If you are craving a bite-sized burst of bold flavors, you are about to fall in love with this Cheeseburger Sliders with Queso Recipe. These sliders combine juicy, seasoned ground chuck with a creamy, cheesy queso that’s studded with roasted peppers and a touch of zesty Rotel. Brushed with garlic aioli and topped with melted American cheese, every slider offers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory notes wrapped in a warm, toasted bun. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just indulging in a cozy meal at home, these sliders bring together simplicity and indulgence in every mouthwatering bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy of making this Cheeseburger Sliders with Queso Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that irresistible combination of flavors and textures you’ll adore. From the rich 80/20 ground chuck that forms the juicy heart of the sliders to the creamy queso sauce bursting with peppers and cream, you’ll see how simple ingredients come together to create magic.
- 80/20 Ground Chuck (680 grams): The perfect fat ratio ensures juicy, flavorful sliders that don’t dry out during cooking.
- Red Bell Peppers (3, chopped): Adds sweetness and vibrant color, balancing the savory meat with a fresh crunch.
- Sweet Onion (1, chopped): Provides natural sweetness and depth, which caramelizes beautifully with the peppers.
- Poblano Peppers (2, deseeded and chopped): Offers a mild heat and smoky flavor essential for the queso’s character.
- Avocado Oil (2-3 tablespoons): A neutral oil with a high smoke point perfect for sautéing and searing.
- Heavy Cream (10 ounces/295 millilitres): Creates the rich, luscious base for the queso sauce.
- White Queso Cheese (225 grams, cut into chunks): Melts smoothly to deliver a creamy texture and authentic flavor.
- Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (1 can, 225 grams): Brings tang and spice, enhancing the queso with a bright kick.
- American Cheese Slices: Classic gooey topping that melts perfectly over the patty for that iconic cheeseburger feel.
- Slider Buns: Soft yet sturdy enough to hold all that cheesy goodness without falling apart.
- Garlic Aioli: Adds a punch of garlicky creaminess that wakes up every bite.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to highlight and balance the rich ingredients.
- Beef Rub Seasoning: A bold blend that elevates the natural beef flavor with a savory kick.
How to Make Cheeseburger Sliders with Queso Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Patty
Start by shaping your ground chuck into one large patty that’s approximately 1.5 centimeters wider than your slider buns. This ensures every bite includes juicy meat right to the edge. Generously brush the patty all over with beef rub seasoning, infusing it with robust flavors before chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This rest time improves texture and helps the patty hold its shape as it cooks.
Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
While the patty chills, heat your skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add avocado oil. Toss in the chopped red bell peppers, sweet onion, and poblano peppers. Stir them frequently for 6–8 minutes until they begin to soften, then lightly season with salt. Continue cooking for another 4–6 minutes until the veggies are tender and just starting to caramelize. This step develops the sweetness and complexity that complements the queso sauce and burger perfectly.
Step 3: Make the Velvety Queso Sauce
Next, pour the heavy cream into a saucepan over medium heat and bring it just to a simmer. Slowly whisk in the white queso cheese chunks, melting them until the sauce is luxuriously smooth. Stir in the can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the queso warm over low heat so it stays pourable and ready to drizzle over your sliders or serve for dipping.
Step 4: Cook the Patty to Perfection
Reheat your skillet or griddle to medium-high and add a little avocado oil if needed. Sear the chilled patty for 4–5 minutes without moving it, allowing a crust to form. Flip and sprinkle the top with more beef rub seasoning. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then pile on the sautéed vegetables. Place American cheese slices atop and cover or hold the heat to melt the cheese into a glorious gooey blanket before slicing.
Step 5: Toast the Buns and Assemble
While the patty finishes cooking, toast your slider buns in the skillet or on the griddle until golden brown and slightly crispy. Spread a generous layer of garlic aioli on the bottom halves to add that indulgent creamy punch. Slice the gigantic patty into slider-sized portions, then stack each bun with meat, melty cheese, sautéed veggies, and any additional toppings you love. Top with the bun lid and serve immediately, with plenty of warm queso sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Sliders with Queso Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your sliders with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños for extra heat, or pickled red onions for a sweet tang. These add layers of flavor and eye-catching appeal. You can also offer extra dollops of the creamy queso or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft buns.
Side Dishes
Pair your sliders with classic favorites like golden French fries, crunchy coleslaw, or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the richness. For a more adventurous spread, try roasted sweet potato wedges or a spicy corn salad with fresh lime and chili. These sides keep the meal exciting and complement the flavors of the Cheeseburger Sliders with Queso Recipe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress guests by serving these sliders on a rustic wooden board with ramekins of queso sauce, garlic aioli, and pickled veggies. Alternatively, stack them in a tower on a tiered stand for a party-ready display. You can even serve sliders open-faced with extra queso drizzled on top for a fun twist that lets every bite shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any sliders left over, tightly wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days and keep their flavors vibrant, ready for an easy next-day treat.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the patties without toasting the buns or adding cheese, wrap each portion well, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can keep them frozen for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then finish cooking and assembling fresh so they taste just as incredible as the first time.
Reheating
Reheat sliders gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, wrapped in foil to retain moisture. Alternatively, pan-toast leftovers on low heat to revive the toasted bun texture and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving if possible, to keep the bun from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for the queso?
Definitely! While white queso cheese is traditional and melts beautifully, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or a mild white cheddar to tweak the flavor to your liking.
What if I don’t like spicy peppers?
You can simply use sweet bell peppers and omit the poblano peppers if you prefer a milder taste. The Rotel will still add a slight tanginess without overwhelming heat.
How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, toast the buns well and spread the garlic aioli just before assembling. Serving the queso on the side also helps control moisture levels.
Can I prepare the sliders in advance for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare the patties and sauté the vegetables ahead of time, then reheat and assemble just before serving to enjoy that freshly cooked flavor with less stress.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover queso sauce?
Warm the queso gently over low heat, stirring frequently. If it thickens too much, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen it back to a silky consistency.
Final Thoughts
When you make this Cheeseburger Sliders with Queso Recipe, you’re inviting a perfect fusion of comfort food and bold flavors into your kitchen. Every step, from the carefully seasoned patty to the creamy queso drizzled on top, builds layers of deliciousness that will have everyone reaching for seconds. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to these sliders—they’re truly the kind of dish that turns any day into a celebration.
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 are a delicious twist on classic sliders, featuring a juicy ground chuck patty topped with sautéed bell and poblano peppers, melted American cheese, and a creamy white queso sauce with diced tomatoes and green chilies. Perfectly toasted slider buns with garlic aioli complete this flavorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal.
Ingredients
Slider Patties
- 680 grams 80/20 ground chuck
- Beef rub seasoning, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 3 red bell peppers, chopped
- 1 sweet onion, chopped
- 2 poblano peppers, deseeded and chopped
- 2–3 tablespoons avocado oil
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
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Assembly
- American cheese slices
- Slider buns
- Garlic aioli
Instructions
- Prepare the Patty: Shape the ground chuck into a single large patty roughly 1.5 centimetres wider than your slider buns. Generously season both sides with beef rub and refrigerate for 30 minutes to ensure the patty holds together well 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 poblanos. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning, then season with salt. Continue to sauté for an additional 4–6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and develop a light caramelization. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make Queso Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the heavy cream just to a simmer. Gradually whisk in the white queso cheese chunks until the mixture is melted and smooth. Stir in the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, to prevent it from thickening too much before serving.
- Cook the Patty: Reheat the griddle or skillet to medium-high heat. Place the chilled patty on the hot surface and sear for 4–5 minutes without moving it to develop a good crust. Before flipping, season the uncooked side with additional beef rub. Flip the patty and cook for another 2 minutes. Top the patty with the sautéed vegetables and arrange slices of American cheese over them. Continue cooking until the cheese has melted and the patty is cooked through to your liking.
- Toast Buns and Assemble: While the patty finishes cooking, toast the slider buns on the griddle or in a clean skillet until golden brown and lightly crisp. Spread a generous layer of garlic aioli on the bottom half of each bun.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the large cooked patty into slider-sized portions. Build each slider by layering the meat and melted cheese with sautéed vegetables on the bottom bun. Add any additional desired toppings, cover with the top bun, and serve immediately. Drizzle with warm queso sauce or offer it on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute white queso cheese with Monterey Jack or a mild melting cheese if unavailable.
- For extra heat, add jalapeños to the sautéed vegetable mix.
- Make sure to chill the patty before cooking to help it hold its shape during searing.
- Use freshly toasted buns for the best texture contrast in the sliders.
- Leftover queso sauce can be refrigerated and gently reheated for dipping or topping other dishes.
