Cheeseburger Sliders with Queso

Cheeseburger Sliders with Queso are always a crowd pleaser in my home for birthdays casual cookouts or any time we want something fun and satisfying without fuss. These mini burgers marry juicy beef and sautéed peppers with a blanket of creamy queso for the ultimate bite. I love how they bring people together at the kitchen island everyone reaching for another slider and passing the queso dish around.

This recipe became a lifesaver during a busy holiday gathering when I needed a failproof snack that everyone would love. Now my family requests it for homemade movie nights and it never disappoints.

Ingredients

• Eighty twenty ground chuck: for juicy flavorful burgers look for fresh beef with decent marbling at your butcher

• Red bell peppers: chopped for sweetness and color choose ones with smooth firm skin

• Sweet onion: chopped to add natural savory depth and a slight sweetness

• Poblano peppers: chopped and deseeded for a mild earthy heat opt for glossy poblanos from the produce section

• Avocado oil: for sautéing adds richness and withstands high heat use a neutral oil if preferred

• Heavy cream: brings creaminess to the queso choose fresh cream with no additives

• White queso cheese: cut into chunks melts smoothly and imparts tang choose a true melting cheese from the deli counter

• Rotel: a can of tomatoes and green chilies adds oomph to the queso check the date for best flavor

• American cheese slices: classic melt and creaminess

• Slider buns: look for soft fluffy rolls that hold up to fillings

• Garlic aioli: lends a zesty kick try buying or making your own with fresh garlic

• Salt and pepper: to balance flavors

• Favorite beef rub for seasoning: use a blend with spices like paprika garlic and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Form the Patty:

Shape the ground chuck into a single large patty about one half inch bigger than your slider buns. Chill in the refrigerator for thirty minutes so it keeps its form as it cooks. Heavily season with beef rub.

Sauté the Vegetables:

Warm a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Pour in avocado oil and add chopped red peppers sweet onion and poblano. Sprinkle with a little salt. Sauté about six to eight minutes stirring until just tender and lightly caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Queso Sauce:

Pour heavy cream into a saucepan and heat gently until it starts to bubble around the edges. Slowly add white queso chunks whisking as they melt for a velvety finish. Fold in the Rotel stir until smooth and season with salt and pepper. Keep it warm over the lowest heat.

Cook the Burger Patty:

Heat your griddle or skillet to medium high. Cook the seasoned patty about four to five minutes on the first side. Flip then add more beef rub and let cook another two minutes. Top with sautéed vegetables and American cheese slices and cover so the cheese melts fully.

Toast Slider Buns:

Place slider buns cut side down on the griddle or in a clean skillet. Toast until golden brown and set aside. Spread garlic aioli on each bottom bun for extra tang.

Assemble Sliders:

Slice the cooked burger patty to fit the buns. Layer bun burger veggies and melted cheese. Add extra toppings as you like. Serve with a generous spoonful of queso or a bowl for dipping.

Save Pin

Creamy queso is the real star here bringing everything together in each bite. My daughter once called it cheese magic and now queso is always on our table for slider nights.

Storage Tips

Cool sliders completely before moving them to an airtight container for refrigerator storage. They keep well for up to three days. For longer storage wrap each slider tightly in plastic and then place all in a freezer bag. They freeze for up to three months. To reheat warm in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees covered with foil until hot or microwave briefly for a quick lunchbox treat.

Ingredient Swaps

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the sliders. If poblano is not available try Anaheim or even a can of mild diced green chilies. Cheddar works in a pinch instead of queso though it is less creamy. Vegan cheese and plant based patties transform the recipe for vegetarians.

Serving Suggestions

Serve sliders with sweet potato fries crunchy kettle chips or a pile of raw veggies for contrast. A crisp coleslaw echoes the creamy queso. For a party line up sliders on a big platter with bowls of queso and pickles so everyone can garnish to their taste.

Save Pin

Queso and Slider Origins

Queso has roots in Tex Mex cuisine and brings Southwestern flair to these sliders. Cheeseburgers and mini sliders themselves are classic Americana but adding queso and sautéed peppers makes this recipe feel festive and unique at any gathering.

Commonly Asked Questions

→ What cheese works best for queso on sliders?

White queso melts smoothly for a creamy sauce, while American cheese gives classic flavor. Combine for extra richness.

→ How can I keep slider buns from getting soggy?

Lightly toast the buns before assembling. This adds texture and prevents excess moisture from the toppings.

→ Can I make cheeseburger sliders ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the patties and veggies in advance. Reheat just before serving, and toast buns fresh for best results.

→ What sides pair well with cheeseburger sliders?

Sweet potato fries, coleslaw, garden salad, or chips and salsa complement the flavors and offer fresh variety.

→ How do I keep queso sauce warm for serving?

Maintain the queso over low heat or use a small slow cooker to keep it smooth and dippable throughout your meal.