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Seasoned ground beef and onions, melty cheese, and sweet Hawaiian rolls make these cheeseburger sliders perfect for everything from game days to busy weeknight dinners. Quick and customizable, these EASY baked sliders bring fun and flavor to every table.
Perfect Pull-Apart Cheeseburger Sliders
Today I’m sharing how to make my favorite EASY cheeseburger sliders on Hawaiian rolls. Squishy-soft and perfect for sharing, these cheeseburger sliders are smaller, and therefore considerably more fun, than regular cheeseburgers. They’re the perfect party-ready game day appetizer or low-effort weeknight dinner (no patty forming or flipping required).
For a gorgeous golden finish and perfectly toasty tops, I like to brush the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds before baking. This step is optional, but highly recommended. My easy burger sauce (also optional) is perfect for slathering and dunking. Give it try, or pick one of your favorite dipping sauces instead. They’re delicious either way and guaranteed to go – FAST!
Table of Contents
Ingredients + Substitutions
Below are the key ingredients you’ll need to make this cheeseburger sliders recipe. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card at the end of this page for the complete list of ingredients and measurements (the burger sauce ingredients are included there, too).
Ground beef: For the best flavor and juiciest results, I recommend making your cheeseburger sliders with 80/20 ground beef. Higher-fat (80/20) ground beef browns better than lower fat (90/10) ground beef. Rendered fat improves pan contact and heat transfer, creating more flavorful browned bits. Very lean beef, on the other hand, tends to release more moisture and steam instead of searing. If you prefer a leaner option, 90/10 works, but you may want to add a small splash of broth while cooking if it looks dry. Substitutes: Ground turkey or ground chicken work great, just season a little more aggressively and don’t overcook.
Hawaiian rolls: Slightly sweet and super-soft, Hawaiian rolls are irresistible and perfect for ANY slider recipe. They also hold together surprisingly well once baked. Look for a 12-count package so they fit neatly in a standard baking dish. Substitutes: Any soft slider buns or even homemade dinner rolls will work, but you may want to lightly toast them before assembling if they’re very fluffy or delicate.
Worcestershire sauce: This adds that classic burger-style savory depth (a little tangy, a little salty, lots of umami). It’s a simple ingredient that makes a big difference in the beef mixture. Substitutes: A splash of soy sauce or coconut aminos will give the most similar flavor. Even a little steak sauce will work in a pinch.
Seasonings: A simple mix of pantry seasonings takes the ground beef from plain to legit cheeseburger flavor. Keep it classic (salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder). Add a pinch of smoked paprika, chili powder, or chipotle powder if you want a little extra. Substitutes: You can also use your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend, just adjust the salt as needed.
Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to for gooey, melty cheeseburger sliders, but you can absolutely mix it up. Sliced cheese melts into clean layers, while shredded cheese melts faster and gets into all the nooks and crannies. Substitutes: American, pepper jack, Colby jack, Swiss, or provolone all work well depending on your topping plans.
Melted butter + sesame seeds: Brushing the tops of the rolls with melted butter helps them bake up golden and glossy, and the sesame seeds give you that classic burger bun look and flavor. Don’t skip this step, it’s a small detail, but makes these sliders feel extra special. Substitutes: Use everything bagel seasoning instead of sesame seeds, or sprinkle on poppy seeds for a similar vibe.
How to Make Cheeseburger Sliders
These easy cheeseburger sliders are easy to make and come together fast. Scroll to the recipe card for the full instructions, exact measurements, and the burger sauce ingredients.
Step 1: Prep the rolls
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Keep the Hawaiian rolls connected and slice them in half horizontally (like a giant sheet). Tip: Use a serrated knife, and don’t separate the rolls, it makes assembling (and serving) so much easier.
Step 2: Cook the beef and onions
Brown the ground beef with diced onions in a large skillet until the beef is fully cooked and you’ve got plenty of browned bits. Drain excess grease if needed, then stir in Worcestershire sauce and seasonings.
For proper browning, use a wide skillet over medium-high to high heat and cook the beef in an even layer so it makes contact with the pan. Let the meat sit undisturbed for at least 30 to 60 seconds at a time before stirring.
Step 3: Toast The Rolls
Place the bottom half of the rolls in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Toast at 350 degrees F for 5-10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Toasting helps prevent soggy bottoms.
Step 4: Assemble The Sliders
Spread half of the cheese over the toasted rolls (this helps create a melty cheese barrier so the rolls don’t get soggy), then spoon the beef mixture in an even layer over the cheese. Top with the remaining cheese and bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
Step 5: Add The Roll Tops And Finish Baking
Place the top half of the rolls over the melted cheese. Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and bake for 10 minutes, or until the tops are lightly toasted.
Step 6: Rest and serve
Let the pan cool for a few minutes so the sliders don’t slide apart when you cut them, then slice into individual sliders and serve warm with burger sauce for dipping (plus pickles, ketchup, and mustard if you want the full burger experience).
Optional: Make the burger sauce
In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, relish, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until combined. Serve alongside your sliders for dipping or spread inside the rolls before serving. Pro tip: Make the burger sauce at least 10 to 15 minutes ahead for the best flavor.
Toppings and Serving Ideas
These cheeseburger sliders are great on their own, but it’s easy to customize them with flavorful toppings and delicious dipping sauces. Here are some suggestions:
- Classic condiments: Keep it simple with ketchup, mustard, mayo, and sliced pickles. Add shredded lettuce and thin-sliced tomato right before serving if you want the full cheeseburger experience.
- Bacon: Make them extra irresistible with crispy bacon tucked inside or sprinkled on top. Try my Oven-Baked Bacon or Air Fryer Bacon for an easy, hands-off option.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add a savory, steakhouse-style twist that pairs perfectly with melty provolone or creamy swiss. Use my Sautéed Mushrooms recipe and pile them on just before adding the top buns.
- Pickled jalapeños and red onions: For a tangy, spicy bite, add pickled jalapeños and quick pickled red onions. My Quick Pickled Red Onions are especially good here and add the prettiest pop of color.
- Dipping sauces: Serve these sliders with a side of sauce for dunking (or spread it inside for extra flavor). Try my Ranch Dressing, Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce, Comeback Sauce, or Cajun Remoulade Sauce.
For a full party spread, pair these cheeseburger sliders with a few easy, shareable favorites like dips, wings, and appetizers. They’re perfect alongside simple sides like air fryer potato wedges, creamy coleslaw, and a big bowl of chips for dipping into homemade salsa and guacamole.
Helpful Tips
Keep these quick tips in mind for perfectly golden cheeseburger sliders every time!
- Prevent soggy buns: To keep the bottoms soft but not wet, toast the bottom half of the Hawaiian rolls for a few minutes before assembling. If the beef mixture looks greasy, drain it first or use a slotted spoon to scoop it onto the rolls so excess fat stays in the pan.
- Avoid burnt buns: Watch the sliders during the final bake, especially once the tops are exposed. You’re looking for lightly golden, glossy rolls that are still pillowy – not dry or crunchy. If the tops start browning too quickly, loosely tent the pan with foil for the remaining bake time to protect the rolls from burning while everything heats through.
- Make-ahead shortcut: Cook the beef and onion mixture a day ahead and refrigerate. When you’re ready, assemble and bake as directed, adding a couple extra minutes to warm everything through. The burger sauce can be made up to 4 days ahead. Refrigerate and keep stored in an airtight container.
Storage
- Storage: Store leftover cheeseburger sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a 350 degree F oven (covered with foil to prevent over-browning) until warmed through, or microwave individual sliders in short bursts until hot.
- Freezing: Wrap the sliders tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for the best texture. Expect frozen and thawed sliders to be at least a little soggy on the bottom.
More Crowd-Pleasing Recipes
If you try making cheeseburger slider recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Please leave a comment and a star rating below, your feedback helps other readers discover (and enjoy) this recipe too. Thank you so much! 💛
Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe
Ingredients
Sliders
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ pounds ground beef, 80/20 or 90/10
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 12 Hawaiian rolls, or dinner rolls, 1 package
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, or 8 slices
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ½ tablespoon sesame seeds
Optional Burger Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, or yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Sauté the onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent.
- Brown the beef: Add 1½ pounds of ground beef to the skillet. Cook over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully browned.
- Season: Stir 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper, and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce until fully combined. Remove from heat.
- Slice and toast the rolls: Keep the rolls connected and slice them in half horizontally with a serrated knife to create a top and bottom slab. Place the bottom slab in a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 5-10 minutes, just until lightly toasted.
- Assemble: Spread half of the cheese over the toasted rolls, then spoon the beef mixture in an even layer over the cheese. Top with the remaining cheese
- Melt the cheese: Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Add the tops and bake: Place the top slab of rolls over the cheese. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the tops are lightly toasted.
- Rest and serve: Let cool for a few minutes, then slice into sliders and serve.
- For the burger sauce: Stir all burger sauce ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Serve on the side for dipping or spread inside the sliders.
Notes
- If the beef mixture looks greasy, drain it or use a slotted spoon to transfer it onto the rolls.
- Cheese options: Sharp cheddar is classic, but American, Colby Jack, pepper jack, or Swiss all work well. For the smoothest melt, shred your own cheese.
- Loosely tent the pan with foil during the final bake if the rolls are getting darker than you want.
- Make ahead: Cook the beef mixture up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate. Assemble and bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes as needed to heat through.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in a 350 degrees F oven until warmed through (cover with foil to prevent over-browning).
- Freezing: Wrap sliders tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
