cheeseburger sliders

Cheeseburger Sliders with Caramelized Onions

Written by on in Beef

These juicy cheeseburger sliders are everything you love about a classic burger, just in mini form. Soft slider buns brushed with parsley butter, seasoned beef patties topped with melted cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a tangy burger sauce – it’s the ultimate party or game-day food.

The real star here is the caramelized onions. Slow-cooked with butter and a touch of brown sugar, they turn jammy, golden, and slightly sweet, making every bite of these sliders next-level delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crowd-friendly – perfect for parties, BBQs, or family dinners.
  • Mini but mighty – all the flavor of a full-size burger in slider form.
  • Sweet + savory – caramelized onions balance the richness of beef and cheese.
  • Simple ingredients – no fancy techniques, just real, approachable cooking.
  • Customizable – switch up cheeses, buns, or sauces to make it your own.
Cheeseburger Sliders with Caramelized Onions
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Cheeseburger Sliders with Caramelized Onions

Recipe by itskristinskitchen
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

320

kcal

Ingredients

  • For the Caramelized Onions:

  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tsp salt

  • For the Sliders:

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • 8–10 mini slider buns

  • 8–10 slices of cheese

  • 2 tbsp butter, melted

  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

  • For the Burger Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • 2 tbsp ketchup

  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard

Directions

  • Step 1: Caramelize the Onions. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
  • Add sliced onions and salt, stirring to coat.
  • Cook slowly, stirring every few minutes, for 25–30 minutes until soft and golden brown.
  • Stir in brown sugar and cook another 5 minutes until onions are deep caramel-colored and jammy. Remove from heat.
  • Step 2: Make the Burger Sauce. Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard in a small bowl. Chill until ready to use.
  • Step 3: Cook the Sliders. Preheat a skillet or griddle to medium-high.
  • Form ground beef into small patties (slightly larger than your buns, as they’ll shrink when cooking).
  • Season with salt and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
  • Place a slice of cheese on each patty and let melt.
  • Step 4: Toast the Buns. Mix melted butter with parsley and brush over slider buns. Toast lightly in a skillet or oven until golden.
  • Step 5: Assemble the Sliders. Spread burger sauce on each bun. Add patties with melted cheese, a spoonful of caramelized onions, and top with the toasted bun. Serve warm.

Notes

  • A good cast iron skillet makes all the difference when cooking sliders. This cast iron skillet is durable, affordable, and perfect for both onions and burgers.

FAQ & Tips

Why add brown sugar to caramelized onions?
The sugar helps speed up caramelization and enhances the natural sweetness of the onions, giving them that deep golden color and rich flavor.

Can I make caramelized onions ahead of time?
Yes! They store well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just reheat gently in a skillet before serving.

What cheese is best for sliders?
American cheese melts the smoothest, but cheddar and Swiss are great options for a stronger flavor.

Can I bake the sliders instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely. Place patties on a baking sheet, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, then top with cheese and broil for 1–2 minutes to melt.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you loved these Cheeseburger Sliders, check out my Cheesy Truffle Fries with Garlic Aioli – the perfect side dish to serve alongside sliders!

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