Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Big Mac Sliders bring the iconic flavors of the classic McDonald’s Big Mac into a fun, bite-sized format perfect for parties, game nights, or family dinners. With layers of seasoned beef, melty cheese, pickles, lettuce, and special sauce, all nestled in soft slider buns, these mini sandwiches deliver maximum flavor in every bite.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beefslider bunsAmerican cheese slicesdiced onionsshredded lettucedill picklespecial sauce (mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, and spices)sesame seedsbuttersaltpepper
directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with salt and pepper until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
Slice the slider buns horizontally and place the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish.
Spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the bottom buns.
Layer with diced onions, pickles, and slices of American cheese.
Place the top halves of the buns over the layers.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Brush the tops of the buns.
Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes, or until tops are golden.
Remove from oven and carefully lift the top buns to add shredded lettuce and drizzle with special sauce.
Place the top buns back and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 12 sliders.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes
Variations
Swap American cheese for cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor.
Add sliced tomatoes or grilled onions for a twist.
Use Hawaiian rolls for a sweet and savory combo.
Make it spicy with jalapeños or spicy mayo.
storage/reheating
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to retain texture, or microwave individual sliders for about 30 seconds.
FAQs
What kind of beef should I use?
Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
Can I make the special sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared and refrigerated up to 3 days in advance.
Are Big Mac Sliders freezer-friendly?
They’re best fresh, but you can freeze them before adding lettuce and sauce.
Can I use pre-cooked beef?
Yes, as long as it’s seasoned well and heated before assembling.
How do I keep sliders from getting soggy?
Bake uncovered the last few minutes and add fresh ingredients like lettuce just before serving.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Use a plant-based ground meat substitute and cheese alternative.
Do I have to use sesame seeds?
No, but they enhance the traditional Big Mac look and flavor.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, just skip the pickles or onions if needed for picky eaters.
What sides go well with Big Mac Sliders?
Serve with fries, onion rings, or coleslaw for a classic meal.
Can I make these in advance?
You can prep everything and bake just before serving for the best taste and texture.
Conclusion
Big Mac Sliders are a crowd-pleasing twist on a fast-food favorite, delivering all the layers of flavor in a fun, mini form. Perfect for entertaining or easy weeknight dinners, these sliders are sure to become a repeat request from both kids and adults alike.
Print
Big Mac Sliders
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8–12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer / Party Food
- Method: Grilling / Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Description
Miniature Big Mac-inspired beef sliders with special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and sesame seed buns, perfect for parties or game day.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8–12 mini sesame seed slider buns (Hawaiian rolls work well)
- 4 slices American cheese, halved
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 24 dill pickle slices
- Special Sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp yellow mustard; 1 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles; 1 tsp white vinegar; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; pinch paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the special sauce: in a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chopped pickles, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Chill while assembling.
- Divide ground beef into 8–12 equal portions (about 2 oz each). Form into thin patties slightly wider than buns. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook patties 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a half slice of American cheese. Cover skillet to melt cheese.
- Split slider buns and lightly toast cut sides in a dry skillet or oven until golden.
- Assemble sliders: spread special sauce on both top and bottom buns. Add a cheese-topped patty to the bottom bun, then a few pickle slices, a sprinkle of chopped onions, and shredded lettuce. Cap with the top bun.
- Secure each slider with a toothpick if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For extra authenticity, add a middle bun/layer: split buns into thirds and include an extra bottom layer.
- Lean on buns: Hawaiian rolls add a slightly sweet contrast to the savory filling.
- Make ahead: shape patties and mix sauce up to 1 day ahead; store refrigerated until use.
- Scale easily: double or triple recipe for larger crowds.
- Serve with fries, onion rings, or extra sauce for dipping.