Description

Game day food should be fun, shareable, and just a little unforgettable—and this Cheeseburger Sliders Bar checks all the boxes. Juicy mini burgers, soft toasted buns, endless toppings, and three bold “secret sauces” turn your snack table into an experience. Guests build their own sliders, debate their favorite sauce, and keep coming back for “just one more.” It’s easy, nostalgic, and guaranteed to steal the show.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sliders

2 lb ground beef (80/20)
Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
12 slider buns or mini potato rolls
12 slices cheese (American, cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss)

Toppings Bar (mix & match)

Lettuce leaves
Tomato slices
Dill pickle chips
Thinly sliced red onion
Cooked bacon (halved)
Caramelized onions

Secret Sauce Station (3 sauces)

Offense – Spicy Mayo

1 cup mayo
2–3 tbsp sriracha
1 small garlic clove, minced
Squeeze of lime juice

Defense – Classic Burger Sauce

¾ cup mayo
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
½ tsp onion powder

Wildcard – BBQ Ranch

½ cup ranch dressing
⅓ cup BBQ sauce
1 tbsp milk or buttermilk

Instructions

Make the sauces (ahead is best)
Whisk each sauce in a bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes to let flavors develop.
Prep toppings
Slice and arrange all toppings on a platter so guests can build easily.
Form patties
Divide beef into 12 equal portions. Gently shape into patties slightly wider than the buns. Press a small thumb indentation in the center. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Cook the sliders
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high. Cook patties 2–3 minutes per side. Add cheese after flipping and cover briefly to melt.
Toast the buns
Lightly toast cut sides in a pan or under the broiler until golden.
Build the bar & serve
Set out buns, patties, toppings, and the three labeled sauces. Let guests build, taste, and vote for their favorite sauce.

Notes

Don’t press the patties—it squeezes out the juices.
Keep warm: Hold cooked patties in a 200°F (95°C) oven, loosely covered.
Make it interactive: Let guests sample sauces on pickles or buns before choosing.
Customize easily: Turkey, plant-based patties, or lettuce wraps all work great.