Step 1: MAKE THE BEEF PATTIES

The first step in making Beef and Cheddar Sliders is to form the beef patties. These need to be well-seasoned and cooked just right to ensure they stay juicy and tender.

1. Season the Ground Beef: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix the seasonings into the meat—be careful not to overwork the meat, or the patties may become tough.
2. Form the Patties: Divide the seasoned beef into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it into a patty. The patties should be slightly smaller than the slider buns, as they will shrink slightly as they cook.
3. Make an Indentation: Use your thumb to make a small indentation in the center of each patty. This helps the patties cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up in the middle.

Step 2: COOK THE BEEF PATTIES

Now that the beef patties are formed, it’s time to cook them. You can cook them on the stovetop, in the oven, or on a grill. We’ll focus on the stovetop method for this recipe, but you can easily adapt it to your preferred cooking method.

1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the patties to the pan. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan—if you’re making a large batch, cook the patties in batches.
2. Cook the Patties: Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on the first side, until they develop a golden-brown crust. Flip the patties and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the second side. For a medium-rare patty, this will be enough, but feel free to cook the patties longer if you prefer them well done.
3. Add the Cheese: About one minute before the patties are done, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Cover the pan with a lid to help the cheese melt. This will result in gooey, melty cheese that is perfect for the sliders.

Step 3: ASSEMBLE THE SLIDERS

Once the patties are cooked and the cheese is melted, it’s time to assemble your Beef and Cheddar Sliders. This is the fun part, where you can get creative with toppings and condiments.

1. Toast the Slider Buns: While the beef patties are cooking, slice the slider buns in half and lightly toast them. You can toast them in the oven or on a griddle until they’re golden brown. Toasting the buns adds a bit of crunch and prevents them from becoming soggy once the patties and toppings are added.
2. Layer the Toppings: On the bottom half of each toasted bun, add a layer of lettuce, followed by a slice of tomato and a pickle. These fresh ingredients will add crunch and balance to the richness of the beef and cheese.
3. Add the Beef Patty: Place the cooked beef patty with melted cheese on top of the prepared bottom buns.
4. Top with Condiments: Spread a thin layer of ketchup and mustard on the top half of the buns, or customize with your favorite condiments. You can also add barbecue sauce, mayo, or even spicy sriracha for an extra kick.
5. Assemble the Sliders: Place the top bun on each slider, pressing down gently to hold everything together.

Step 4: SERVE THE SLIDERS

Your Beef and Cheddar Sliders are now ready to be enjoyed! Here are some ways to serve them for maximum enjoyment:

1. Serve as an Appetizer: Beef and Cheddar Sliders are perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings. Serve them on a platter with some dipping sauces on the side, such as ketchup, mustard, or ranch dressing.
2. Serve with Sides: These sliders can be served with a variety of sides, such as crispy fries, onion rings, or a fresh salad. For a healthier option, try pairing them with roasted vegetables or a simple coleslaw.
3. Make It a Meal: For a heartier meal, serve the sliders with baked beans, macaroni and cheese, or a side of corn on the cob. You can even pair them with a cold beer or a refreshing soda for the perfect casual meal.