These cheeseburger pretzel sliders are a warm, savory, crowd-pleasing dish made with juicy beef patties, soft pretzel buns, and melted cheese. They’re perfect for gatherings, game nights, or an easy family dinner when you want something comforting and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s simple to prepare, easy to scale for a crowd, and full of classic cheeseburger flavor with a fun pretzel bun twist. The sliders bake together in one dish, making them convenient to serve, and the combination of beef, cheese, and buttery pretzel rolls is always a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 pretzel slider buns or pretzel dinner rolls
2 pounds ground beef (80/20 for best juiciness)
1 teaspoon fine salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
12 slices cheddar cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish and set it aside.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well and remove from heat.
Slice the pretzel buns in half horizontally without separating them individually. Place the bottom halves into the prepared baking dish.
Spread the cooked beef evenly over the buns. Layer the cheddar cheese slices on top of the beef, covering the surface evenly.
Place the top halves of the pretzel buns over the cheese. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the tops are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into individual sliders and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 sliders.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: approximately 40 minutes
Variations
You can use ground chicken or ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella, provolone, or a mild cheese blend.
Add sliced onions or sautéed mushrooms to the beef for extra flavor.
For a slightly spicy version, mix a small amount of chili powder into the beef seasoning.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 170°C (340°F) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual sliders in a microwave for about 30–40 seconds.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them a few hours in advance, cover tightly, and bake just before serving.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar melts well and has great flavor, but any good melting cheese will work.
Can I freeze these sliders?
They are best fresh, but you can freeze them baked and cooled for up to one month.
How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
Avoid adding excess grease and let the cooked beef cool slightly before assembling.
Can I cook the beef earlier in the day?
Yes, you can cook and season the beef ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use.
Are pretzel buns necessary?
Pretzel buns add a unique flavor, but regular slider buns can also be used.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
You can add chili flakes or a mild hot sauce to the beef mixture for heat.
What side dishes go well with these sliders?
They pair well with salad, roasted vegetables, or baked potato wedges.
Can I reduce the amount of cheese?
Yes, you can use fewer slices if you prefer a lighter cheese layer.
How do I cut the sliders neatly?
Use a sharp knife and cut straight down through the buns while they are still warm.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger pretzel sliders are an easy, hearty dish that brings classic comfort food flavors to any table. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect when you want something delicious, filling, and sure to please everyone.
These cheeseburger pretzel sliders feature juicy seasoned beef, melted cheddar, and soft pretzel buns baked together for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for gatherings or family meals.
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:12 sliders
Ingredients
12 pretzel slider buns or pretzel dinner rolls
2 pounds ground beef (80/20 for best juiciness)
1 teaspoon fine salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
12 slices cheddar cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Remove from heat.
Slice pretzel buns in half horizontally without separating them individually. Place bottom halves in the baking dish.
Spread the cooked beef evenly over the buns. Layer cheddar cheese slices on top.
Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese. Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 8–10 minutes until cheese is melted and tops are golden.
Remove from oven, let rest a few minutes, slice into individual sliders, and serve warm.
Notes
Use lean beef to reduce excess grease and avoid soggy buns.
You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time for quicker assembly.
Pretzel buns give the best flavor but regular buns work too.
Let the sliders rest before slicing to keep their shape intact.
