These Cheeseburger Sliders with Quick Pickled Onions are the PERFECT combinations of flavors and texture. They are also so easy to make!
When I’m dining out at restaurants, I always gravitate toward sliders if I see them on the menu. There’s just something about the smaller portions that I love. They always seem juicier. Each bite is so flavorful.
While restaurant sliders are often super fancy (kobe beef with foie gras, pork belly, etc), I tend to keep things fairly simple at home. I added pickled red onions, but they’re quick and very easy.
You can omit them if you want a basic cheeseburger slider recipe, but they add such a wonderful flavor and texture. They’re crunchy, tangy, and just slightly sweet. I highly recommend them.
I live on the east coast where unfortunately the weather isn’t great for grilling outdoors right now, but you can absolutely adapt this recipe for the grill. I’d still use medium-high heat, but you might need to keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time.
Cheeseburger Sliders with Quick Pickled Onions
Ingredients
- 1 small red onion, approximately 5 ounces
- 3/4 cup white wine vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 - 1 1/4 pounds ground chuck, preferably 80% lean
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onions
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- optional: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 6 slider buns; I used brioche buns
- high heat oil or clarified butter for cooking the burgers
- good quality sharp cheddar cheese, sliced
Instructions
- Place a colander in the sink and bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a kettle or on the stovetop. While the water is heating up, cut off the tip end the onion (not the root), and slice in half from root to tip. Peel and then slice thinly into half moons. Place the slices in the colander and pour the boiling water on top.
- Add the vinegar, salt and sugar to a medium container or jar with a tight fitting lid, and stir to dissolve. Add the onions, close with the lid, and allow to sit for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- While the onions are pickling, allow the ground beef to come to room temperature. (Note: I like to let to meat come to room temperature for approximately 45 minutes, so if you’re pickling the onions for the minimum amount of time, you can remove it from the refrigerator before Step 1.) In a large bowl, toss the ground chuck together with the Worcestershire sauce, minced onions and pepper. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions, and shape into patties.
- If using, spread a thin layer of butter on the inside of each slider bun.
- Heat 2 large sauté pans over medium-high heat (Note: the burgers can also be grilled outside). Add approximately 1 tablespoon high heat oil to one pan and add the burgers, cooking in batches if necessary. Add the buns, buttered-side down, to the other pan, cooking in batches if necessary. Cook the burgers for approximately 3 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the inside is cooked through but still just slightly pinkish in the middle. During the last minute of cooking, top each burger with cheddar cheese. Cook the buns until they’re golden brown.
- Top each burger with a generous portion of picked onions (I also like to add ketchup).
Notes
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
For immediate help troubleshooting a recipe, please email me using the form on my contact page. I’ll try to respond to urgent questions as quickly as possible! For all general questions, please leave a comment here :)
You know I can never say no to a slider! GAH! I want to slide these into my belly ASAP!
sliders area always a win in my home! loving the pickled onion on it.
I love onions. I used to eat onion and cheese sandwiches as a kid. I swear I could eat onions like an apple. I’ve never pickled them, but I am excited to check it out. Great topping for a slider.
thanks for toasting the buns, that’s a deal breaker for me lol and those onions are perfect!
Pure party perfection!! So good.
I am with you – when sliders are on the menu, they always win out. These look amazing!
Fab sliders! Love that you toasted the buns and added pickled onions!
These are perfect little bites and great for the big game! The pickled onion sounds delicious and quick is always good :)
I’m with you on the sliders!!! and these are gorgeous! LOVE pickled red onions!!!
Quick pickled onion can make all the diff in the burger!