If you love the classic flavors of a juicy cheeseburger and the irresistible crunch of onion rings, you’re about to discover your new favorite party food: the Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders Recipe. These bite-sized delights combine all the best burger toppings and a golden, crispy onion ring—all hugged together in a pillowy soft slider bun. They’re easy enough for a weeknight treat, yet impressive enough to steal the show at your next game day or family gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders Recipe keeps things simple with straightforward ingredients that work together in delicious harmony. Each component adds unique flavor, texture, or irresistible color that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Ground beef (1 pound, 80/20 blend): This fat ratio keeps your sliders juicy and full of flavor—don’t skimp here!
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the rich taste of the beef.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and depth to your patties.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Lends a mellow, savory kick to each bite.
- Slider buns (12): Soft, perfectly sized vessels that hold all the goodness in one handheld package.
- Cheddar cheese slices (12): Melts into gooey perfection, providing rich, tangy flavor in every slider.
- Frozen onion rings (12): For unbeatable crunch and that classic “burger joint” touch.
- Egg (1 large): Helps bind breading and lock in crispiness if you make your own onion rings.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Thins the egg wash for an even coating.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The first layer in a crispy, golden onion ring crust.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Ensures extra crunch every time you bite in.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle color and a smoky hint to the coating.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Delivers crispy onion rings—plus, you can swap for air frying if you’d like.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Forms the creamy base of the tangy burger sauce.
- Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Brings sweet and tangy balance to your sliders.
- Yellow mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a zippy punch that cuts through the richness.
- Dill pickles (2, thinly sliced): Provide a satisfying crunch and a tangy pop in every slider.
- Shredded lettuce for garnish: Offers refreshing crunch and a burst of fresh green color.
How to Make Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Onion Rings
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Arrange the frozen onion rings on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake them according to the package instructions until they’re golden brown and crispy. This gives you time to prep the rest of your Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders Recipe, and ensures those onion rings are hot and shatteringly crunchy at assembly time.
Step 2: Mix and Form the Patties
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands for the best texture—mix until just combined. Shape the meat mixture into 12 small patties, making them slightly larger than your slider buns (they’ll shrink a bit as they cook). These little patties are the star of your Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders Recipe, so don’t be afraid to handle them with care!
Step 3: Cook the Beef Patties
Place a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and let it get nice and hot. Add the patties, a few at a time so you don’t crowd the pan. Cook them for about 3 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through and have a lovely seared crust.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Top each hot patty with a slice of cheddar cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil for about one minute, just until the cheese has melted into bubbly, gooey perfection. This extra step makes these Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders Recipe utterly irresistible.
Step 5: Toast the Buns
While your burgers are cooking, you can toast the slider buns if desired. Just pop them into the oven for a few minutes or use a skillet for a quick golden edge. Toasted buns hold up well to saucy, juicy sliders—and there’s nothing like a warm bun hugging that cheesy burger!
Step 6: Make the Burger Sauce
Whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard in a small bowl. This creamy, tangy spread is simple but adds a huge punch of flavor to every layer of your Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders Recipe.
Step 7: Assemble the Sliders
Now it all comes together! Spread a generous spoonful of burger sauce on the bottom of each bun. Layer with a sprinkle of shredded lettuce, a couple of pickle slices, then top with your melty cheeseburger patty. Crown each slider with a hot, crispy onion ring, and finish with the top bun. Press down gently and get ready for a perfect, craveable bite.
How to Serve Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
A little extra flair goes a long way. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds on the buns, a dusting of paprika on top, or a toothpick through each slider to keep the onion ring in place. Fresh lettuce leaves or more pickles on the side offer color and crunch, making your Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders Recipe picture-perfect.
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with crispy shoestring fries, sweet potato fries, or even a colorful coleslaw for added freshness. Classic potato salad or baked beans also work beautifully to complete the meal. The key is to offer sides that balance the richness and crunch of your Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, set up a Slider Bar with bowls of different sauces, sliced jalapeños, or alternative cheeses so guests can customize their own. Arrange sliders on a rustic wood board with mini flags, or serve each one on a lettuce wrap for a fun twist. You can even try stacking two mini onion rings for double the crunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover sliders individually in foil or plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making for a pretty fabulous lunch or late-night snack if you don’t mind a softer onion ring topping.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these! For best results, freeze the cooked patties and buns separately from the onion rings to prevent sogginess. Store in freezer-safe bags for up to a month. When ready to serve, just reheat the patties and onion rings separately for best texture before assembling.
Reheating
Warm the beef patties in a covered skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for a minute or two. For the crispiest onion rings, use an air fryer, toaster oven, or pop them under the broiler for a minute until they’re hot and crunchy again. Then simply reassemble your Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders Recipe and dig in!
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic and melts beautifully, feel free to experiment with smoked cheddar, pepper jack for extra heat, or even Swiss cheese for a milder flavor. Your Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders Recipe will be delicious either way.
What’s the best way to make homemade onion rings?
If you have an extra fifteen minutes, try making onion rings from scratch! Dip thick onion slices first in seasoned flour, then whisked egg and water, then panko breadcrumbs with a dash of paprika. Fry or air fry until golden brown. Homemade rings take your Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders Recipe to the next level.
How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
The trick is to assemble just before serving—toast the buns, cool the patties slightly, and layer the crispy onion ring on top at the end. You might also consider spreading a thin layer of sauce rather than a heavy dollop, which helps prevent sogginess without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap in gluten-free slider buns and gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs. Many frozen onion rings offer gluten-free versions as well. With a few simple substitutions, your Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders Recipe will suit gluten-free eaters too.
Is this dish spicy?
As written, this recipe is not spicy, making it a hit with kids and adults alike. If you’re a fan of heat, add a dab of spicy mustard, toss in some jalapeños, or use pepper jack cheese for a gentle kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about these bite-sized sliders layered with juicy beef, melted cheese, and a golden onion ring—they truly deliver on flavor, fun, and wow-factor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just treating yourself, the Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders Recipe is sure to be a hit. Grab your ingredients and enjoy every crunchy, cheesy, saucy bite!
Print
Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Onion Ring Cheese Burger Sliders are the perfect combination of juicy beef patties, melted cheddar cheese, crispy onion rings, and a tangy burger sauce, all sandwiched between soft slider buns. They are great for parties, game days, or simply when you’re craving a delicious mini burger!
Ingredients
For the Beef Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 blend
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns
- 12 slices cheddar cheese
- 12 frozen onion rings
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- vegetable oil for frying
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 dill pickles thinly sliced
- shredded lettuce for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Bake the onion rings: Bake the frozen onion rings on a baking sheet according to package instructions until golden and crispy.
- Prepare the beef patties: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Shape into 12 small patties slightly larger than the buns.
- Cook the patties: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the patties for about 3 minutes per side or until cooked through. Top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese and cover for 1 minute to melt.
- Prepare the buns: Toast the slider buns lightly if desired.
- Make the burger sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard.
- Assemble the sliders: Spread sauce on each bun, add shredded lettuce and pickle slices, place a cheesy burger patty on top, and finish with a crispy onion ring before closing with the top bun.
- Serve: Serve the sliders immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try using smoked cheddar or pepper jack cheese.
- You can air fry the onion rings instead of baking for added crispiness.
- These sliders are best served hot and fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
