Sheet Pan Sliders Recipe – Easy Meals To Cook

Let me share a little secret with you: I’ve found the joy of sheet pan cooking, and it has transformed my weeknight dinners. Sheet pan sliders are where convenience meets pure deliciousness. Imagine vibrant flavors and varied textures, all snugly nestled in a soft bun. The best part? They’re effortless to make for gatherings or just a cozy night at home.

I vividly remember the first time I made them. It was a hectic Friday afternoon. My friends were coming over, and I had no intention of spending the day in the kitchen. With a couple of quick glances at my pantry and fridge, I whipped up some sliders. Everyone raved about them, and I couldn’t believe such a delightful meal came from just one pan.

Now, if you’ve never encountered sheet pan sliders, you're in for a treat. They’re the perfect blend of flavor, ease, and fun!

What are Sheet Pan Sliders?

Sheet pan sliders are mini sandwiches made using a sheet pan, allowing you to bake multiple sliders at once. Typically, they consist of bread, fillings like seasoned ground meat or vegetables, and various toppings, all baked to golden perfection. 

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can mix and match flavors based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

What Do Sheet Pan Sliders Taste Like?

Imagine biting into a warm, slightly toasted bun. The first thing you’ll taste is the savory filling – juicy beef, melty cheese, and some spices dancing on your palate. 

Then, there’s the crunch from lettuce or pickles, bringing in that delightful texture contrast. In simpler terms, it’s a flavor explosion that keeps you reaching for more and more!

Why This Recipe Works

1. Ease of Preparation: You’re not flipping individual burgers on a grill. Instead, you throw everything onto a sheet pan and let the oven do its magic. It simplifies the cooking process, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

2. Customizable: Want a spicy kick? Add jalapeños. Prefer vegetarian options? Swap beef for black beans or lentils. The possibilities are endless, which means you can suit anyone’s taste.

3. Great for Groups: Whether it's a backyard barbecue or a casual meet-up, sliders can serve a crowd. Just imagine the smiles when you present a whole platter of these delicious bites; everyone loves a good mini sandwich.

4. Minimal Cleanup: The last thing you want after cooking is a mountain of dishes. With everything cooked on one sheet pan, cleanup is simple. This is a huge plus for anyone who wants to savor their meal and not worry about the aftermath.

Ingredients for Sheet Pan Sliders

Let’s gather what you need. Here’s a straightforward list:

For the Burger Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce (or adjust to your preference)
• 1/4 cup thousand island dressing
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for extra tang)

For the Burgers:

• 2 1/4 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup finely grated onion
• 6 slices American cheese
• 6 slices mozzarella cheese
• 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 12 strips of uncooked bacon

To Assemble:

• 12 brioche slider buns
• 3-4 large leaves of fresh green lettuce
• 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced
• Dill pickle chips (optional)

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A warm oven ensures those sliders become golden and delightful from the get-go.

Step 2: Prepare the Burger Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and grated onion. Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough sliders, and we want them tender and juicy.

Step 3: Shape the Sliders

Divide the beef mixture into 12 equal portions, shaping each into a small patty. The thickness should be similar to half your pinky nail. Place these patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 4: Add the Bacon

Lay the strips of bacon over the patties. As they cook, the bacon fat will enhance the flavor of the burgers. Plus, who doesn’t love bacon?

Step 5: Bake the Sliders

Slide the sheet pan into the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the burgers are cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F or 70°C).

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Remove the pan from the oven. Place a slice of each cheese on every patty. Return to the oven for another 2-3 minutes for the cheese to melt smoothly.

Step 7: Assemble the Sliders

While the cheese is melting, prepare the slider buns. Slice them in half. Spread your homemade burger sauce onto each bun, then add a lettuce leaf, the cheesy patty, tomato slices, and pickle chips to finish.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the assembled sliders on a platter. Watch as everyone digs in, savoring every bite of these delicious creations.

Notes

Here are some tried-and-true tips for the best sliders:

- Quality Meat: Use a blend of ground meat if you like. Mixing beef with pork or turkey can add a unique flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Sauce: This adds so much depth to your sliders. Feel free to adjust it to your taste!
- Make Ahead: Assemble sliders without the sauce and toppings, cover them, and refrigerate until it’s time to cook.
- Slider Size: Keep your sliders small to make them easy to handle. They should fit comfortably in your hand for optimal munching.
- Additions: Get creative! Chopped jalapeños, Swiss cheese, or sautéed mushrooms can enhance these sliders even more.

Nutrition Information

Each slider comes in at about 400 calories, give or take based on your specific ingredients. They offer:

• Protein: 23g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fats: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 650mg

While they aren’t exactly health food, moderation is key! Pair them with some greens for a balanced meal.

How To Store The Leftovers

Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

For longer storage, wrap them individually in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to restore their delightful textures.

Sides for Sheet Pan Sliders

Sure, these sliders can be a meal on their own. But why not elevate your feast with some sides? Here are a few ideas:

1. Grilled Vegetables: Easy to prepare, simply season and grill or roast your favorite veggies. They can add color and a burst of nutrients to your meal.

2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil dressed with olive oil and balsamic reduction. It provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty sliders.

3. Macaroni Salad: A creamy side that’s easy to prepare in advance. It’s a classic that pairs well with grilled foods and rounds out your dinner perfectly.

4. Garlic Bread: Who doesn’t love garlic bread? It’s deliciously crispy, perfect for dipping into any leftover sauce from the sliders.

Alternative Ingredients

What if you’re missing something? No problem! Here are some swaps you can make:

1. Ground Turkey or Chicken: These can replace beef for a lighter option. They might need a bit more seasoning to pack in that flavor.

2. Plant-Based Ground Meat: Perfect for vegetarians or anyone cutting back on meat. Brands like Beyond Meat can work wonders here.

3. Different Types of Cheese: Not a fan of American cheese? Try pepper jack for a kick or Swiss cheese for something creamier.

4. Slider Buns: Brioche buns are awesome, but you can go with whole wheat or pretzel buns for a bit of variety.

Conclusion

Sheet pan sliders are more than just finger food. They’re a meal that invites laughter, conversation, and love around the table. 

With every bite, you pull together flavors that transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. The convenience of preparation combined with the comfort of flavors makes them a perfect choice for any occasion.

I hope you find joy in creating these sliders, just as I did. The next time you’re short on time but craving comfort food, go for these sliders. You might just become the next hit at the gathering!

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