If you’re craving a mouthwatering bite-sized burger experience that’s packed with bold flavors and irresistible textures, you’ll absolutely love this Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders Recipe. These sliders combine juicy, seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and crispy golden onion rings all nestled inside soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls to create the perfect party appetizer or fun family dinner. Every bite bursts with savory, cheesy goodness and that satisfying crunch that makes these sliders impossible to put down.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple and essential ingredients is the first step toward creating these unforgettable sliders. Each component adds something special—whether it’s the sweetness of the rolls, the spices in the beef, or the creamy burger sauce that ties it all together.
- King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls: Their soft, slightly sweet flavor balances savory toppings beautifully.
- Ground beef: Provides hearty richness and juicy texture when seasoned and cooked perfectly.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- Salt and pepper: Essential basics that highlight the natural flavors in the burger.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika: These spices build the savory, smoky profile that makes these sliders unique.
- Minced garlic: Gives a fresh punch of flavor to the cooked beef.
- American cheese slices: Melt sinfully well for that classic cheeseburger vibe.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharp flavor that complements the sweetness of the rolls and beef.
- Frozen onion rings: Cooked until crispy, they give the sliders their signature crunch.
- Mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and sweet pickle relish: These ingredients combine to make a creamy, tangy homemade burger sauce.
- Melted butter and sesame seeds: Brushed on top of the rolls for a golden finish and subtle nutty flavor.
How to Make Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Onion Rings
Start by preparing the onion rings according to the package instructions. Cooking them until they’re perfectly crispy is key because they add that irresistible crunch in every slider bite, contrasting beautifully with the soft rolls and juicy beef.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion. Season this mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to build layers of flavor. After draining any excess grease, stir in the minced garlic for an aromatic finishing touch that elevates the beef to burger royalty status.
Step 3: Assemble Your Sliders
Slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half and place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish or on a sheet pan to keep things tidy. Layer them starting with a slice of American cheese, then spoon on the seasoned beef mixture. Next, spread on a generous layer of the homemade burger sauce, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, and crown each slider with a crispy onion ring before topping with the other half of the roll.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Before baking, brush the tops of the sliders with melted butter and sprinkle sesame seeds on each to create a golden, flavorful crust. Then, bake the sliders in a preheated 350°F (177°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts and the tops turn beautifully toasted, melding all the flavors together.
How to Serve Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like crisp lettuce, tomato slices, or pickles can brighten the sliders and balance the richness of the cheese and beef. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives also adds a pop of color and a subtle flavor lift.
Side Dishes
Serve these sliders alongside classic sides like crispy French fries, coleslaw, or even a zesty corn salad. These complementary sides enhance the meal, offering contrasting textures and flavors while keeping the feast casual and fun.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange the sliders on a large platter with toothpicks through each one for easy grabbing. You could also serve them on a wooden board lined with parchment paper for a rustic look. If you want to add a gourmet touch, drizzle a little extra homemade burger sauce or balsamic glaze over the top right before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying a batch of these sliders, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious and moist for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day snacks or quick lunches.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. Properly frozen, they can last for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve their texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the sliders in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the rolls from getting soggy and the onion rings from losing their crispness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh onion rings instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Freshly made onion rings will taste fantastic and may offer a little extra crispiness. Just make sure they’re cooked and crispy before adding to the sliders.
What type of cheese works best in the Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders Recipe?
American cheese and shredded cheddar are the perfect combination because American cheese melts smoothly while cheddar adds sharpness and depth of flavor, making the sliders irresistible.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for seasoned plant-based crumbles or black bean patties, and use vegetarian cheese and onion rings to keep the same indulgent textures and flavors.
Is the homemade burger sauce necessary?
While you can skip it, the homemade burger sauce really ties all the flavors together with its creamy, tangy kick. It’s easy to whip up and worth every extra step.
How spicy are these sliders?
These sliders have a mild kick from the paprika and seasonings but nothing overpowering. You can always adjust seasonings or add a bit of hot sauce to the burger sauce for more heat.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got this amazing Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders Recipe at your fingertips, it’s time to gather your ingredients and create a dish that’s sure to delight everyone around your table. Perfect for game days, casual dinners, or any time you want a fun, flavorful slider fix, this recipe offers that unbeatable combo of juicy beef, melty cheese, and crispy onion rings all wrapped up in sweet, soft rolls. Grab your apron, get cooking, and enjoy the rave reviews coming your way!
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Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders made with savory ground beef, crispy onion rings, melted American and cheddar cheeses, and a tangy homemade burger sauce, all nestled in soft King’s Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for parties or family gatherings, these sliders are baked to golden perfection with a buttery, sesame seed-topped crust.
Ingredients
Burger Sliders
- 1 (12-count) package King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- American cheese slices
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Frozen onion rings (cooked according to package directions)
Homemade Burger Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- â…› cup mustard
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook Onion Rings: Prepare the frozen onion rings according to the package directions until they are crispy and fully cooked. Set them aside.
- Brown Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef along with the chopped onion. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Cook the beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned through. Drain any excess grease and stir in the minced garlic for added flavor. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Sliders: Slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish or on a sheet pan. Layer each roll bottom with a slice of American cheese, then add a generous scoop of the cooked ground beef mixture. Spread homemade burger sauce over the beef, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and place a crispy onion ring over the cheese. Finish by placing the top halves of the rolls over the layered ingredients.
- Bake: Brush the tops of the assembled sliders with melted butter and sprinkle sesame seeds evenly on top for a beautiful golden finish. Bake the sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Make sure to properly drain the cooked ground beef to avoid soggy sliders.
- For extra crispy onion rings, double fry them or cook longer following package instructions.
- These sliders are perfect for parties—keep them warm in a low oven until serving.
- Feel free to add pickles or lettuce inside the sliders for additional crunch and freshness.
