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Juicy Smash Burger Sliders Recipe Easy Homemade Sliders with Creamy Sauce

juicy smash burger sliders - featured image

These juicy smash burger sliders feature crispy caramelized edges, tender insides, and a tangy creamy special sauce, perfect for quick meals, game nights, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika
  • 8 slider buns or small brioche buns, lightly toasted
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese, cut in half (or American cheese)
  • Thinly sliced dill pickles
  • Shredded iceberg lettuce or baby arugula
  • Thin slices of red onion (optional)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Divide the ground beef into 8 equal balls (about 2 oz or 60 g each), handling gently to keep meat tender.
  2. Preheat a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until hot.
  3. Split the slider buns and toast them face down in the skillet for 1-2 minutes until golden; set aside.
  4. Place 2-3 meatballs in the skillet without overcrowding. Using a sturdy spatula, press each ball down firmly until about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. Hold pressure for 10 seconds to form a crust.
  5. Season the patties with salt and pepper after smashing. Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and brown.
  6. Flip the patties carefully. Immediately place a half slice of cheese on each patty. Cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patties are cooked through but still juicy.
  7. While patties cook, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the creamy special sauce.
  8. Assemble sliders by spreading a generous amount of special sauce on the bottom bun, layering with lettuce, a cheesy patty, pickles, and onions if using. Top with the bun crown.
  9. Serve immediately while hot and cheese is gooey.

Notes

Do not over-handle the beef to keep patties tender. Preheat skillet well for a crispy crust. Press patties firmly but avoid squeezing out juices. Flip only once. The special sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 3 days. Keep sliders warm in a 200°F oven for up to 10 minutes if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, sliders, homemade sliders, creamy sauce, quick recipe, game night food, easy burgers