Save These Mini Smash Burger Sliders with Caramelized Onions are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, delivering all the bold flavors of a classic burger in a convenient, bite-sized format. Featuring thin beef patties smashed to crispy perfection, sweet buttery onions, and gooey melted cheese, these sliders are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Save What sets these sliders apart is the combination of textures: the soft, toasted brioche buns, the melt-in-your-mouth onions, and the juicy beef patties. Simple ingredients like American cheese and a quick mustard-mayo sauce come together to create a gourmet experience right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- Beef: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend), 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Onions: 2 large yellow onions (thinly sliced), 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp sugar, pinch of salt
- Cheese & Buns: 8 slices American cheese (or cheddar), 8 slider buns (mini brioche or potato rolls)
- Toppings & Condiments: 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 2 tsp yellow mustard, 8 dill pickle slices (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Prepare the caramelized onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add sliced onions, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are soft and golden brown, about 20–25 minutes. Set aside.
- Step 2
- Make the slider sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and mustard. Set aside.
- Step 3
- Form the beef: Divide ground beef into 8 equal balls (about 2 oz/55 g each). Do not overwork.
- Step 4
- Preheat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot.
- Step 5
- Smash and cook the patties: Place beef balls in the hot skillet, leaving space between each. Immediately smash each ball flat with a sturdy spatula. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until edges are crispy.
- Step 6
- Flip, top, and melt: Flip patties, top each with a slice of cheese, and cook for 1 more minute until cheese is melted and burgers are just cooked through.
- Step 7
- Toast the buns: Meanwhile, split buns and toast, cut side down, in a dry skillet or under a broiler until golden.
- Step 8
- Assemble the sliders: Spread slider sauce on the bottom buns. Add patties with melted cheese, a generous spoonful of caramelized onions, and a pickle slice if desired. Top with the bun lids. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, use a sturdy metal spatula to smash the beef balls as flat as possible immediately after they hit the hot pan. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef before forming it into balls.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize these sliders by swapping the American cheese for Swiss or pepper jack. For a fresh crunch, try adding thin tomato slices or shredded lettuce to the assembly. If you prefer a different base, potato rolls work just as well as brioche buns.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these delicious sliders immediately while the cheese is gooey and the patties are hot. They pair perfectly with a side of crispy French fries, crunchy potato chips, or even a simple dill pickle spear on the side.
Save Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or the perfect game-day appetizer, these mini smash burgers are guaranteed to satisfy. Enjoy the layers of flavor and the perfect bite-sized crunch!
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I get the perfect crust on smashed patties?
Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle until very hot, then smash the beef balls immediately on the surface. This creates a crispy, flavorful crust in just a couple of minutes per side.
- → What’s the best way to caramelize onions for these sliders?
Cook sliced onions slowly over medium heat with butter, olive oil, a pinch of sugar, and salt, stirring often until they turn golden brown and soft, around 20–25 minutes.
- → Can I substitute the cheese used on the sliders?
Yes, American cheese is classic, but Swiss or pepper jack are great alternatives for different flavor profiles and meltability.
- → How should the slider buns be prepared?
Split and toast the buns cut side down in a dry skillet or under a broiler until golden and slightly crisp, enhancing texture and flavor.
- → Are there tips for assembling the sliders evenly?
Start by spreading a sauce mixture of mayonnaise and mustard on the bottom buns, then add the cooked patty with melted cheese, a generous spoonful of caramelized onions, and optionally a dill pickle slice before topping with the bun lid.