Big Mac Sliders bring the beloved flavors of a classic burger straight to your table in a miniature form. Having made these sliders several times for family gatherings, I’ve discovered the joy of transforming this iconic meal into a fun finger food that everyone loves. From the moment the cheesy aroma fills the kitchen to the satisfying crunch of pickles with every bite, these sliders redefine casual dining. If you’re looking for another crowd-pleaser, check out my Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe!
About Big Mac Sliders
These Big Mac Sliders are a playful twist on a fast-food favorite that’s ideal for gatherings, game days, or even a cozy family dinner. During my testing, I aimed for the perfect balance of flavors and textures, layering sharp cheese with savory beef and fresh toppings. The slider format makes them not only fun but also budget-friendly, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
- Quick preparation and cooking, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Budget-friendly; ingredients are easily accessible and affordable.
- A family favorite, bringing together cozy flavors and hearty servings.
- Fun fact: Sliders originated in the U.S. during the 1920s, appealing to those wanting smaller portion sizes.
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
- Slider Buns: The foundation! I recommend Hawaiian rolls for a slightly sweet touch.
- Ground Beef: Essential for the savory profile; lean beef achieves a great texture.
- American Cheese: Melts beautifully, offering that creamy texture we all love.
- Big Mac Sauce: This is where the magic happens—mixing mayo, relish, and spices for zing.
How to Make Big Mac Sliders
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray for easy removal later.
- In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the Big Mac sauce, blending them well, and set aside to let the flavors mingle.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef and chopped onions with salt and pepper until the beef is browned (about 7-10 minutes) and the onions are soft.
- Remove the skillet from heat and drain excess fat. Layer the bottom halves of the slider buns in your prepared dish, followed by a generous spread of Big Mac sauce.
- Top with the beef mixture, ensuring even coverage, and add cheese slices on top.
- Evenly space pickle slices across the cheese, maximizing the tangy crunch in each slider.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes; the cheese should be melted and bubbly. Optionally, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle sesame seeds before baking for an extra touch.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- When cooking the beef, ensure you break it up into smaller pieces for a better texture and even cooking.
- A common mistake is undercooking the beef; use a meat thermometer to check for doneness if unsure (160°F/71°C).
- Feeling adventurous? Swap out the pickles for jalapeños for a spicy kick!
- If you want to make a larger batch, this recipe can be easily doubled; just use a larger baking dish.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap them tightly in plastic and place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When reheating, I recommend using the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through, as this preserves the texture better than the microwave. I found that freezing made the sliders slightly drier, so enjoy them fresh if possible!
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Big Mac Sliders with crispy French fries for a nostalgic meal or a fresh garden salad for balance. For more side ideas, check out my Maple Roasted Carrots or Thanksgiving Peas recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I make these sliders vegetarian? You can substitute ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute.
- Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time? Yes, this sauce can be made 2-3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
- What can I use instead of American cheese? Cheddar or Swiss cheese work well for a different flavor profile.
- How long do leftovers last? Leftovers stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days.
- Can I grill these sliders instead of baking? Absolutely! Just wrap them in foil on the grill for about 8-10 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Big Mac Sliders have quickly become a favorite in my home, especially during movie nights. The blend of flavors and textures makes it a delightful experience each time! I encourage you to try these out, and please share your results—I can’t wait to hear what you think!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball – a savory snack that pairs perfectly with sliders.
- Smothered Rissoles – similar cooking technique with juicy flavors in every bite.
- Honey Glazed Chicken – sweet and savory flavors complementing the slider experience.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta – offers a rich, buttery flavor that balances well with sliders.
- Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake – indulgent and hearty, perfect for a family gathering alongside sliders.
Big Mac Sliders
Ingredients
- 12 each slider buns Hawaiian rolls or other slider buns
- 2 cup shredded lettuce
- 9 slices American cheese
- 30 slices dill pickle
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped white onion
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2.5 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1.5 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish or sheet pan with nonstick spray.
- In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the sauce. Mix to combine and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onions, salt and pepper until the ground beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft.
- Remove from heat and drain.
- Place the bottoms of the slider buns in the prepared dish or sheet pan.
- Spread a thin layer of the big mac sauce on the bottom buns.
- Top with the beef and onion mixture.
- Top with cheese slices to cover the beef as evenly as possible.
- Place pickle slices on the cheese layer, try to space them so each slider gets pickles.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes and then remove and add shredded lettuce and sauce.
- Top with buns and melted butter and sesame seeds. Bake for an additional 3-4 minutes to warm the complete sliders.
- Spread the remaining big mac sauce on the underside of the top buns.
- Place top buns on the sliders.
- Brush the tops of the buns with the butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Remove and enjoy warm.