Mini Burgers

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

These mini burgers pack all the flavor of classic burgers into a mouthwatering bite-sized package. With just a few quality ingredients and some simple prep, you’ll be serving up tasty cheeseburger sliders that are perfect for everything from backyard cookouts to family-friendly dinners.

In the printable recipe below, you can find a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

• Ground Beef: The star of any classic burger, choose premium ground beef that is 80% lean and has 20% fat for flavorful, juicy patties. This fat content helps keep the burger moist and tender during cooking. For the ultimate flavor, try grinding your own beef using a mix of brisket and short rib.
• Mini Buns: We prefer Hawaiian-style slider buns for their slight sweetness, which balances nicely with the beef. 
• Cheese: A burger isn’t complete without cheese. We used white cheddar, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack for a kick, Swiss for a milder flavor, or even blue cheese for a bold taste. 
• Caramelized Onions: While caramelized onions are completely optional, we highly recommend them for a sweet and savory flavor boost. For variety, try sautéed mushrooms or crispy bacon as alternatives

How to Make Mini Burgers

Here are the quick step-by-step instructions with visuals; you can find the full instructions with the exact ingredients in the recipe card below.
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Pro-Tip: Refrigerate the burger patties before cooking them to firm them up and prevent them from falling apart while cooking.

1. Make the burger patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands, careful not to overwork the beef so it doesn’t become tough. Take about 2 tablespoons (or 2 to 2.5 ounces) of the ground beef and roll it into a ball. Flatten slightly to form a patty. Place on a prepared baking sheet and repeat until all the meat is used.

2. Grill the burger patties: Preheat your grill or large skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a touch of oil to prevent them from sticking. Cook the burgers for about 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare. Resist the urge to press down on the patties with your spatula – this keeps all those flavorful juices inside! In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheese. You can cover them with a lid to help the cheese melt.

3. Prepare the buns: Spread a thin layer of butter on the cut sides of your mini burger buns, covering them right to the edges. Place the buns buttered-side down on a griddle over medium heat and toast for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

4. Assemble the mini burgers: Spread mayo on the bottom half of each bun. If you like, add a lettuce leaf and a slice of tomato. For extra flavor, add caramelized onions, bacon, or guacamole. Top your mini burger with the other half of the bun. Serve with your favorite burger sides, like fries or onion rings.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead: The mini burger patties can be prepared in advance. Form the patties, place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Caramelized onions can also be made and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to cook, follow the cooking instructions above.

How to Store: For leftover mini burgers, allow them to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To freeze, we recommend first freezing the patties in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container with a square piece of parchment paper between each patty. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat: Mini burger patties can be reheated in a skillet over medium heat or on the grill. Cover the pan with a lid to help retain moisture and heat the patties for 2-3 minutes per side. For a quicker option, reheat in the microwave by placing patties on a microwave-safe plate and covering them with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel to trap moisture. Reheat in 30-second increments until heated through. If burger patties are frozen, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. For larger batches, you can reheat patties on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or use an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes for crispy edges.

Recipe Tips and Notes

• Don’t overwork the beef. Gently form the burger patties without overworking the meat to keep them tender and maintain a juicy texture.
• Chill before cooking. Refrigerate the patties for 15 minutes before cooking to help them hold shape on the grill or skillet.
• Use a large skillet or flat-top griddle. To ensure the mini burgers are evenly cooked, use a pan large enough to hold several patties without crowding.
• Aim for food-safe temperatures. Use a meat thermometer to check the burger’s internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 145°F, but 160°F is the USDA recommended temperature for ground beef.
• Toast your mini buns. To add flavor and prevent soggy bottoms, butter and toast your slider buns until golden brown.
• Let them rest. The burger patties should rest a few minutes before serving to help redistribute the juices for a mouthwatering bite.
• Get creative with toppings. Personalize your mini cheeseburgers with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or BBQ sauce for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions