Pull Apart Cheeseburger Sliders
If you’re looking for a party-ready, finger-licking, cheese-stretching dish, these Pull Apart Cheeseburger Sliders are about to become your new favorite. Imagine layers of juicy, flavorful beef (or chicken/turkey), a slightly spicy kick from gochujang, melty cheese oozing between soft dinner rolls, and a tangy, sweet, garlicky special sauce that ties it all together. Every bite is like a miniature flavor explosion, and the best part? You can grab one with your hands, no fork needed. It’s casual, fun, and absolutely addictive.
Perfect for game day, family gatherings, or a weeknight indulgence, these sliders bring the ultimate comfort and flavor together in a way that’s impossible to resist.
Recipe Origin
Pull Apart Cheeseburger Sliders are inspired by classic cheeseburgers and Korean-inspired flavors, combining American comfort food with a subtle umami kick from gochujang and tangy-sweet special sauce. The sliders format makes them shareable and fun, turning a familiar meal into a hands-on experience that brings friends and family together.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking dish or sheet pan
- Knife and cutting board
- Small bowl for special sauce
- Pastry brush (for butter-garlic topping)
Pull Apart Cheeseburger Sliders
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer/Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Pull Apart Cheeseburger Sliders are a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal featuring mini cheeseburgers smothered in a flavorful special sauce, baked between soft dinner rolls, and topped with a garlic-parmesan butter crust. Perfect for game days, parties, or family dinners.
Ingredients
- Special Sauce: ½ cup mayo
- 1/3 cup sweet Thai chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons tamari/soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- Sliders: 1 pound ground beef, chicken, or turkey
- 2–3 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 package (12 count) dinner rolls, halved lengthwise
- 4–6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded spicy cheddar or pepper jack
- ¼ cup dill pickles and/or pepperoncini, sliced
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- 4–6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix together mayo, sweet Thai chili sauce, tamari/soy sauce, ketchup, and grated garlic to make the special sauce. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine ground meat, Gochujang, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the meat into small slider-sized patties and cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Place the bottom halves of the dinner rolls in the prepared baking dish. Layer cooked patties, slices of cheddar cheese, shredded cheese, and pickles evenly over the rolls. Drizzle with special sauce.
- Place the top halves of the rolls on the sliders.
- In a small bowl, combine butter, chopped garlic, basil or parsley, parmesan cheese, and sesame seeds. Spread this mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Pull apart and enjoy!
Notes
- Gochujang can be adjusted to taste for spiciness.
- These sliders can be made with any type of ground meat, or even plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian option.
- Prepare ahead and assemble, then bake just before serving for convenience.
- Serve with extra pickles, mustard, or your favorite dipping sauces for more flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sliders
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: pull apart cheeseburger sliders, cheesy sliders, party sliders, baked sliders, crowd-pleasing appetizer
Why You’ll Love Pull Apart Cheeseburger Sliders
These sliders aren’t just cute—they’re packed with flavor, fun, and convenience. Here’s why they stand out:
Perfect for Sharing: Pull apart sliders encourage communal eating, making them perfect for parties, game day, or casual dinners.
Bold, Balanced Flavor: Juicy meat, spicy-sweet gochujang, melty cheese, and tangy sauce create a harmonious taste in every bite.
Customizable: Swap proteins, adjust the spice level, or choose your favorite cheese to make it yours.
Quick and Easy: Despite tasting gourmet, they come together in under an hour.
Crowd-Pleasing: Adults, kids, and teens alike will be reaching for seconds—sometimes even thirds.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Preheat your oven to ensure an even bake and gooey cheese top.
- Handle the meat gently when forming patties for tender sliders.
- Toasting the buns slightly enhances flavor and prevents sogginess.
- Let the sliders rest briefly after baking so the juices settle.
Ingredients in Pull Apart Cheeseburger Sliders
(Note: full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Special Sauce Ingredients:
Mayonnaise: The creamy base that carries flavor.
Sweet Thai Chili Sauce: Adds tangy-sweet heat for a subtle kick.
Tamari or Soy Sauce: Brings umami depth.
Ketchup: Adds a familiar, slightly sweet taste.
Garlic: Freshly grated for aroma and punch.
Slider Ingredients:
Ground Meat: Beef, chicken, or turkey forms the juicy foundation.
Gochujang: Korean chili paste adds a subtle spicy-sweet complexity.
Worcestershire Sauce, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for depth and savory notes.
Dinner Rolls: Soft, slightly sweet, and halved to hold the layers.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar slices plus shredded spicy cheddar or pepper jack for melty, gooey texture.
Pickles or Pepperoncini: Adds tang and brightness to balance richness.
Butter & Garlic: Melted together for brushing over sliders to create a golden, aromatic topping.
Fresh Herbs: Basil or parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Parmesan & Sesame Seeds: Finishing touches for flavor, texture, and presentation.
Instructions
Here’s how to create these flavor-packed sliders step by step:
Make the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, tamari/soy sauce, ketchup, and grated garlic. Set aside.
Prepare the Meat: In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, gochujang, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine.
Form Slider Patties: Divide the meat mixture into portions that fit the size of your halved dinner rolls. Flatten slightly to ensure even cooking.
Cook the Patties: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 2-3 minutes per side until fully cooked. Add a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on each patty and cover briefly to melt.
Prepare the Rolls: Halve dinner rolls and arrange the bottom halves in a baking dish.
Assemble Sliders: Place cooked patties on rolls, top with shredded cheese, pickles or pepperoncini, and a generous drizzle of the special sauce.
Butter-Garlic Topping: In a small bowl, mix room temperature butter with chopped garlic. Brush the tops of rolls with the mixture.
Bake to Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs, Parmesan cheese, and sesame seeds over sliders. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and tops are golden.
Serve and Enjoy: Pull apart sliders and serve immediately while warm. Perfect for dipping in extra special sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 sliders
Calories per serving: ~320
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Pull Apart Cheeseburger Sliders
Appetizer Style: Serve on a platter with toothpicks for parties.
Main Dish: Pair with fries, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad.
Dipping Options: Offer extra special sauce or ketchup on the side.
Presentation Tips: Sprinkle extra sesame seeds and fresh herbs for a restaurant-style touch.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Special sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Slider patties can be formed and refrigerated for a few hours before cooking.
- Leftovers store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven.
Variations to Try
- Protein Options: Swap beef for chicken, turkey, or plant-based patties.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack.
- Spice Levels: Adjust gochujang or chili sauce according to preference.
- Toppings: Add caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or avocado slices.
Additional Tips
- Slider Size: Adjust meat portions to match your roll size.
- Cooking Method: Patties can also be grilled.
- Resting: Allow cooked sliders to rest 2-3 minutes for juicy results.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make the special sauce ahead of time?
A1: Yes! It actually tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
Q2: Can I use frozen rolls?
A2: Yes, just thaw and lightly toast before assembling sliders.
Q3: Can I make this vegetarian?
A3: Substitute meat with plant-based patties or cooked lentils.
Q4: Can I double the recipe?
A4: Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish and bake in batches if needed.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Q6: Can I freeze cooked sliders?
A6: Yes. Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.
Q7: Can I omit gochujang?
A7: Yes, but the sliders lose some of their signature Korean-inspired kick.
Q8: How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?
A8: Lightly toast the bottom halves before adding patties and sauce.
Q9: Can I use different cheese?
A9: Yes! Choose any cheese that melts well and suits your taste.
Q10: How do I make them extra garlicky?
A10: Increase the amount of chopped garlic in the butter mixture or in the special sauce.
Conclusion
Pull Apart Cheeseburger Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining juicy, flavorful patties, gooey cheese, and a tangy-sweet special sauce in one fun, shareable dish. Perfect for parties, game day, or casual family dinners, these sliders are easy, customizable, and utterly irresistible. Grab a slider, take a bite, and enjoy a little bite of burger heaven!
