Beef Sliders Cheese Pickles (Print)
Juicy mini beef burgers topped with melted cheese and crisp pickles on soft buns, ideal for gatherings.
# What You Need:
→ Beef
01 - 1.1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
02 - 1 tsp salt
03 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
04 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
→ Cheese
05 - 8 slices cheddar cheese (or American cheese)
→ Buns & Toppings
06 - 8 slider buns
07 - 16–24 dill pickle slices
08 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
09 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
10 - 2 tbsp ketchup (optional)
11 - 2 tbsp mustard (optional)
# How to Make:
01 - Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
02 - In a bowl, gently combine ground beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder without overworking the meat.
03 - Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into a small patty slightly larger than the slider buns, as they will shrink during cooking.
04 - Brush the cut sides of the slider buns with melted butter, then toast them cut side down on the grill or skillet until golden. Set aside.
05 - Place beef patties on the grill or skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until reaching preferred doneness.
06 - During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheese and cover to allow it to melt.
07 - Place a cheesy patty on each bottom bun, top with dill pickle slices and optional onion, then add ketchup and mustard if desired.
08 - Cover sliders with the top buns and serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They come together in under 30 minutes, which means you can go from idea to eating in the time it takes to watch half a show.
- The cheese melts right into the beef, creating pockets of flavor that make each bite feel indulgent without being heavy.
- Sliders are the perfect excuse to let guests build their own with extra pickles, onions, or whatever they're craving.
02 -
- Don't overwork the meat mixture—I learned this the hard way when my first batch came out tough and dense instead of tender and yielding.
- The cheese melts faster and more evenly if you cover the patty during cooking, trapping steam that does the work for you.
- Toasted buns aren't a luxury—they're the difference between a slider that falls apart and one that holds together with dignity.
03 -
- Keep a cold water bottle nearby while cooking—dipping your hands in it before shaping the patties prevents sticking and makes the work faster and cleaner.
- If you're cooking for a crowd, prepare the patties and have them ready to go before guests arrive, so you're just cooking and assembling rather than prepping in front of people.