Big Mac Sliders bring the iconic taste of the classic burger into a fun, mini version perfect for parties and game day gatherings. These sliders capture the juicy, savory flavors of ground beef, melted cheese, and tangy Big Mac sauce all nestled inside soft slider buns.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a casual meal with family, these sliders offer a crowd-pleasing twist on a fast-food favorite. Easy to prepare and bake, they make a delicious appetizer or main dish anytime.
- Miniature size makes them perfect for parties and easy sharing.
- The homemade Big Mac sauce brings authentic flavor without the drive-thru.
- Simple ingredients and quick prep combine for a delicious, satisfying treat.
Ingredients
- Slider Buns (12 Hawaiian rolls or other slider buns): Soft and slightly sweet buns perfectly sized for individual slider servings.
- Shredded Lettuce (2 cups): Fresh and crisp, adds a refreshing crunch to balance the savory beef.
- American Cheese (9 slices): Melts beautifully over the beef for classic creamy cheeseburger flavor.
- Dill Pickle Slices (24-30 slices): Tangy, slightly sour pickles provide the characteristic Big Mac zip.
- Melted Butter (2 tablespoons): Brushed on buns to create a golden, flavorful crust when baked.
- Sesame Seeds (2 tablespoons): Sprinkled on top buns to mimic the traditional Big Mac look and add a nutty aroma.
- Lean Ground Beef (1 pound): The hearty base for the sliders, seasoned lightly for perfect juiciness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the beef’s natural flavors without overpowering.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and depth to the meat mixture.
- Finely Chopped White Onion (1/4 cup): Softened in cooking, it brings mild sweetness and texture.
- Mayonnaise (2/3 cup): The creamy foundation of the special sauce, balancing sweet and tangy notes.
- Sweet Pickle Relish (2 1/2 tablespoons): Adds bursts of sweetness and crunch to the sauce.
- Sugar (2 teaspoons): Balances acidity and enhances overall sweetness in the sauce.
- Yellow Mustard (1 1/2 tablespoons): Brings tangy sharpness to the homemade sauce.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle smoky flavor and color to the sauce.
- Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Intensifies the onion flavor in the sauce while keeping it smooth.
- Garlic Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a savory backbone to the Big Mac sauce.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish
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Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish or sheet pan with nonstick spray. This creates a warm environment to melt cheese and toast buns to golden perfection.
- Make the Big Mac Sauce
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In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, sugar, yellow mustard, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly to blend flavors. Setting it aside lets the sauce flavors meld while you prepare other ingredients.
- Cook the Beef and Onions
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In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper until the beef is fully browned and onions are softened. Stir occasionally for even cooking. Drain any excess fat to keep sliders juicy, not greasy.
- Assemble Bottom Slider Buns
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Arrange the bottom halves of the slider buns in the prepared baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the Big Mac sauce on these buns to infuse each slider with that signature creamy tang.
- Add Beef and Cheese Layers
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Spoon the cooked beef and onions evenly over the sauced buns, then layer cheese slices on top. Covering the beef evenly with cheese ensures every slider is melty and delicious.
- Top with Pickles and Initial Bake
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Distribute dill pickle slices strategically across the cheese to guarantee each slider has flavorful crunch. Bake for 8-10 minutes to warm the sliders and start melting the cheese for perfect bite harmony.
- Add Lettuce and Sauce, Then Top Buns
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Remove the sliders from the oven and add shredded lettuce along with a touch more Big Mac sauce. Top each slider with the remaining bun halves. This layering adds fresh texture and double sauce goodness.
- Butter and Sesame Seed Topping
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Brush melted butter over the top buns and sprinkle sesame seeds evenly. This final step mimics the classic toasted Big Mac bun’s crisp exterior and nutty aroma.
- Final Bake to Melt and Warm
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Cover the assembled sliders loosely with foil and bake for another 3-4 minutes until cheese is melted and buns are warm through. The gentle heat ties all flavors together into a perfect slider experience.
- Use Hawaiian rolls for their sweet, soft texture that complements the savory beef.
- Drain excess fat after cooking beef to prevent soggy sliders.
- The Big Mac sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated to deepen flavors.
Storage Tips
Store cooled sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven wrapped with foil to maintain juiciness and avoid drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sliders alongside crispy fries or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. They also pair nicely with classic game day snacks and your favorite soda or beer for a crowd-pleasing feast.
- For even cooking, avoid overcrowding the pan when browning the beef.
- Use a gentle hand when spreading sauce—too much can make buns soggy.
- Customize by adding caramelized onions or a slice of tomato for extra flavor.
FAQs
- Can I use other types of buns?
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Yes, regular slider buns or mini brioche buns work well. Hawaiian rolls add sweetness that complements the beef nicely.
- Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
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Absolutely. Use gluten-free slider buns and ensure the other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
- Can these sliders be frozen?
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Yes, assemble the sliders without lettuce and bake, then cool and freeze. Reheat in the oven and add fresh lettuce before serving.
- How can I make the beef more flavorful?
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Add garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, or smoked paprika to the beef mixture before cooking for additional depth.
- What can I substitute for American cheese?
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Cheddar or Swiss cheese are good alternatives, but American cheese melts the best for that classic slider experience.
- Can I prepare the Big Mac sauce in advance?
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Yes, making the sauce a day ahead allows the flavors to develop fully, improving the taste of the sliders.
- How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?
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Make sure to apply sauce thinly and drain excess grease from the beef to keep buns from becoming soft and soggy.

Big Mac Sliders
Equipment
- 2 Aluminum Commercial Half Sheet Silver
- 1 Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowl Set 3-Piece
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns Hawaiian rolls or other slider buns
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 9 slices American cheese
- 24-30 dill pickle slices
- 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 1/2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9x13 baking dish or sheet pan with nonstick spray.
- Combine all Big Mac sauce ingredients in a small bowl, mix well, and set aside.
- Cook ground beef, chopped onions, salt, and pepper in a large skillet over medium heat until beef is no longer pink and onions are soft; drain excess fat.
- Place the bottom halves of the slider buns in the prepared baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of Big Mac sauce over the bottom buns.
- Evenly top the sauce with the cooked beef mixture.
- Place American cheese slices over the beef to cover it as evenly as possible.
- Add dill pickle slices evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake sliders for 8-10 minutes until cheese starts to melt.
- Remove from oven, add shredded lettuce and additional Big Mac sauce if desired.
- Top with slider bun tops; brush buns with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Cover with foil and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes to warm completely and melt cheese fully.
- Remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
- Use Hawaiian rolls for authentic sweetness.
- Prepare sauce ahead for easier assembly.
- Store leftovers covered in fridge up to 2 days.
- To reheat, cover with foil and warm in oven.