, and tomato slices if desired. Spread some more house sauce on the top bun and close each slider.
- Serve: Serve the sliders immediately while warm and enjoy them with your favorite sides or dipping sauces.
Notes
- You can shape the ground beef into individual patties and cook them on a skillet or grill instead of baking as a slab.
- Add caramelized onions or crispy bacon slices inside the sliders for extra savory flavor.
- Adjust the house sauce ingredients to suit your taste, adding more mustard or pickle juice if you prefer tangier flavor.
- Toast buns carefully to avoid burning and to achieve a perfect golden crust.
- Sliders are best served fresh to maintain their juiciness and bun texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
