Pull Apart Cheeseburger Sliders.
Imagine gathering around with family or friends, laughter filling the air, and the aroma of warm, cheesy sliders wafting from the kitchen. These Pull Apart Cheeseburger Sliders are not just a dish; they’re a celebration of flavors that bring everyone together. Perfect for game days, birthday parties, or casual weeknight dinners, these sliders are easy to prepare and even easier to devour. So let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that will have your guests clamoring for more!
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
These Pull Apart Cheeseburger Sliders are a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, they’re incredibly versatile; you can customize them with your favorite toppings or substitute the protein to suit your taste. Second, the combination of savory beef (or chicken/turkey), melted cheese, and a delightful sauce creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Finally, they’re perfect for sharing, so no one has to miss out on the deliciousness. Who wouldn’t want to pull apart a warm, cheesy slider with friends?
Ingredient List
To make these delightful sliders, gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sweet Thai chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 pound ground beef, chicken, or turkey
- 2-3 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 package (12 count) dinner rolls, halved lengthwise
- 4-6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded spicy cheddar or pepper jack
- 1/4 cup dill pickles and/or pepperoncini
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- 4-6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Prep & Cook Tools
Before you start whipping up these delicious sliders, make sure you have the following tools handy:
- Large skillet – for cooking the meat mixture.
- Mixing bowl – to combine your sauce ingredients.
- Spatula – for mixing and serving.
- Baking dish – to assemble and bake the sliders.
- Garlic press – optional but handy for the garlic.
Pull Apart Cheeseburger Sliders. Made Stepwise
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, tamari or soy sauce, ketchup, and grated garlic. Mix until well blended and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or chicken/turkey). Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Season the Meat
Once the meat is cooked, stir in the Gochujang, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, place the bottom halves of the dinner rolls. Spoon the cooked meat mixture evenly over the rolls.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Layer the sharp cheddar slices over the meat, then sprinkle the shredded spicy cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top. Add the dill pickles and/or pepperoncini for an extra kick.
Step 6: Top with the Rolls
Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese layer.
Step 7: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the chopped garlic, fresh herbs, grated Parmesan, and sesame seeds. Spread this mixture generously over the top of the rolls.
Step 8: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Take the sliders out of the oven and let them sit for a few minutes. Then, pull apart each slider and serve warm. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps
You can easily adapt this recipe based on the ingredients you have on hand or the season:
- For a summer twist, try adding fresh tomatoes and lettuce slices before serving.
- In fall, consider using pumpkin spice seasoning in the meat mixture for a unique flavor.
- Swap the protein for grilled veggies or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
- Use different types of cheese, such as Gouda or mozzarella, for a flavor variation.
Mistakes Even Pros Make
Even the most experienced cooks can make mistakes along the way. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:
- Overcooking the meat can lead to a dry filling. Keep an eye on it and make sure it’s just cooked through.
- Using stale rolls can result in a disappointing texture. Fresh dinner rolls are key for the best pull-apart experience.
- Not letting the sliders sit before serving can make them difficult to pull apart. Give them a few minutes to cool.
- Skimping on the garlic butter mixture can lead to bland sliders. Don’t be shy; be generous!
Best Ways to Store
If you have any leftovers (though we doubt you will!), here are the best ways to store them:
- Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, wrap individual sliders in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to a month.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Ask the Chef
Can I use a different type of meat for these sliders?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey are excellent alternatives. For a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based ground meat or a mix of sautéed vegetables.
What can I serve with Pull Apart Cheeseburger Sliders?
These sliders pair well with various sides, including crispy fries, a fresh salad, or even a savory coleslaw.
How can I make these sliders spicier?
If you like heat, increase the amount of Gochujang or add sliced jalapeños to the meat mixture. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce.
Can I prepare these sliders in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders up to a day ahead. Just cover them tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
See You at the Table
These Pull Apart Cheeseburger Sliders are not just a meal; they’re a fun, interactive eating experience that brings everyone together. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a dish that satisfies cravings and creates lasting memories. So gather your loved ones, serve these sliders with your favorite sides, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Pull Apart Cheeseburger Sliders.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, tamari or soy sauce, ketchup, and grated garlic. Mix until well blended and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or chicken/turkey). Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
- Once the meat is cooked, stir in the Gochujang, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, place the bottom halves of the dinner rolls. Spoon the cooked meat mixture evenly over the rolls.
- Layer the sharp cheddar slices over the meat, then sprinkle the shredded spicy cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top. Add the dill pickles and/or pepperoncini for an extra kick.
- Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese layer.
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the chopped garlic, fresh herbs, grated Parmesan, and sesame seeds. Spread this mixture generously over the top of the rolls.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Take the sliders out of the oven and let them sit for a few minutes. Then, pull apart each slider and serve warm. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Notes
- Feel free to customize your sliders with different toppings like fresh veggies or other cheeses.
- These sliders can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
