Mini Cheeseburgers

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Bite-sized and bursting with flavor, Mini Cheeseburgers are the ultimate party food. Whether you’re serving them for game day, a birthday party, or as a family-friendly dinner, these sliders deliver all the juicy, cheesy satisfaction of a classic burger in an irresistibly cute package. Each mini burger is loaded with a tender beef patty, gooey cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce, and a pillowy, sesame-studded bun—making them a hit with guests of all ages.

The beauty of Mini Cheeseburgers is their versatility. You can keep things traditional or let your creativity shine with fun toppings and sauces. These are easy to prep ahead and assemble just before serving, which makes entertaining a breeze. Plus, their small size means everyone can customize their own plate and try different flavor combinations. Trust us: there will never be leftovers!

---

Why You’ll Love This Mini Cheeseburgers Recipe

Mini Cheeseburgers are simple to make, kid-approved, and just as satisfying for adults. Their small size makes them perfect for gatherings, and they’re quick to cook on the stovetop or grill. The recipe is easily doubled or tripled for a crowd, and you can assemble all components in advance, so you’re not stuck in the kitchen when you should be enjoying the party. Juicy beef, melty cheese, and pillowy buns—what’s not to love?

---

What’s the Secret to Juicy Mini Cheeseburgers?

It all comes down to using the right beef and not overworking the meat. Opt for ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for maximum flavor and moisture. Gently form the patties to keep them tender and avoid pressing them down while cooking, which can squeeze out those tasty juices. And don’t forget: covering the pan briefly after adding the cheese guarantees that perfect melty finish.

---

Ingredients for the Mini Cheeseburgers

Great burgers start with quality ingredients! For these mini cheeseburgers, every layer is important:

Mini Burger Buns: The soft, slightly sweet base that holds everything together. Look for mini brioche or slider buns with sesame seeds for that classic look.

Ground Beef (80/20): Using ground beef with 20% fat ensures each patty is juicy and flavorful. Leaner blends tend to dry out.

Cheddar Cheese Slices: Mild or sharp cheddar slices melt beautifully, adding creaminess and tang. Cut regular slices into quarters for perfect mini coverage.

Leaf Lettuce: Fresh lettuce adds crunch and a pop of color. Butter or green leaf lettuce works best and fits nicely in small buns.

Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: A simple seasoning brings out the best in your beef without overpowering.

Vegetable Oil or Butter: Used for cooking the patties, helping them brown nicely and not stick.

Optional Toppings: Sliced pickles, tomato slices, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise let guests build their own favorite burgers.

---

How To Make the Mini Cheeseburgers

Step 1: Prepare the Patties

Divide 1 pound of ground beef into 12 equal portions (about 1.3 ounces each). Gently shape each portion into a ball, then press into 2-inch wide, 1/2-inch thick patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

---

Step 2: Toast the Buns

Slice 12 mini burger buns in half. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Lightly butter the cut sides of each bun and toast, cut side down, until golden brown (about 1-2 minutes). Set aside.

---

Step 3: Cook the Beef Patties

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or butter in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add patties (in batches if needed) and cook for 2 minutes on the first side. Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes, until cooked through but still juicy.

---

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Place a quarter slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Cover the pan for 30 seconds to let the cheese melt perfectly.

---

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Place a piece of lettuce on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a cheesy patty, and add any desired toppings (pickles, tomato, ketchup, etc.). Cap with the top bun and secure with a toothpick.

---

Serving and Storing Mini Cheeseburgers

This recipe makes 12 mini cheeseburgers, perfect as appetizers for a party or as a main for 4-6 people (2-3 sliders each). Serve them hot and fresh for the best experience. If you have leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat patties gently in a skillet or microwave, and assemble just before serving for the best texture.

---

What to Serve With Mini Cheeseburgers?

Classic French Fries

Golden, crispy fries are the ultimate burger companion.

Sweet Potato Fries

A slightly healthier, sweet-and-savory alternative.

Veggie Sticks & Dip

Crisp carrots, celery, and cucumber with ranch or hummus keep things fresh.

Coleslaw

Tangy, crunchy slaw balances the richness of the burgers.

Rainbow Smoothie Bowls

For a fresh and colorful side, try these Rainbow Smoothie Bowls.

Fruit Salad

Tropical fruit salad brings a burst of color and flavor—see Tropical Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing for inspiration.

Roasted Mini Peppers

Oven-roasted mini sweet peppers are vibrant and bite-sized—get the recipe here.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes! Shape the patties and refrigerate (covered) up to a day in advance. Bring to room temperature before cooking for even results.

Q2: What cheese works best besides cheddar?
Try American, Swiss, pepper jack, or even a creamy blue cheese for a gourmet twist.

Q3: How do I keep sliders warm for a party?
Assemble the cheeseburgers, place them on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and keep them in a warm (200°F/90°C) oven for up to 30 minutes.

Q4: Can I use other meats?
Absolutely! Try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for variety. Adjust cook times as needed.

Q5: What’s the best way to cut cheese for mini burgers?
Cut each cheese slice into four squares—this gives you the perfect size for topping each mini patty.

---

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer or party food board so you can come back to it any time.
Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add special toppings or sauces? Did you try a different cheese?
I love hearing your twists on classic recipes. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other make the best sliders ever.

For even more tasty recipes, visit Meals We Share on Pinterest.

---

Conclusion

Mini Cheeseburgers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—fun, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or family nights, these sliders disappear fast and leave everyone asking for more. Whether you stick with classic toppings or get creative, they’re sure to become a staple for any occasion. Happy cooking!

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?