Imagine biting into a soft, toasted dinner roll that encases a juicy, beefy patty generously layered with melted cheddar cheese. These Ultimate Cheese Stuffed Sliders bring all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a fun, miniature form perfect for any gathering. Whether it’s game day or a casual family dinner, these sliders deliver a satisfying and flavorful experience that’s sure to impress.
This recipe combines quick preparation with mouthwatering results, featuring perfectly seasoned ground beef blended with creamy mayonnaise and toasted sesame seed buns that add a delightful crunch. Each bite bursts with cheesy goodness that melts effortlessly, making these sliders not only easy to make but utterly irresistible.
- Quick to prepare with minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy days.
- Mini portions that appeal to both kids and adults, ideal for parties.
- Easy to customize with your favorite cheese varieties and toppings.
- Great make-ahead option, leftovers reheat cleanly without losing flavor or texture.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef (2 lb, 90/10 or 93/7 fat): Provides juicy, flavorful burger base with less excess fat for a healthier finish.
- Olive oil (1/2 Tbsp): Helps sauté onions to add sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances the natural flavors of the beef and seasoning blend.
- Black pepper (1 tsp): Adds subtle heat and balances the savory profile of the burger.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Contributes aromatic warmth and richness to the beef filling.
- Yellow onion (1/2 large, finely diced): Provides moisture and mild sweetness perfectly balanced in the mixture.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Binds the beef and adds creamy texture that keeps sliders juicy.
- Medium cheddar cheese slices (8 slices): Forms a melty cheese barrier sealing moisture in the slider.
- Shredded medium cheddar (6 oz): Adds an extra gooey cheesy layer atop the beef mixture.
- Dinner rolls (24, preferably King’s Hawaiian): Soft, slightly sweet buns complement the savory filling perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (2 Tbsp, melted): Brushed on buns for rich flavor and helps sesame seeds stick.
- Sesame seeds (1 Tbsp): Adds classic burger appearance and a slight nutty crunch.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet
Set your oven to 350˚F (175°C) and butter a rimmed baking sheet to prevent sticking. This step not only ensures easy cleanup but also infuses the edges of the sliders with extra buttery goodness during baking.
- Sauté the Onions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add finely diced yellow onion. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent to develop a sweet, savory base layer that enhances the beef’s flavor profile.
- Cook and Season the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, stirring frequently until fully cooked with no pink visible. Proper cooking ensures safety and optimal texture for the sliders.
- Drain Excess Fat
Tilt the skillet carefully and spoon off excess fat and liquid. Removing fat is essential to keep the sliders from becoming soggy and to maintain the perfect meat-to-cheese balance.
- Mix in Mayonnaise
Stir mayonnaise into the cooked beef while still warm. This adds moisture and creates a luscious, creamy consistency that keeps the filling tender and rich.
- Slice Dinner Rolls
Use a sharp knife to horizontally slice the entire block of dinner rolls in half, separating tops from bottoms. Cutting as a block helps keep uniform thickness across all sliders for even baking.
- Arrange Bottom Buns and Cheese Layer
Place bottom halves tightly on the greased baking sheet. Evenly distribute sliced cheddar cheese over the buns to create a melted cushion that helps seal in moisture and flavor during baking.
- Spread Beef Mixture Evenly
Layer the beef and mayonnaise mixture over the cheese-covered buns, using the spatula to press and square off edges. This ensures every bite has an even amount of beef and cheese.
- Add Shredded Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar generously over the beef layer. This additional cheesy topping melts during baking, adding gooey texture and rich flavor.
- Top with Roll Halves
Carefully place the top halves of the dinner rolls, cut side down, onto the assembled sliders. The snug fit helps maintain structure and allows flavors to meld during baking.
- Butter and Seed the Tops
Brush melted butter over each slider top to impart richness and help sesame seeds adhere. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly for texture and authentic appearance.
- Bake Until Golden and Melted
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven, baking uncovered for 12-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and buns are golden brown. Baking uncovered keeps the tops crispy and flavorful.
- Slice and Serve
Remove from oven and carefully cut sliders along roll lines with a sharp knife. Serve warm for the best flavor and enjoy these cheesy, juicy bite-sized burgers.
- Draining excess fat from cooked beef is key to preventing soggy sliders and preserving texture.
- Layering both sliced and shredded cheese locks in moisture and heightens cheesiness.
- Brushing buns with melted butter before adding sesame seeds enhances flavor and appearance.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven to retain their juicy and cheesy texture without drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sliders alongside classic dill pickle slices and an array of condiments like ketchup, mustard, or special burger sauce. Pair with crispy fries, baked potato wedges, or a refreshing green salad to round out your meal.
- Use finely diced onions for balanced flavor without large chunks disrupting texture.
- Do not overcook beef during stovetop cooking; it finishes cooking in the oven to avoid dryness.
- Choose sweet rolls like King’s Hawaiian for a perfect soft yet slightly sweet bun contrast.
FAQs
- Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Swiss, provolone, or American cheese are great substitutes to customize flavor according to your preference.
- What kind of rolls work best?
Soft dinner rolls such as King’s Hawaiian or potato rolls provide the ideal texture and slightly sweet flavor to complement the beef.
- Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the assembled sliders in advance and bake them just before serving for fresh, melty results.
- How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy?
Thoroughly draining the cooked ground beef fat and layering cheese beneath the beef helps keep the buns crisp and prevents sogginess.
- Can I freeze the sliders?
Yes, freeze fully assembled sliders before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator and then bake as directed for a quick meal.
- What is the best way to reheat leftover sliders?
Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warm to preserve texture or microwave briefly, though the oven method is preferred for crispiness.
- Is mayonnaise necessary in the beef mixture?
Mayonnaise adds moisture and creaminess that improves texture but can be omitted if preferred for a leaner filling.
Ultimate Cheese Stuffed Sliders
Equipment
- 1 rimmed baking sheet buttered to prevent sticking
- 1 large skillet for cooking beef
- 1 spatula
- 1 sharp knife bread knife recommended for slicing rolls
- 1 small bowl for melting butter
Ingredients
- 2 lb lean ground beef 90/10 or 93/7 fat content
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 large yellow onion finely diced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 8 slices medium cheddar cheese
- 6 oz medium cheddar shredded
- 24 dinner rolls King’s Hawaiian recommended
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large rimmed baking sheet with butter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté finely diced onion until softened.
- Add ground beef, break up with spatula, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook beef thoroughly over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until no pink remains.
- Tilt skillet and carefully discard excess fat and liquid to prevent soggy sliders.
- Remove skillet from heat and stir mayonnaise into the cooked beef mixture for moisture.
- Slice the dinner rolls horizontally in half using a sharp knife.
- Place bottom halves of rolls in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Arrange sliced cheddar cheese evenly over the bottom buns.
- Spread the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the cheese layer, squaring off edges.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer.
- Place the top halves of the rolls cut-side down snugly over the assembled sliders.
- Brush melted butter over the tops of the rolls and immediately sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes until cheese is melted and tops are golden and toasted.
- Remove from oven and slice sliders into individual portions along roll lines; serve warm.
Notes
- Drain cooked beef fat thoroughly to avoid soggy sliders.
- Use two cheese layers to lock in moisture and flavor.
- Brush butter and sprinkle sesame seeds immediately for best adherence.
- Store leftovers in airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in oven or microwave for best texture.
