📝 About This Recipe
These pint-sized powerhouses are the ultimate 'Miniature Main' designed to delight both picky eaters and hungry adults alike. Featuring juicy, seasoned ground chuck and melted cheddar on buttery toasted brioche, these sliders pack all the nostalgic flavor of a classic American diner burger into a kid-friendly format. The secret lies in the gentle sear and a hint of honey in the sauce, making every bite a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
🥗 Ingredients
The Beef Patties
- 1.5 pounds Ground Chuck (80/20 fat ratio for maximum juiciness)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (plus more for seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce (adds a deep umami flavor)
The Build
- 12 pieces Mini Brioche Buns (pull-apart style works best)
- 6 slices Cheddar Cheese (cut into quarters to fit the mini patties)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted, for toasting buns)
- 12-24 pieces Dill Pickle Chips (thinly sliced)
- 2 leaves Romaine Lettuce (shredded finely)
Kid-Friendly Secret Sauce
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Yellow Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Honey (to mellow the mustard tang)
- 1 tablespoon Sweet Pickle Relish
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chuck, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Use your hands to mix gently until just combined; do not overwork the meat or the sliders will be tough.
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2
Divide the meat into 12 equal portions (about 2 ounces each). Roll them into balls and then flatten into patties that are slightly wider than your buns, as they will shrink during cooking.
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3
Using your thumb, make a small indentation in the center of each patty. This prevents the burgers from puffing up into 'footballs' and keeps them flat for easy stacking.
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4
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, honey, and sweet relish. Set this 'secret sauce' aside in the refrigerator to let the flavors marry.
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5
Split the brioche buns and brush the cut sides with melted butter. Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
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6
Place the buns cut-side down on the skillet for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and toasted. Remove and set aside.
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7
Increase the skillet heat to medium-high. Once hot, place the patties in the pan (you may need to work in batches). Sizzle for 3 minutes without moving them to develop a nice brown crust.
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8
Flip the patties over. Immediately place two small squares of cheddar cheese on each patty.
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9
Add a teaspoon of water to the pan and cover with a lid for 30-45 seconds. The steam will perfectly melt the cheese and keep the sliders moist.
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10
Remove the patties from the heat. Let them rest for 2 minutes—this is the secret to a juicy burger!
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11
Spread a generous amount of secret sauce on both the top and bottom toasted buns.
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12
Assemble by placing the cheesy patty on the bottom bun, followed by pickles and shredded lettuce. Top with the remaining bun and secure with a decorative toothpick if desired.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the softest buns, use 'pull-apart' slider rolls and don't separate them until after toasting. Avoid pressing down on the patties with a spatula while cooking, as this squeezes out the flavorful juices. If your kids dislike 'bits,' swap the relish in the sauce for a teaspoon of pickle juice for flavor without the texture. You can substitute ground turkey for beef, but add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mix to ensure they stay moist. To make ahead for a party, assemble the sliders without the sauce and lettuce, wrap in foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with crispy sweet potato fries and a side of ranch dressing for dipping. Pair with crunchy apple slices or carrot sticks for a refreshing, healthy crunch. A tall glass of cold milk or a fruit-infused sparkling water makes the perfect beverage. For a 'diner' feel, serve in small parchment-lined plastic baskets. Add a side of creamy coleslaw for the adults to pile on top of their sliders.