If you’re craving a bite-sized explosion of classic cheeseburger flavor combined with a creamy, spicy twist, then this Cheeseburger Sliders with Queso Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine juicy ground chuck layered with perfectly caramelized peppers and onions, topped with melted American cheese and smothered in a dreamy white queso sauce that has just the right kick from diced tomatoes and green chilies. These sliders are not only irresistibly delicious but also a fun, casual way to bring everyone together around flavorful bites that everyone will rave about. Whether it’s game day, a party, or just a satisfying family dinner, these sliders will quickly become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you! Every item here plays a crucial role, from the spicy poblano peppers adding depth and warmth, to the rich heavy cream creating the luscious queso sauce that ties everything together. These simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients elevate the overall flavor and texture of your sliders, making them unforgettable.
- 680 grams 80/20 ground chuck: Perfectly balanced for juicy burgers with just the right amount of fat for flavor.
- 3 red bell peppers, chopped: Adds sweetness and vibrant color for contrast.
- 1 sweet onion, chopped: Gives a gentle sweetness and tender texture when caramelized.
- 2 poblano peppers, deseeded and chopped: Brings a smoky, mild heat that complements the creamy queso.
- 2-3 tablespoons avocado oil: Great for high-heat cooking and a mild flavor that won’t overpower.
- 10 ounces (295 millilitres) heavy cream: The luxurious base for an ultra-smooth and creamy queso sauce.
- 225 grams white queso cheese, cut into chunks: Melts perfectly to create the signature cheesy dip texture.
- 1 can (225 grams) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies: Adds spice and a burst of tangy tomato flavor to the queso.
- American cheese slices: Classic burger cheese that melts beautifully over the patties.
- Slider buns: Soft and slightly sweet to balance the savory filling.
- Garlic aioli: A flavorful spread that gives a subtle garlic punch and creaminess to each slider.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance every element.
- Beef rub seasoning: Adds depth and a savory crust to the burger patties.
How to Make Cheeseburger Sliders with Queso Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Patty
Shape all of your ground chuck into one large patty that is slightly larger than your slider buns by about 1.5 centimeters. This ensures those precious morsels fill each bun perfectly without shrinking too much during cooking. Generously sprinkle your beef rub seasoning all over the patty for a delicious crust and then pop it into the fridge for about 30 minutes. This chill time is key to keep the patty together when you cook it later.
Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
While the meat chills, heat your avocado oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped red bell peppers, sweet onions, and diced poblano peppers. Stir them often for 6 to 8 minutes to soften and release their sugars. Season lightly with salt, and then keep cooking for another 4 to 6 minutes until they are tender and lightly caramelized—this process adds a smoky, sweet layer of flavor that really elevates your sliders.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Queso Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, gently bring your heavy cream just to a simmer. Slowly whisk in the chunks of white queso cheese, allowing it to melt into a smooth, velvety sauce. Add the canned Rotel tomatoes and green chilies for a beautiful spicy zing and season the queso with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the sauce on low heat to maintain its lovely pouring consistency without thickening too much before serving.
Step 4: Cook the Patty and Melt the Cheese
Return your griddle to medium-high heat and add a bit of avocado oil if needed. Place your large chilled patty on the hot surface and sear for 4 to 5 minutes without moving it to develop a tasty crust. Flip the patty, sprinkle the beef rub on the other side, then immediately pile on your sautéed vegetables and arrange slices of American cheese over the top. Let everything cook together for 2 more minutes or until the cheese melts perfectly over the veggies and meat.
Step 5: Toast the Slider Buns and Assemble
While your patty finishes cooking, toast your slider buns on the griddle or a clean skillet until golden brown and slightly crispy. Spread a generous amount of garlic aioli on the bottom halves of the buns—this simple addition adds a rich garlic flavor and helps keep the buns from getting soggy. Slice the large patty carefully into slider-sized portions and stack each one onto a prepared bun, topping with the melted cheese and veggies before capping with the top bun. Serve with a drizzle or a side of the warm queso sauce for dipping.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Sliders with Queso Recipe
Garnishes
To really make your sliders pop, consider fresh garnishes like crisp lettuce leaves, thinly sliced pickles, or even a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro on top of the queso for a burst of freshness. A few dashes of hot sauce or a couple of jalapeño rings can also add exciting heat for those who love spicy bites.
Side Dishes
Simple sides complement these mini masterpieces perfectly. Think about serving them alongside crispy kettle chips, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or classic French fries with a sprinkle of sea salt. Roasted sweet potato wedges would also be a fantastic, slightly sweet contrast to the rich flavors of the sliders and queso.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, arrange your cheeseburger sliders on a large wooden board or layered platter, drizzling the queso sauce over the top and sprinkling some finely chopped scallions or paprika for color. Mini skewers through each slider keep them together and make grabbing a handful effortless during parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover slider patties and queso sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the flavors intact and makes reheating much easier without losing texture. Slider buns are best kept in a sealed bag at room temperature to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked slider patties and queso sauce individually by wrapping patties tightly in plastic wrap and placing queso in a freezer-safe container. When frozen, they will keep well for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing the buns to maintain their freshness and texture.
Reheating
Reheat patties gently on a skillet over medium heat, covered to lock in moisture, or warm in the oven wrapped in foil. Warm the queso sauce slowly in a small saucepan over low heat, whisking occasionally to keep it creamy and smooth. Toast the buns fresh before assembling the sliders to bring back their delightful softness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for the queso sauce?
Absolutely! While white queso cheese gives a classic creamy texture and mild flavor, you can experiment with Monterey Jack or mild cheddar for a different twist. Just be sure to use cheese that melts well for the best sauce consistency.
What if I don’t have poblano peppers? Can I substitute?
Yes, Anaheim or mild green chili peppers can make a good substitute for poblano peppers. They’ll offer similar mild heat and a touch of smokiness without overwhelming the other flavors.
Is there a way to make these sliders ahead for a party?
You can prepare and cook the patties and sauté the vegetables in advance, then keep them refrigerated. Assemble and toast the buns just before serving so everything tastes fresh and warm. This makes entertaining a breeze!
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground chuck with your favorite plant-based burger patty and use vegetable broth or cream alternatives in your queso sauce. The peppers and onions still add amazing flavor that pairs well with veggie patties.
How spicy is the queso sauce with Rotel tomatoes?
The Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies add a mild to medium level of heat that enhances the queso without being overpowering. If you prefer less spice, you can drain some of the liquid or use mild diced tomatoes instead.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to fall in love with this Cheeseburger Sliders with Queso Recipe because it delivers everything we want in a perfect bite: juicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor and texture that satisfy every craving. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a solo treat, these sliders bring a playful, delicious twist to traditional cheeseburgers that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. So go ahead, give them a try and watch these little bundles of joy disappear fast!
Print
Cheeseburger Sliders with Queso Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheeseburger Sliders with Queso combine juicy seasoned ground chuck patties topped with sautéed peppers and onions, melted American cheese, and a creamy white queso cheese sauce. Served on toasted slider buns with garlic aioli, they make for a flavorful and satisfying appetizer or meal.
Ingredients
For the Sliders
- 680 grams 80/20 ground chuck
- 3 red bell peppers, chopped
- 1 sweet onion, chopped
- 2 poblano peppers, deseeded and chopped
- 2–3 tablespoons avocado oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Beef rub seasoning, to taste
- American cheese slices
- Slider buns
- Garlic aioli
For the Queso Sauce
- 10 ounces (295 millilitres) heavy cream
- 225 grams white queso cheese, cut into chunks
- 1 can (225 grams) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
Instructions
- Prepare and season patty: Shape the ground chuck into a single large patty about 1.5 centimetres wider than your slider buns. Generously season both sides with beef rub seasoning. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to help the patty hold together during cooking.
- Sauté vegetables: Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add avocado oil. Add the chopped red bell peppers, sweet onion, and poblano peppers. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Season with salt and continue sautéing for another 4 to 6 minutes until vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. Set aside.
- Make queso sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the heavy cream just to a simmer. Slowly whisk in the white queso cheese chunks until completely melted and smooth. Stir in the can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the sauce over low heat to maintain its creamy consistency without thickening too much.
- Cook the patty: Reheat the griddle to medium-high heat. Add the chilled patty and sear for 4 to 5 minutes without moving. Flip the patty, season the cooked side with additional beef rub seasoning, then cook for another 2 minutes. Top the patty with the sautéed vegetables and lay American cheese slices over the top. Continue cooking until the cheese has melted.
- Toast the buns: While the patty finishes cooking, toast the slider buns on the griddle or in a clean skillet until they are golden brown and slightly crisp. Spread garlic aioli evenly on the bottom half of each bun.
- Assemble the sliders: Slice the large cooked patty into slider-sized portions. Place each portion on the bottom bun, topped with melted cheese, sautéed vegetables, and any additional desired toppings. Cover with the top bun. Serve immediately, drizzling warm queso sauce over the sliders or offering the queso on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground chuck to ensure juicy and flavorful sliders.
- Chilling the patty before cooking helps it hold its shape and cook evenly.
- Adjust the amount of queso and Rotel to your preferred spice level.
- Garlic aioli adds an extra layer of flavor but can be substituted with mayonnaise or mustard.
- These sliders are perfect for parties and can be prepared ahead by making the queso and vegetables in advance.
