Loaded Cheeseburger Sliders – Juicy, Cheesy, and Perfect for Grill Season
Samantha
These Loaded Cheeseburger Sliders are packed with flavor—juicy beef patties, melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and caramelized onions on soft slider buns. Perfect for backyard cookouts, Father’s Day spreads, or easy weeknight dinners. Customize them your way and serve with your favorite sides for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 12 sliders
Calories 310 kcal
- 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 for juiciness
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 large sweet onion thinly sliced
- 6 slices bacon cooked until crispy
- 6 slices cheddar cheese halved
- 12 slider buns
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- Optional toppings: pickles ketchup, mustard, mayo
Prep the Caramelized Onions:In a pan over medium heat, sauté the onions in a bit of butter with a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and sweet. Cook the Bacon:Pan-fry or bake the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and cut slices in half. Make the Beef Patties:Combine ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Form 12 equal slider patties, slightly wider than the buns. Sear in a hot skillet or grill until browned and cooked through (about 3–4 minutes per side). Assemble the Sliders:Place patties on bottom buns. Top with cheddar, bacon, caramelized onions, and any condiments you like. Add the top buns. Bake (Optional):For melty, bakery-style sliders, brush tops with melted butter and bake in a foil-covered tray at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
Secret Tips for Perfect Loaded Cheeseburger Sliders
1. Butter + Onion Powder for the Buns
Brush the slider buns with melted butter mixed with a pinch of onion powder before toasting or baking. This adds extra depth and a subtly savory kick that mimics your favorite diner-style burgers.
2. Chill the Patties Before Cooking
Form your slider patties and refrigerate them for at least 15 minutes before grilling. Cold patties hold their shape better, sear more evenly, and lock in more juices.
3. Grate the Cheese for Maximum Melt
Instead of using sliced cheese, try freshly grated cheddar. It melts faster and more evenly over mini patties, ensuring every bite is gooey and rich.
4. Double the Onion Game
Use caramelized onions and a few thin raw red onion rings. The sweet-savory contrast with a fresh bite adds gourmet burger-shop flavor without extra work.
5. Layer Cheese on Both Sides of the Patty
Want extra cheesiness? Add cheese both under and over the patty before baking or grilling. It helps anchor the toppings and gives that classic diner-style melted cheese pull.
6. Add Pickle Brine to Your Beef
Mix a tablespoon or two of dill pickle brine into your ground beef mixture. It enhances flavor, adds moisture, and subtly ties the meat to the pickles you'll top it with.
7. Toast Only the Inside of the Buns
To keep the sliders tender but not soggy, only toast the cut side of each bun. This creates a barrier for the juicy patty and toppings, while the outside stays soft and pillowy.
8. Press Down Lightly After Assembling
Once your sliders are assembled, press them gently with a spatula or pan lid before serving or baking. This helps the layers settle and meld—no shifting ingredients when guests take their first bite.
9. Add a Dot of Sauce to the Bottom Bun
A small dab of mayo or burger sauce on the bottom bun keeps the patty from sliding around and adds extra moisture where it counts.
10. Serve with a Pickle Skewer or Mini Flag
Not only does it hold everything in place—it gives your sliders a polished, party-worthy look for BBQ spreads or Father’s Day feasts.Keyword comfort food dinner, dinner recipes, freezer meals, high-protein dinner, low carb dinners, make-ahead dinner, one-pan dinner, weeknight dinners
