If you’re craving a mouthwatering, fun-to-eat meal that brings all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a perfectly bite-sized package, you’re going to adore this Cheeseburger Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Sesame Seeds Recipe. These sliders are packed with juicy, seasoned beef, melty cheese, and the rich sweetness of caramelized onions, all nestled inside soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls topped with a golden sesame seed crust. It’s comfort food elevated, perfect for family dinners, parties, or anytime you want to impress without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheeseburger Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Sesame Seeds Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that combine beautifully to create a symphony of flavors and textures you won’t forget. Each element plays a key role, whether it’s the savory beef, the sweet caramelized onions, or the soft rolls that soak up all those delicious juices.
- 2 lbs lean ground beef: The flavorful and juicy base for your sliders; 85% lean gives the right balance of fat and texture.
- 2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth to the beef without overwhelming.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural taste of the meat.
- 2 tsp ground black pepper: Offers a mild heat and earthiness that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used to cook the onions to a silky, caramelized perfection.
- ½ white onion (diced): Caramelizes beautifully for sweetness and texture layering.
- 12 slider-sized Hawaiian rolls: Their soft, slightly sweet nature balances the savory fillings.
- 12 cheese snack bars (¾ oz. each): Melt down for gooey, cheesy goodness – any favorite flavor works!
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps toast the buns to a golden crust.
- ½ tsp kosher salt: Enhances the butter topping’s flavor.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: Brings sweetness to the butter glaze, complementing the onions and rolls.
- 3 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and a savory umami punch.
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds tang and a little zing to brighten up the buttery glaze.
- ½ tbsp sesame seeds (plus extra for garnish): Provides texture and classic visual appeal atop the slider buns.
How to Make Cheeseburger Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Sesame Seeds Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Beef
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Combine the lean ground beef with garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This seasoning mix infuses the beef with flavor, ensuring each bite is juicy and well-rounded.
Step 2: Form and Bake the Beef Layer
Press the seasoned beef evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a flat layer for even cooking. Bake this for 20 minutes, which cooks the beef thoroughly while keeping it tender. After baking, drain any excess liquid to avoid soggy sliders.
Step 3: Prepare the Slider Buns
Slice your Hawaiian rolls lengthwise and line the bottom halves in a baking pan. These rolls serve as a soft, sweet base to hold your flavorful beef and toppings.
Step 4: Caramelize the Onions
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the diced onions. Stir occasionally until they’re translucent, fragrant, and golden, which usually takes about 10 minutes. This step unlocks the natural sweetness in the onions, adding an irresistible depth of flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
Spread the baked beef evenly over the bottom half of your rolls, then layer on the caramelized onions. Add your choice of cheese snack bars across the beef and onions, before sandwiching everything with the top halves of the buns.
Step 6: Make and Apply the Butter Glaze
Mix melted butter with salt, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and sesame seeds. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the buns, adding extra sesame seeds for visual appeal. This buttery glaze transforms the tops into a golden, flavorful crust once baked.
Step 7: Bake Until Perfect
Bake your assembled sliders for an additional 20 minutes at 350°F. During this time, the tops will toast beautifully, and the cheese will melt into a gooey layer that ties all the flavors together.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Once out of the oven, slice the sliders individually and serve them hot for that perfect moment when the flavors, textures, and warmth combine to delight your taste buds.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Sesame Seeds Recipe
Garnishes
To take your sliders to the next level, consider adding a few fresh garnishes. Crisp lettuce, a slice of juicy tomato, or a little tangy dill pickle can add brightness and texture that pairs nicely with the rich beef and caramelized onions. A dab of ketchup or mustard can also be a nostalgic finish.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crispy fries or onion rings are always a hit with sliders. For a fresher option, a crunchy coleslaw or a chilled cucumber salad offers refreshing contrast to the warmth and savoriness of the sliders.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your sliders on a wooden board or a rustic platter sprinkled with a few extra sesame seeds for an inviting presentation. You could also skewer each slider with a toothpick topped with an olive or a cherry tomato, making them perfect finger foods for parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover sliders, let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or storing them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated safely for up to 3 days, which makes them great for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled sliders before baking by wrapping the entire pan tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Frozen sliders stay good for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or thawed sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the buns soggy and the texture less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this Cheeseburger Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Sesame Seeds Recipe?
Absolutely! While the original recipe uses cheese snack bars, feel free to get creative with cheddar, mozzarella, American, or even pepper jack to add your own signature twist.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or crumbled, cooked mushrooms for a savory, meaty texture while keeping the caramelized onions and all the other delicious components.
Can I prepare the caramelized onions ahead of time?
Definitely. Caramelized onions keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be made a day or two in advance to save time on the day of assembly.
Why use Hawaiian rolls instead of regular slider buns?
Hawaiian rolls add a wonderful sweetness and soft texture that complements the savory and tangy elements in the sliders perfectly, making each bite more balanced and flavorful.
How do I prevent the sliders from becoming soggy?
Draining excess liquid after baking the beef and brushing the tops with the butter mixture help keep the buns nicely toasted. Serving the sliders hot immediately after baking also helps maintain the ideal texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cheeseburger Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Sesame Seeds Recipe enough if you want a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The combination of savory beef, sweet onions, melty cheese, and those irresistibly soft yet crispy buns is pure magic. Cozy up with these sliders and make sure to share this delicious experience with your favorite people – you’re going to love every bite!
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Cheeseburger Sliders with Caramelized Onions and Sesame Seeds Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheeseburger Sliders are a perfect party appetizer or a fun family meal. Juicy seasoned ground beef baked to perfection on soft Hawaiian rolls, topped with melted cheese, sautéed onions, and a flavorful buttery glaze with Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Easy to prepare and sure to please everyone.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 2 lbs lean ground beef (85% lean)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp ground black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ white onion, diced
- 12 slider-sized Hawaiian rolls (1 package)
- 12 (¾ oz.) cheese snack bars (any flavor, Borden recommended)
Butter Topping
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (½ stick)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tbsp sesame seeds (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Mix beef and spices: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper, mixing gently to blend the seasonings evenly without overworking the meat.
- Form beef layer: Press the seasoned ground beef evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, making a flat and uniform layer for even cooking.
- Bake the beef: Place the dish in the oven and bake the beef layer for 20 minutes. Once done, carefully drain any excess liquid and set the beef aside.
- Prepare rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half lengthwise and arrange the bottom halves in a lined baking pan, creating a base for the sliders.
- Assemble beef on rolls: Spread the cooked beef layer evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls.
- Sauté onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and stir to coat them with oil, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add toppings: Evenly distribute the cooked onions over the beef layer, then layer the cheese snack bars on top and cover with the top halves of the rolls.
- Make butter topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, kosher salt, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and ½ tablespoon sesame seeds to create a flavorful glaze.
- Apply butter glaze: Brush the prepared butter mixture liberally over the top of the slider buns, making sure to cover them well; sprinkle additional sesame seeds on top for garnish.
- Bake assembled sliders: Place the assembled sliders back in the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese has melted.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from oven, slice the sliders individually, and serve hot. Enjoy these delicious cheeseburger sliders as a savory treat!
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (85%) to reduce excess grease but maintain juiciness.
- Drain the beef well after initial baking to avoid soggy sliders.
- Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce add a tangy depth to the butter glaze.
- Cheese snack bars melt perfectly for slider-sized portions; substitute with sliced cheddar if unavailable.
- Make sure to brush the butter mixture thoroughly on the buns for a golden, flavorful crust.
- These sliders can be prepared in advance and reheated in the oven before serving.
