Name: BBQ Cheeseburger Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 1 tsp garlic powder (optional); 1 tsp onion powder (optional); 8 slider buns or small rolls; 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, American, or favorite); 1/2 to 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving); Optional toppings: sliced pickles (diced onions, lettuce, tomato)

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These BBQ Cheeseburger Sliders bring together the irresistible combination of juicy mini beef patties infused with smoky barbecue sauce and topped with melty cheese. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or quick dinners, these sliders offer bite-sized satisfaction that everyone will love.

The ease of preparing these sliders paired with their rich and tangy flavors make them a crowd-pleaser whether served as appetizers or main bites. Customize with your favorite toppings for a personal touch that will keep guests coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mini sliders are perfect for sharing and make serving easy during parties or casual meals.
The combination of tangy BBQ sauce and melty cheese creates a delicious depth of flavor.
This recipe is quick and customizable, great for busy weeknights or game day menus.

Ingredients

Ground beef (500 g / 1 lb): Use fresh, quality ground beef for juicy, flavorful patties that hold together well.
Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Enhances the natural flavor of the beef and balances the BBQ sauce’s sweetness.
Garlic powder (1 tsp, optional): Adds a mild savory note that complements the smoky BBQ.
Onion powder (1 tsp, optional): Provides a subtle depth of flavor without overwhelming the patties.
Slider buns or small rolls (8): Soft, small-sized buns perfect for handheld slider portions.
Shredded cheese (1–1½ cups): Cheddar, American, or your favorite cheese for creamy, melty topping on each patty.
BBQ sauce (½–¾ cup, plus extra for serving): Choose a tangy, smoky sauce to brush over cooked patties and serve on the side.
Optional toppings (pickles, diced onions, lettuce, tomato): Fresh and crunchy ingredients for added texture and flavor contrast.

Instructions

Season and Shape Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder if desired. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat, which keeps the patties tender. Form the mixture into eight evenly sized small patties fitting the slider buns.
Cook the Patties: Heat a skillet or grill to medium-high heat and cook the patties for about 3–4 minutes per side. This timing ensures a nice browning while cooking them through but keeping them juicy inside. Avoid pressing down on patties to retain their moisture.
Brush with BBQ Sauce: Once cooked, lightly brush each patty with your BBQ sauce, then return them to the pan or grill briefly. This step warms and caramelizes the sauce slightly, enriching the overall flavor and giving a glossy finish.
Assemble Sliders: Place each patty onto a slider bun and sprinkle shredded cheese on top so it softly melts over the warm meat. Add your favorite optional toppings like pickles, onions, lettuce, or tomato to enhance freshness and texture.
Serve Warm: Serve the sliders immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. These sliders are best enjoyed while the cheese is still melted and the patties are juicy.

You Must Know

To melt cheese quickly, place sliders under a broiler or cover the pan with a lid briefly.
For extra creamy flavor, add a smear of mayo or a dollop of ranch dressing before assembling.
Prepare patties a few hours ahead and refrigerate to streamline cooking during your event.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover patties and buns separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat patties gently in a skillet or microwave, then assemble sliders fresh to keep buns from getting soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders alongside crispy French fries, tortilla chips, or a bright coleslaw for a satisfying meal. They also pair well with cold drinks for a relaxed, fun dining experience perfect for any occasion.

Professional Tips

Use freshly ground beef with around 15–20% fat content for juicy, flavorful sliders that hold their shape.
Don’t overmix the beef when seasoning to keep patties tender rather than dense.
If grilling outdoors, use a clean, oiled grate to prevent sticking and to get appealing grill marks.
Toast buns lightly before assembling for a crisp texture contrast and to prevent sogginess from sauces.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?: Yes, you can shape and season the patties several hours ahead and refrigerate them until ready to cook. Assemble sliders fresh for best texture.
What cheese works best for BBQ sliders?: Cheddar and American cheeses melt beautifully and have a balanced flavor that pairs well with BBQ sauce.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?: Yes, but ground poultry tends to be leaner and may dry out faster. Add a bit of fat or moisture to keep sliders juicy.
How spicy are these sliders?: The sliders have a mild tangy BBQ flavor. Choose a spicy BBQ sauce if you prefer more heat.
Are these sliders freezer-friendly?: You can freeze cooked patties; thaw and reheat before assembling sliders to keep buns from becoming soggy.