These Big Mac cheeseburger sliders are bite-sized treats packed with all the flavors you love! Imagine juicy beef, gooey cheese, and that special sauce, all on a soft bun.
Perfect for a game day snack or a fun family dinner, they’re super easy to make and disappear quickly. Just be ready to save some for yourself! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using an 80/20 blend (80% meat, 20% fat) gives these sliders great flavor and juiciness. If you prefer leaner meat, opt for 90/10, but keep in mind they may be less juicy. Ground turkey or plant-based alternatives can work too if you’re looking for lighter options.
Slider Buns: Soft sesame seed buns are traditional, but if you can’t find them, any small soft rolls can work well. Consider brioche for a richer taste or whole wheat for a healthier choice.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is classic for cheeseburgers, but feel free to substitute with American cheese for that creamy melt or pepper jack for a little heat. Vegan cheese works great if you’re cooking for plant-based eaters.
Special Sauce: This sauce is key to achieving that Big Mac flavor. If you don’t have all the ingredients, you can use store-bought Thousand Island dressing as a shortcut. It’s a tasty alternative that captures similar flavors!
How Do I Cook Perfectly Juicy Patties?
Cooking the patties just right can be tricky, but it dramatically affects the result. Here’s a simple guide:
- Keep the beef cold until you’re ready to shape the patties. This helps them hold their shape while cooking.
- Avoid pressing down on patties while they cook; it squeezes out the juices!
- Cook on medium-high heat to get a nice sear on the outside without overcooking the inside.
- Flip only once to keep them from drying out. About 2-3 minutes per side should give them a nice brown color while keeping them succulent.
With these tips, you’ll have sliders that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Big Mac Cheeseburger Sliders
Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: 1 lb (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- Salt and Black Pepper: to taste
- Slider Buns: 8, preferably with sesame seeds
- Cheddar Cheese: 8 slices
- Shredded Iceberg Lettuce: 1 cup
- Finely Chopped Onions: 1/4 cup
- Dill Pickle Slices: 8
- Butter: for buns (about 2 tbsp, melted)
For the Special Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup
- Ketchup: 2 tbsp
- Yellow Mustard: 1 tbsp
- Sweet Pickle Relish: 1 tbsp
- White Vinegar: 1 tsp
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 tsp
- Onion Powder: 1/2 tsp
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25 minutes total. You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep (making the sauce and prepping ingredients), and around 15 minutes for cooking. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a tasty meal any time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Special Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until everything is combined smoothly. Taste it and add salt and pepper as needed. Put it in the fridge while you prepare the rest!
2. Form the Patties:
Take the ground beef and divide it into 8 equal parts. Gently shape each part into a thin patty that’s just a little bigger than the buns. Be careful not to pack the meat too tightly—this helps keep the patties tender and juicy!
3. Cook the Patties:
Preheat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the patties. Cook each patty for about 2-3 minutes until they are nicely browned. Flip them over and place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty as they cook for another 2-3 minutes. The cheese should melt nicely; once the patties are cooked through, take them off the heat!
4. Toast the Buns:
Brush the melted butter on the inside of the slider buns. Grill or toast them on a skillet or in the oven until they are golden brown and a bit crisp. This adds extra flavor and helps them stay together!
5. Assemble the Sliders:
Spread a generous amount of your special sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place a cheesy patty on top, followed by some chopped onions, a pickle slice, and a handful of shredded lettuce. Finally, cap it off with the top half of the bun.
6. Serve:
Place your delicious sliders on a platter and serve them warm. They’re perfect for parties or just a fun dinner at home. Everyone will love these mini treats!
Enjoy making and sharing your Big Mac cheeseburger sliders! They’re a fun twist on a classic, and sure to be a hit wherever you serve them!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner option. Just be sure to season it well, as turkey can be less flavorful than beef. You might also want to add a little olive oil to keep the sliders juicy!
Can I Make the Special Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the special sauce a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This actually helps the flavors meld together even better!
What If I Don’t Have Slider Buns?
No worries! You can use any small bread rolls, mini hamburger buns, or even cut up larger buns to create your sliders. Just make sure they can hold the filling without falling apart!
How to Store Leftover Sliders?
If you have any leftover sliders, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven, or microwave them individually for a quick snack!
