There’s something about a cheeseburger, all the flavor packed into a small, perfect package. It feels like a party, even on a regular Tuesday night. And when you bake a whole tray of them together? That’s where the real magic happens.

This recipe is a game-changer for feeding a crowd, or just a hungry family. It turns the whole, sometimes messy, process of making individual burgers into one simple, beautiful pan of deliciousness. The smell alone, as it bakes, is worth it.

Why This Recipe Just Works

It’s all in the technique. Instead of forming and flipping a dozen little patties, we press the seasoned beef right into a baking dish. You cook it all at once, which is so much easier. Then, you layer it onto soft rolls with cheese and onions, and give it a glorious buttery glaze.

The result is a slider where every bite is consistent. The bread gets toasty on top, but stays soft underneath, soaking up the burger juices. The cheese melts into every nook. It’s a complete, fuss-free meal that everyone loves. Honestly, my son asks for these more than anything else.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring these sliders to life. It’s a straightforward list, with a couple of special touches that make all the difference.

• Lean Ground Beef (2 lbs): The hearty star of the show. Using 85% lean gives great flavor without too much excess grease.
• Garlic Powder, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: This simple trio seasons the beef perfectly, creating that classic burger taste.
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp): For sautéing the onions until they’re sweet and fragrant.
• White Onion (½, diced): Adds a punch of savory sweetness that complements the rich beef and cheese.
• Slider-Sized Hawaiian Rolls (12, 1 package): Their slight sweetness and super-soft texture are ideal here. They bake up beautifully.
• Cheese Snack Bars (12, ¾ oz. each): These thin, pre-portioned slices melt uniformly and effortlessly over the entire pan of beef.

For the Glaze (Optional, but recommended):

• Unsalted Butter, melted (¼ cup): The rich base of the glaze, helping the tops brown and adding flavor.
• Brown Sugar (2 tbsp): A hint of caramel-like sweetness that balances the savory elements.
• Worcestershire Sauce (3 tsp) & Dijon Mustard (2 tbsp): The flavor powerhouses. They add depth, tang, and a complex zip.
• Sesame Seeds (½ tbsp + more): For that classic burger bun look and a little nutty crunch.

How to make Cheeseburger Sliders (Baked Sliders Recipe)?

Don’t let the layers fool you, the process is wonderfully simple. We’ll build everything in stages, finishing with a bake that brings it all together.

Step 1 - Season and Bake the Beef

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a bowl, combine the ground beef with the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Just use your hands, it’s the best tool for the job.

Take that seasoned beef and press it firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. You want an even, flat layer. Pop it in the oven for 20 minutes.

When it comes out, carefully drain off any accumulated liquid. This keeps your sliders from getting soggy. Set the baked beef aside for a moment.

Step 2 - Build the Slider Foundation

While the beef bakes, slice your package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact as two large pieces. Place the bottom half in a separate lined baking pan.

Once your beef is drained, simply lift it out of its dish and place the whole sheet of it right onto the bottom layer of rolls. It should fit almost perfectly.

Step 3 - Sauté the Onions

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring now and then.

You’re waiting for them to become soft, translucent, and wonderfully fragrant. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Then, scatter these cooked onions evenly over the beef layer.

The Perfect Make-Ahead Strategy

Life is busy, so plan ahead if you need to. You can cook the beef and onions a full day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge.

I’d advise waiting to assemble the sliders until the day you’re serving them, though. That keeps the rolls from absorbing too much moisture and becoming soft before their final bake.

Step 4 - Add Cheese and Assemble

Now for the cheese. Unwrap your cheese snack bars and layer them over the onions, covering the beef as completely as you can.

Finally, cap it all off with the top half of the Hawaiian rolls. You’re now looking at a magnificent, albeit uncooked, slider masterpiece.

Step 5 - Create and Apply the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, salt, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and the ½ tablespoon of sesame seeds. It will be a glossy, fragrant mixture.

Using a pastry brush, liberally coat the tops of the rolls with this glaze. Get it into all the seams. Then, sprinkle a few extra sesame seeds over the top for garnish.

Step 6 - The Final Bake and Serve

Bake your assembled sliders for another 20 minutes at 350°F. You’ll know they’re done when the bread is a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese is visibly melted underneath.

Take the pan out of the oven. Let it sit for just a minute or two, then use a sharp knife to slice along the roll seams, creating 12 individual sliders. Serve them hot, and watch them disappear.

Tips

• For a softer top, you can tent the pan loosely with foil during the final 20-minute bake. Remove it for the last 5 minutes if you want more browning.
• If you’re unsure about the beef’s doneness, an instant-read thermometer is your friend. Insert it into the center of the meat layer to check.
• Feel free to play with the glaze amount. Love a super-buttery, flavorful top? Double the glaze recipe. Prefer it lighter? Just use what you need.
• Let the pan rest for 5 minutes after baking. This lets the cheese set slightly, making the sliders much easier to slice neatly.

Fun Variations to Try

The basic recipe is a total winner, but it’s also a fantastic canvas. Don’t be afraid to make it your own with different flavors and ingredients.

For a real conversation starter, try a “goober burger” style. Add a thin spread of creamy peanut butter over the beef layer before adding the cheese. The savory-sweet combo is unexpectedly delicious.

You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as lean poultry might cook a bit faster. Consider mixing in a tablespoon of your favorite seasoning blend for extra flavor.

Get creative with add-ons. Before you place the top bun, scatter on crispy cooked bacon bits, a layer of dill pickle slices, or even some thinly sliced jalapeños for a kick. Just avoid very wet toppings like fresh tomatoes or lettuce, as they can make the bread soggy during baking.

Serving and Storing Your Sliders

These sliders are a meal all by themselves, but they love company. Serve them with a big, crunchy salad to balance the richness. A tray of oven fries or sweet potato tots on the side is always a hit, too.

For storing leftovers, let the sliders cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. This method revives the bread’s texture much better than a microwave. You can also freeze them tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.