These cheesy baked sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food.
Perfect for game day, parties, or a family dinner, these bite-sized sandwiches feature seasoned ground beef, creamy mayo, and melty cheddar, all baked inside soft dinner rolls and finished with a buttery sesame seed topping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to prep – Just sauté, layer, and bake!
Perfect for sharing – Makes 24 mini sandwiches in one go.
Cheesy and savory – Loaded with melty cheddar cheese.
Customizable – Add pickles, jalapeños, or your favorite sauce.
Kid-approved – Soft rolls, no mess, and super satisfying.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Ground beef – Use lean (90/10 or 93/7) for less grease and cleaner flavor.
Yellow onion – Finely diced and sautéed for sweet, savory depth.
Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess and binds the meat mixture.
Cheddar cheese – Both slices and shredded for double cheesy layers.
Dinner rolls – Soft and pillowy, perfect for slider-sized portions.
Butter & sesame seeds – For that bakery-style golden top.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Drain the fat – Spoon off any excess fat after cooking the beef to avoid soggy sliders.
Spread evenly – Press the beef mixture flat so the sandwiches bake uniformly.
Use a serrated knife – To neatly slice the buns if not pre-split.
Toast the bottoms – Preheating or slightly toasting can help prevent sogginess.
Double the batch – These disappear fast, especially at parties!
How to Make Cheesy Baked Sliders
Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350˚F.
Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat 1/2 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high.
Add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes, then add the ground beef.
Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Continue to cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink.
Step 3: Mix in the Mayo
Tilt the skillet to spoon off any extra fat and discard it.
Stir in the mayonnaise until the beef mixture is creamy and well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Cut the dinner rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom halves on the prepared baking sheet.
Cut loaf of bread in half horizontally and place bottom half on prepared baking sheet.
Lay the cheddar slices evenly over the bottom rolls.
Spoon the beef mixture on top, spreading it into an even layer.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the beef.
Place the top halves of the rolls on top, cut-side down.
Step 5: Bake
Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is fully melted.
What to Serve It With
Pickles or sliced jalapeños
A crisp green salad or coleslaw
Chips and dip
Iced tea or lemonade for a casual pairing
Variations / Substitutions
Swap the meat – Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
Add toppings – Include caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or sliced pickles.
Try different cheeses – Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack work well.
Spice it up – Mix in hot sauce, chili flakes, or jalapeños.
Low-carb option – Use lettuce wraps instead of buns.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store cooled sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Wrap in foil and reheat at 300˚F for 10–12 minutes or until warm.
Freezer: You can freeze assembled, unbaked sliders.
Bake directly from frozen at 350˚F for 20–25 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use Hawaiian rolls?
Yes! Their slight sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory beef and cheese.
How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
Drain the beef well and toast the bottom rolls lightly before assembling.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the sliders, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
What kind of mayo works best?
Any good-quality mayonnaise. You can also use aioli for extra flavor.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Just use two baking sheets or a larger one and double all ingredients.
What’s the best cheese for sliders?
Cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with Colby Jack, pepper jack, or even mozzarella.
Can I add veggies inside?
Yes! Try sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a veggie boost.
Final Thoughts
These cheesy baked sliders are everything you want in a party sandwich: warm, gooey, flavorful, and fun to eat.
They’re easy to make ahead and always disappear fast!
Whether for a holiday spread, potluck, or weeknight dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
