Craving something cheesy, savory, and perfect for sharing? Cheeseburger sliders are the ultimate comfort food, especially when made with sweet Hawaiian rolls, melty cheese, and a smoky beef filling. I remember serving them during a family movie night—gone in minutes, no leftovers, just happy faces. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a fun weeknight dinner, this cheeseburger sliders recipe is quick, satisfying, and irresistibly delicious. Bonus: there’s a tangy burger sauce on the side for dipping, which really takes things over the top.

Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

This cheeseburger sliders recipe isn’t just about taste—it’s also about ease, fun, and flexibility. Here’s why you’ll come back to it again and again:

Irresistible Flavor: Smoky beef, sweet onions, and two kinds of cheese deliver serious taste in every bite.
Easy to Make: Straightforward steps and pantry-friendly ingredients make prep a breeze.
Great for Sharing: Whether it’s game night or family dinner, everyone loves a slider.
Dippable Delight: The homemade burger sauce makes these sliders even more crave-worthy.

If you love cheeseburgers, you’ll be hooked after just one bite of these sliders.

A Bite of History: Fun Facts About Cheeseburger Sliders

Cheeseburger sliders may feel modern, but they’re steeped in fast-food history and Americana charm. Here’s a quick look:

The name “slider” was coined by U.S. Navy sailors, referring to how easily the mini burgers went down.
White Castle made sliders famous, launching their first burger in 1921.
Cheeseburgers themselves were supposedly invented in California during the 1920s.
Today, sliders are popular everywhere from tailgates to trendy restaurants—and now, your kitchen!

Ingredients

For the Cheeseburger Sliders:

1 medium yellow or red onion, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
6 oz shredded medium cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups)
3 tsp neutral oil (e.g., canola or vegetable), divided
1 lb lean ground beef
2 tbsp yellow mustard
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 (12-oz) pack Hawaiian sweet rolls
8 slices American cheese
½ cup sliced dill pickles
1 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
2 tsp white sesame seeds

For the Burger Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup ketchup
2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
1 to 2 tbsp yellow mustard
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make Cheeseburger Sliders

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the center.
Char the onions: Heat 2 tsp oil in a skillet over high heat. Add onions and cook until softened and slightly charred, about 4–6 minutes. Set aside.
Brown the beef: Lower heat to medium-high. Add 1 tsp oil and the ground beef. Break it up as it cooks for 5 minutes. Stir in mustard, Worcestershire, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 2 more minutes until browned. Remove from heat.
Prep the rolls: Without separating, slice Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in a greased 11×7 or 9×13 baking dish.
Layer the sliders: Add American cheese slices, followed by the charred onions, then spoon on the beef mixture. Top with shredded cheddar, pickles, and the roll tops.
Finish and bake: Brush melted butter over the rolls and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Uncover and bake another 12–15 minutes, until cheese melts and tops are golden.
Make the sauce: While baking, mix mayo, ketchup, relish, and mustard in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot with sauce on the side for dipping.

Cheeseburger Sliders Tips and Twists

Top tips for success:

Use a serrated knife to slice the rolls cleanly without tearing.
Don’t skip charring the onions—they add sweet depth.
Drain beef if too greasy before assembling.
Use both cheeses for layered flavor and texture.
Press the assembled sliders gently before baking for even layers.

Fun variations to try:

Spicy Jalapeño: Add pickled jalapeños with the beef.
BBQ Bacon: Drizzle BBQ sauce and sprinkle in cooked bacon bits.
Mushroom Swiss: Swap cheeses and sauté mushrooms instead of onions.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

Here’s how to make the most of leftovers—or plan ahead like a pro:

Storage: Keep cooled sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave individual sliders for 45 seconds.
Make-Ahead: Cook the beef and onions a day early. Assemble and bake fresh for best results.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Sliders

These mini burgers go big on flavor—and they pair well with:

Crispy fries or roasted veggies like our Roasted Broccoli and Carrots.
Tangy side dishes like Potato Salad or coleslaw.
Refreshing drinks like lemonade or a craft soda.
Sweet finishers like Pineapple Coconut Cheesecake Bars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different cheese?
Yes! Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack work great too.

Can these be frozen?
Freeze just the cooked beef/onions. Avoid freezing the full assembled sliders—they’ll get soggy.

What rolls work best?
Hawaiian sweet rolls are ideal, but any soft dinner roll will do.

Can I make these vegetarian?
Sure! Use plant-based crumbles and skip the Worcestershire (or use a vegan version).

How can I make them spicier?
Add hot sauce to the burger sauce or layer jalapeños into the sliders.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger sliders are comfort food in a perfect little package. With layers of savory beef, sweet onions, melted cheese, and buttery rolls, they’re sure to impress anyone at your table. The burger sauce adds a creamy, tangy touch you’ll want to slather on everything. Whether you’re feeding a family, throwing a party, or just want an easy meal, these sliders check every box. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get sliding!

Explore More Recipes

Loved these cheeseburger sliders? Try more beginner-friendly dishes! Pair your sliders with quick cheddar bay biscuits for a cheesy, flaky side that’s ready in 30 minutes. Craving another crowd-pleaser? The buffalo chicken dip is perfect for dipping alongside sliders at game night. For a sweet finish, whip up easy peanut butter cookies—they’re simple and delicious. Round out your meal with roasted broccoli and carrots for a healthy, flavorful veggie side.