BBQ Sliders Recipe

Ground beef: This is the main protein and gives the sliders their juicy, meaty flavor.

Bbq sauce: Adds a tangy and sweet taste that makes the sliders special.

Slider buns: Small buns perfect for holding the mini patties and toppings.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts on top of the patties for a creamy, cheesy finish.

Finely chopped onion: Adds a little crunch and sharpness mixed into the beef.

One of the little tricks that can make your BBQ sliders taste even better is how you handle the onion. Chopping an onion evenly helps it cook just right and mix well with the ground beef. Here’s a simple way to chop an onion without making a mess or ending up with uneven pieces:

1. Cut off the top of the onion (the pointy end) but leave the root end intact. This helps hold the layers together.
2. Peel off the outer skin.
3. Slice the onion in half from top to root.
4. Place one half flat side down and make several horizontal cuts, but don’t cut all the way through the root.
5. Then make vertical cuts, again stopping before the root.
6. Finally, slice down across the onion to create small, even pieces.

Doing this makes sure your onion cooks evenly when mixed with the ground beef and doesn’t leave big chunks that might overpower the flavor. Plus, small pieces spread the onion flavor throughout every bite of your slider.

When I first tried this, I didn’t keep the root end intact, and the onion layers slipped everywhere, making a mess and uneven pieces. Now, I always keep that root part until the very end—it’s like a natural handle! Also, if you want to save time, you can buy pre-chopped onions from the store, but fresh always tastes better in this recipe.

Chopping your onion this way helps your BBQ sliders come out tasty and perfectly balanced every time. Give it a try next time you’re grilling!

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can provide a similar texture and flavor when seasoned well.

• ground beef - Substitute with black beans: For a vegetarian option, black beans offer a hearty texture and can absorb the flavors of the bbq sauce effectively.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor profile that can complement the sliders in a different but delicious way.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with ketchup and Worcestershire sauce mixture: Mixing ketchup with Worcestershire sauce can mimic the tangy and savory elements of bbq sauce.

• slider buns - Substitute with Hawaiian rolls: Hawaiian rolls add a sweet flavor that pairs well with the savory filling.

• slider buns - Substitute with lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, lettuce wraps provide a fresh and crunchy alternative to traditional buns.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese melts well and has a mild flavor that can complement the other ingredients.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: For a dairy-free option, vegan cheese can provide a similar texture and flavor.

• finely chopped onion - Substitute with green onions: Green onions offer a milder flavor and a bit of color to the sliders.

• finely chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor compared to regular onions.

• Allow the patties to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the buns soggy.

• Wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain their shape and keeps them from sticking together.

• Place the wrapped sliders in an airtight container or a freezer bag. If using a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing.

• Label the container or freezer bag with the date. BBQ sliders can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• When ready to enjoy, reheat refrigerated sliders in a microwave for 30-60 seconds or until heated through. For frozen sliders, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• For a crispier texture, reheat the sliders in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

• If you prefer, you can store the patties and buns separately. This allows you to reheat the patties without overcooking the buns. Simply reassemble the sliders after reheating.

• For added freshness, consider adding a fresh spoonful of bbq sauce and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese after reheating. This will enhance the flavor and texture of your BBQ sliders.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap each BBQ slider individually in aluminum foil to keep them moist.
  3. Place the wrapped sliders on a baking sheet.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sliders are warmed through.
  5. Unwrap and enjoy your reheated sliders with their cheese perfectly melted.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the BBQ sliders on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. Ensure the sliders are heated evenly and the cheese is melted.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the BBQ sliders in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the sliders are warmed through and the cheese is melted.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the BBQ sliders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Remove and enjoy your crispy, reheated sliders with gooey cheese.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the BBQ sliders on a baking tray.
  3. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until the sliders are warmed through and the cheese is melted.
  4. Serve immediately for a quick and delicious meal.

• Grill: Used to cook the patties to perfection, providing that smoky BBQ flavor.

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the ground beef and chopped onion evenly.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the patties on the grill without breaking them apart.

• Measuring cup: Useful for measuring out the BBQ sauce and shredded cheddar cheese accurately.

• Knife: Necessary for finely chopping the onion.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion.

• Tongs: Helps in placing and removing the patties from the grill safely.

• Plate: Used to hold the cooked patties before assembling the sliders.

• Basting brush: Ideal for spreading the BBQ sauce evenly on the patties.

• Cheese grater: If you need to shred the cheddar cheese yourself.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and form the ground beef patties the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar cheese to eliminate the need for grating.

Preheat grill early: Start preheating your grill while you prepare the patties to ensure it's ready when you are.

Batch cook patties: Grill multiple patties at once to reduce overall cooking time.

Assemble quickly: Have your slider buns ready and nearby to assemble the sliders immediately after the patties are cooked.