These Beefy and Big Mac Sliders bring all the burger joy in a tiny package! Tasty beef, special sauce, and cheese make them irresistible, perfect for parties or game days.
Making sliders is a blast! I love seeing everyone reach for a second (or third) one. They’re easy to whip up, and who can say no to mini burgers? 🍔😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for juicy patties. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 85/15 works too, but it may be a bit less juicy. For a healthier alternative, you can use ground turkey or chicken; just watch the cooking time since they can dry out faster.
Slider Buns: Brioche buns are my favorite—they’re soft and slightly sweet! If you can’t find them, sesame seed or regular white slider buns will also work. You can also try whole grain buns for a healthier twist.
American Cheese: While American cheese melts beautifully, you can use cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor. Just remember that not all cheeses melt in the same way!
Big Mac Sauce: The homemade sauce is worth it! However, if you’re short on time, store-bought Thousand Island dressing is a quick substitute. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
How Do You Get the Patties Just Right Without Overcooking?
Cooking the patties perfectly is a common challenge. Here are some tips to ensure they’re juicy and flavorful:
- Form the patties slightly larger than the buns—they shrink as they cook.
- Cook on medium-high heat for a good sear, letting them brown for 2-3 minutes on each side before flipping.
- Don’t press down on the patties while cooking! This squeezes out the juices.
- Use a meat thermometer. Aim for 160°F (70°C) for safe beef consumption.
Following these tips will help you achieve perfect burger sliders every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Beefy And Big Mac Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sliders:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 8 small slider buns, preferably brioche with sesame seeds
- 4 slices American cheese, halved (for 8 sliders)
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
- 8-12 dill pickle slices
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing or homemade Big Mac sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or butter for toasting buns
For the Big Mac Sauce (optional but recommended):
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of paprika
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 15 minutes for cooking, with an optional chilling time for the sauce. So, in total, you can have these tasty sliders ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Big Mac Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika until everything is well combined. Set it aside in the fridge to chill while you prepare the sliders.
2. Form the Patties:
Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces each). Gently shape them into small, thin patties, making sure they are slightly wider than your slider buns as they will shrink while cooking. Season both sides with salt and black pepper for flavor.
3. Cook the Patties:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the prepared patties and cook for about 2-3 minutes on the first side until they’re nicely browned. Flip the patties over, and immediately place half a slice of American cheese on top of each patty. Cook for another 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the beef is cooked through.
4. Prepare the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, slice the slider buns in half. Spread a little butter or oil on the cut sides, then toast them in a clean pan or oven until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
5. Assemble the Sliders:
It’s time to put it all together! Start by spreading about 1 teaspoon of Big Mac sauce on the bottom bun. Next, add a handful of shredded iceberg lettuce. Place the cheesy beef patty on top, followed by 1-2 dill pickle slices and a few finely chopped onions (if using). Finish it off by adding a little more Big Mac sauce on the top bun, then gently place it over the slider.
6. Serve:
Serve these sliders immediately while they’re warm and cheesy. They’re a hit for parties, game days, or just a fun meal at home. Enjoy every bite of your Beefy and Big Mac Sliders!
Bon appétit! 🍔🥳
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner option. Just make sure to season it well since it can be a bit bland compared to beef. Cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
How Do I Make Sliders Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the patties and sauce in advance! Shape the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also make the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the sliders.
Can I Freeze Cooked Sliders?
Absolutely! Once cooked and cooled, you can freeze the sliders in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven or microwave before serving.
What Can I Use Instead of Thousand Island Dressing?
If you don’t have Thousand Island dressing, ranch or creamy Caesar dressing are good substitutes. You can also mix your favorite mayonnaise and BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor or use any other dressing you enjoy!