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Four cheeseburger sliders with melted cheese on a white plate, ready to be served.

Irresistible Cheeseburger Sliders for 12 in 30

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Written by Carla Davis

August 21, 2025

Nothing brings people together like tray of warm, melty cheeseburger sliders fresh from the oven – and nobody knows this better than me! After years of hosting rowdy game-day parties and chaotic family reunions, I’ve perfected the art of effortless party food. These Hawaiian roll sliders are my grandmother’s diner-style burger recipe scaled down for crowds, with all the juicy, cheesy goodness you crave but none of the fuss. Trust me, the second that buttery, sesame-topped tray hits the table, it disappears faster than you can say “seconds please!” Last summer, I made a triple batch for my cousin’s backyard reunion – the kids swarmed the table so fast I barely got one myself!

Why You’ll Love These Cheeseburger Sliders

Let me tell you why these sliders are my go-to for any gathering:

  • Crowd-pleasing magic: That irresistible combo of buttery Hawaiian rolls, juicy beef, and melty cheese makes these game day sliders disappear faster than you can refill the dip bowl.
  • One-pan wonder: One sheet pan means more time with your guests (and way less scrubbing afterward). My kind of party cheeseburgers!
  • Meal planning dream: They freeze like a charm and reheat beautifully—I always stash an extra batch for those “oops, forgot to plan dinner” nights.

Cheeseburger Sliders Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these crowd-pleasing sliders – simple ingredients that come together for maximum flavor!

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio) – This gives you the perfect juicy texture.
  • 12 Hawaiian rolls – Split horizontally (keep them connected if possible for easy assembly!)
  • 6 slices cheddar cheese, halved – I like sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
  • 1 tsp salt – Sea salt is my go-to.
  • 1 tsp black pepper – Freshly ground if you’ve got it.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder – The secret flavor booster.
  • 1 tsp onion powder – Adds that classic burger taste.
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted – For that golden, buttery top.
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional) – Makes them look bakery-perfect.

Meal planning tip: I always buy my Hawaiian rolls and ground beef in bulk when they’re on sale – these ingredients freeze beautifully for last-minute party prep or weeknight dinners. Those big warehouse club packs are perfect when you’re stocking up for game day!

How to Make Cheeseburger Sliders

Alright, let’s get these oven baked mini burgers going! I promise it’s easier than you think – that’s why I call these my lazy day easy burger sliders. The secret is in the timing. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) before touching that ground beef. Trust me, that little head start makes all the difference!

Prepping the Patties

Here’s where you’ll want to roll up those sleeves (just don’t forget to wash hands first – safety first!). Mix your seasoning right into the beef—that’s the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Don’t overmix though, or you’ll get tough little patties. Make about 12 mini patties, each roughly 1.5 inches across (size of a ping pong ball!). Pro tip: press a tiny thumbprint into each center – this keeps them flat while cooking instead of puffing up into meatballs. Let them rest while your skillet heats up—just 5 minutes makes them extra juicy!

Assembling the Sliders

Okay, here comes the fun part! Lay those bottom Hawaiian bun halves in your baking dish like soldiers at attention. Arrange your cooked mini patties on top (they should fit perfectly!), then top each with half a cheese slice – tear those cheese pieces if needed to cover every burger. The top bun crowns this delicious kingdom! Brush melted butter over everything—yes, everything—then sprinkle with sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger Sliders

After making approximately ten thousand of these sliders (okay, maybe a slight exaggeration, but close!), I’ve learned some game-changing tricks that take them from good to “Oh my gosh, can I get this recipe?” levels of delicious:

Toast those rolls! A quick 2-minute toast on the cut sides before assembling prevents sogginess—just enough to give them some structure without drying them out. My grandma called this the “flavor foundation”—and she was right!

Parchment paper is your friend. Line that baking sheet before sliding in your Hawaiian roll sliders. Not only does it make cleanup a breeze, but it also helps the bottoms get perfectly golden without sticking. No more scraping cheese off the pan!

Worcestershire secret weapon: Add just 1/2 teaspoon to your ground beef mixture before forming patties. It gives that deep, savory “what IS that amazing flavor?” quality without being identifiable. Works every time!

Tech-savvy twist: If you’re into gadgets, try cooking your patties in a sous-vide precision cooker at 135°F for 1 hour before finishing in the skillet—they stay incredibly juicy with zero guesswork. Though honestly, the stovetop method works beautifully too!

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

Listen, I know how crazy party prep can get – that’s why these Hawaiian roll sliders are my secret weapon! Here’s how I make them work for my schedule:

Make-ahead magic: Assemble the whole shebang up to 24 hours before baking – just cover with damp paper towels (not too wet!) and plastic wrap to prevent those sweet rolls from drying out. I’ve even prepped them at midnight before a big game day – lifesafer!

Freezer-friendly superstar: Wrap those unbaked beauties tightly in heavy-duty foil – regular foil tears too easily and lets freezer burn sneak in. Label with the date (they’ll keep for 1 month), then when hunger strikes, pop ’em straight from freezer to 325°F oven. No thawing needed! Just add 5-10 extra minutes – you’ll know they’re ready when you hear that cheese bubbling like a happy little volcano.

Psst… my mom taught me to slide a baking sheet under the foil packet when reheating – catches any drips so you’re not scrubbing the oven later. Genius, right?

Serving Suggestions for Cheeseburger Sliders

Now comes the best part—building your slider spread! I always set out bowls of dill pickle chips and a quick swipe of my magic sauce (equal parts ketchup and mayo with a squeeze of lemon—trust me, it’s addictive). If you’re feeding a crowd, a tangy slaw cuts through the richness perfectly. For portioning, I plan on 2-3 sliders per person—they’re so good, someone always sneaks a fourth!

Weight loss programs tip: If you’re watching calories like some of my friends are these days, swap in 93% lean beef or ground turkey—just add an extra pinch of seasoning to keep the flavor bold. The sliders still taste amazing, especially with extra pickles for crunch!

Cheeseburger Sliders FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! I make turkey sliders for my cousin every Thanksgiving gathering—just remember turkey cooks faster so reduce skillet time by about 1 minute per side. And here’s my trick: mix in 1 tablespoon of olive oil per pound to keep them juicy (turkey’s leaner, after all!).

What’s the best way to reheat leftover sliders without drying them out?

Wrap those babies tightly in foil—I mean burrito-tight!—and warm at 300°F for 10 minutes. The foil traps steam, reviving the Hawaiian rolls beautifully. If they’re fridge-cold, add 2 extra minutes. P.S. Leftovers rarely last in my house!

Any good cheese substitutions if I don’t have cheddar?

Oh honey, I’ve experimented wildly! Pepper Jack gives a nice kick (my football crew prefers it), Swiss gets all melty-gooey, and provolone makes them taste like gourmet pub burgers. Even American works in a pinch—it’s what my kids demand!

Nutrition Information

Just a quick note – these nutrition facts are estimates based on the standard ingredients I use (like my sharp cheddar and 80/20 ground beef). Your exact counts might vary a smidge depending on brands and how generous you are with that melty cheese! Here’s the breakdown per slider:

  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 12g (6g saturated)
  • Carbs: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 11g

Remember—everything’s better in moderation (unless we’re talking about game day portions, then all bets are off!).

Rate This Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe

Did your crew demolish these cheeseburger sliders like mine always does? Snap a pic of your party spread and tag @carlascooking on Instagram—I love seeing your creative twists! Drop a star rating below too so I know how they turned out for you.

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Cheeseburger Sliders

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Easy oven-baked mini cheeseburgers on Hawaiian rolls, perfect for parties and game day.

  • Author: Carla Davis
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 15 min
  • Total Time: 30 min
  • Yield: 12 sliders 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 Hawaiian rolls
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 6 slices cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
  3. Mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Shape into small patties.
  4. Cook the patties in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
  5. Place the cooked patties on the bottom halves of the rolls. Top with cheese slices.
  6. Cover with the top halves of the rolls. Brush melted butter over the tops.
  7. Sprinkle sesame seeds if using. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese melts.
  8. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Make ahead: Assemble the sliders and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Freezer tip: Wrap unbaked sliders tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 extra minutes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slider
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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Hi, I'm Carla Davis! As a lifelong home cook and busy mom, I believe that making delicious food for the people you love shouldn't be complicated. Here at Carla's Cooking, I share simple, reliable, and family-approved recipes that I make in my own kitchen. My goal is to help you feel confident and joyful when you cook. Welcome!

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