Experience the nostalgic taste of a fast-food favorite with these Big Mac Sliders, reimagined for any party or casual gathering. Each bite is packed with juicy seasoned beef, melted American cheese, crisp onions, and tangy pickles, all layered with a creamy homemade Big Mac sauce on soft, buttery slider buns topped with sesame seeds.
Whether you’re hosting game day, a family dinner, or a weekend get-together, these sliders provide the perfect handheld indulgence that satisfies all the classic flavors you crave, made fresh with simple ingredients and a homemade touch.
- All the iconic Big Mac flavors are packed into easy-to-eat, party-sized sliders.
- Homemade sauce replicates the original tangy and creamy Big Mac experience.
- Quick prep and cook time make these perfect for last-minute gatherings or casual dinners.
- Soft Hawaiian rolls brushed with butter and sesame seeds add extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef (1 lb): Fresh, juicy beef that’s seasoned and cooked to create the classic burger base.
- Pepper (1 tsp): Adds a subtle kick that enhances the flavor of the beef.
- Salt (1 tsp): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the beef.
- Hawaiian Rolls (12 rolls): Soft, buttery slider buns that provide a slightly sweet and tender base for layers.
- American Cheese Slices (6 slices): Melted cheese adds that creamy, classic cheeseburger taste.
- White Onion, diced (1/2 cup): Crunchy and mildly pungent, it delivers the iconic Big Mac bite.
- Butter, melted (1 tbsp): Used to brush the rolls for a golden, flavorful finish when toasted.
- Sesame Seeds (1 tbsp): Adds a nutty, toasted aroma and classic burger bun look.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base for the signature Big Mac sauce.
- Mustard (2 tsp): Introduces a tangy sharpness balancing the sauce.
- Vinegar (1 tsp): Provides acidity to brighten the flavors of the sauce.
- Pickled Relish (3 tbsp): Adds sweetness and texture to the sauce, mimicking the original.
- Onion Powder (1/2 tsp): Boosts onion flavor in the sauce without overpowering.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle savory depth to the sauce.
- Paprika (1/2 tsp): Brings a mild smokiness and color to the sauce.
- Shredded Iceberg Lettuce (5 oz): Crisp and fresh, balancing the meat and sauce layers.
- Sliced Dill Pickles (1/2 cup): Provides a crunchy, tangy contrast essential to Big Mac taste.
Instructions
- Cook the beef thoroughly
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper. Break the meat apart as it cooks to ensure even browning. Cook for about 10 minutes until there’s no pink left and the beef is juicy and flavorful. This step builds the foundation of your sliders with perfectly cooked meat.
- Prepare the slider buns
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Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally while keeping the connected buns intact. Place the bottom halves on the baking sheet, which will hold your layers and absorb some delicious melted cheese.
- Assemble the main layers
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Layer the cheese slices evenly across the bottom buns to melt while baking later. Spread the cooked ground beef over the cheese, then sprinkle diced white onions on top for the essential crunch and flavor. This layering mimics the Big Mac’s harmonious taste and texture.
- Toast the slider tops
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Brush the top halves of the slider buns generously with melted butter to create a golden crust. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the buttered tops to replicate classic burger buns. Bake the assembled sliders in the oven for about 12 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the buns to toast lightly and become aromatic.
- Prepare the Big Mac sauce
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In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, pickled relish, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until smooth and creamy. This homemade sauce delivers the tangy, zesty, and slightly sweet flavor that defines the Big Mac experience.
- Add fresh toppings and serve
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Once baked, carefully lift the toasted top buns and add layers of shredded crisp iceberg lettuce over the onions. Generously drizzle the Big Mac sauce across the lettuce, then add two pickle slices per slider for that signature tang. Replace the tops, slice the connected sliders apart, and serve warm for maximum flavor enjoyment.
- Keep the Hawaiian rolls connected in a sheet while assembling and toasting to avoid buns falling apart and to ease slicing.
- Don’t overcook the beef; juicy meat is key to balanced sliders.
- The Big Mac sauce can be made ahead to save time and intensify flavor infusion.
Storage Tips
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes to preserve texture and flavor without drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sliders with crispy fries, coleslaw, or a side of pickled vegetables to complement the savory and tangy flavors. They make a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a fun main dish perfect for game day or casual meals.
- Use freshly diced white onion for authentic crunch and sharp bite like the original Big Mac.
- Brushing buns with butter before baking helps achieve a soft yet slightly crispy exterior that holds toppings well.
- For an even cheesier slider, add extra cheese between both beef layers if desired.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of bun?
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Yes, any soft slider roll or small burger bun works, but Hawaiian rolls add a sweet, buttery flavor that complements the savory beef and sauce well.
- How long do Big Mac Sliders stay fresh?
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Stored properly in the fridge, they maintain best quality for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing as it can alter bun texture.
- Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
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Absolutely! The Big Mac sauce tastes even better after resting for a few hours to allow flavors to meld nicely.
- What is the best ground beef to use?
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Choose 80/20 ground beef for a good fat ratio that keeps patties juicy while cooking.
- Can I add other toppings?
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Feel free to personalize with tomatoes, extra pickles, or cheese types, but the classic flavors keep it authentic.
- Are these sliders freezer-friendly?
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It’s not recommended to freeze fully assembled sliders due to the buns’ texture, but you can freeze cooked beef separately.
- How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
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Substitute slider buns with gluten-free rolls and verify all condiments are gluten-free compliant.
Big Mac Sliders
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 oven preheated to 350°F
- 1 baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- 1 small bowl for sauce mixing
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 12 Hawaiian slider rolls
- 6 slices American cheese
- 1/2 cup diced white onion
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 3 tbsp pickled relish
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 5 oz shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat with salt and pepper, breaking apart until browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice slider rolls horizontally, keeping them connected. Place bottoms on the baking sheet and layer with American cheese slices followed by cooked beef.
- Sprinkle diced onions evenly over the beef.
- Place top buns back on, brush with melted butter, sprinkle sesame seeds on top, and bake for 12 minutes until golden and toasted.
- Mix mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, pickle relish, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl until smooth to make Big Mac sauce.
- After baking, carefully remove top buns. Layer shredded lettuce, drizzle Big Mac sauce, and add pickle slices on the bottom buns.
- Replace the top buns, slice sliders, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Keep slider rolls connected for easy assembly and baking.
- Use freshly melted butter for a richer bun flavor.
- Store leftovers refrigerated up to 2 days; reheat before serving.
