If cheeseburgers and party appetizers had a baby, it would be these irresistible cheeseburger sliders. Think soft, golden Hawaiian rolls packed with juicy beef, melty cheddar, and buttery tops sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Let’s be honest—we’ve all had those moments when we’re too hungry to wait for takeout but too lazy to fire up the grill. That’s where these cheeseburger sliders save the day.

They’re everything you love about a classic burger, shrunk down into adorable little squares that are perfect for parties, picky eaters, midnight snacks, or just because Tuesday felt long.

I first made these on a whim during a family movie night. I blinked, and they were gone. My kids fought over the last one, and my husband called dibs on any leftovers (spoiler: there were none). Ever since, they’ve been a rotating favorite in our house. And yes—they reheat like a dream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make, easier to devour – No need for grilling or flipping burgers.

Kid-approved – Even my pickiest eater loves these.

Perfect for entertaining – A whole tray feeds a crowd.

Juicy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying – Like fast food… but homemade and better.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make cheeseburger magic happen. And don’t worry—I won’t judge if you snack on some cheese while cooking. I do it too.

Sesame seeds – Optional, but they make the sliders look like baby burgers.
2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10) – Less grease, more beefy flavor.
½ tablespoon olive oil – Just enough to get things sizzling.
½ yellow onion, finely diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the beef.
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder – Optional, but highly recommended.
¼ cup real mayonnaise – The secret to juicy beef. Don’t skip it!
6 oz medium cheddar cheese, shredded – Melts right into the meat like a dream.
8 slices of cheddar cheese – For that cheesy base layer.
1 pack (24-count) Hawaiian dinner rolls – Soft, sweet, and made for sliders.
2 tbsp butter, melted – For brushing those buns.

Instructions

Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Drain & mayo it up: Drain the excess fat (especially if you used higher-fat beef). Stir in mayo while the beef is still warm—this keeps it tender and delicious.

Prep your rolls: Use a serrated knife to slice the dinner rolls in half horizontally (don’t separate them!). Place the bottom half on a buttered baking sheet.

Layer it up:

First, lay out your sliced cheddar.
Then, spread the ground beef evenly on top.
Sprinkle on your shredded cheddar cheese.

Top & toast: Place the top half of the buns back on. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds for that classic burger look.

Bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden. If you made them ahead and refrigerated, bake for 18 minutes instead.

Slice & serve: Cut along the bun lines for easy serving. Get ready for some serious cheese pulls!

FAQs

Q: Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them and cover tightly in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time when you’re ready.

Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix it up with mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for fun flavor twists.

Q: Can I make these without mayo?
You can, but I promise the mayo makes a noticeable difference in keeping the beef juicy and flavorful.

Q: How do I store and reheat them?
Store leftovers in the fridge. To reheat, pop one in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5–10 minutes.

Tips to Make This Recipe Stand Out

Double the cheese – Shredded + sliced = ultimate meltiness.
Don’t skip the mayo – Seriously, it’s the MVP of this recipe.
Try flavored rolls – Garlic butter rolls or everything buns add a fun twist.
Add pickles or sautéed mushrooms inside before baking for a flavor upgrade.
Serve with dipping sauces – Ketchup, mustard, fry sauce, or BBQ sauce on the side = slider heaven.

And here’s a sneaky bonus: they freeze surprisingly well! Just wrap tightly and freeze before baking. When burger cravings hit, just thaw and bake.