Smash burger sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, packing bold flavors and a delectable messiness that will have your guests coming back for more. With a rich combination of savory ingredients and a sweet glaze on soft Hawaiian rolls, these sliders are a must-try for any gathering!
Irresistible Messy Smash Burger Sliders
These smash burger sliders are a deliciously messy twist on my Game Day Sliders—so be sure to have a napkin or two handy! They feature a flavorful sauce, crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese. The sweet, buttery glaze on Hawaiian bread makes these sliders truly irresistible. Although the recipe has several components, you can have everything ready in about 30 minutes with a helper.
Caramelized Onions for Smash Burger Sliders
One of the key features of these sliders is the caramelized sweet onions. To achieve that perfect brown color without burning them, use water to help in the cooking process. As the onions sauté, you can prep the rest of the ingredients so everything is ready at once.
Flavorful Sauce
The sauce is a key highlight, incorporating finely chopped dill or sweet pickles. A small electric chopper makes this task easy, but if you enjoy a more hands-on approach, feel free to mince them by hand. Alternatively, you can use pickle relish for added convenience.
Choice of Cheese
When it comes to cheese, the options are endless! I typically use American, cheddar, or pepper jack, and sometimes all three. Feel free to pick your favorite to elevate the flavor of these sliders.
Cooking the Bacon
For a quick and easy method, I cook the bacon in the microwave between paper towels. Generally, thin slices take about 1 minute each in the microwave, so for 3 slices, I set it for 3 minutes. It’s crucial to check the bacon before the cooking time is up, adjusting the time based on your microwave and your preference for crispiness.
Putting Together Smash Burger Sliders
By the time the onions reach that sweet, brown perfection, you can seamlessly combine all the elements of the sliders. A special sweet glaze is brushed over the tops and sides of the rolls, adding an extra layer of flavor before they go into the oven to become warm and cheesy.
Flavorful Topping Glaze
The topping glaze is a delicious finishing touch that elevates the smash burger sliders to a new level of flavor. Made with melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, this glaze adds a sweet and savory richness that complements the burgers and Hawaiian rolls.
As you brush it over the tops and sides of the sliders, it not only enhances their appearance with a golden sheen but also infuses every bite with a burst of flavor. This delightful glaze makes each slider extra special, creating a perfect balance of flavors that will have everyone reaching for more.
Serving Suggestions
These smashed burger sliders are best served piping hot. To keep them juicy, opt for ground beef with a higher fat content. Enjoy the delicious flavors and delightful messiness of these sliders at your next gathering!
Other Slider Recipes You Might Enjoy
Click on each name or photo to link to the recipe.
Smash Burger Sliders
Equipment
- aluminum foil
Ingredients
Caramelized Onion Topping
- 1 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced into rings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup water
Mayonnaise Sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons dill or sweet pickle, minced
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons ketchup
Topping Glaze
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Smash Burgers
- 3 slices bacon, cooked
- 6 Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 1 pound hamburger (80/20 or 85/15 fat to lean ratio)
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 slices cheese, cut in half (use your favorite burger cheese)
Instructions
Caramelized Onion Topping
- Thinly slice the onions and place them in a non-stick skillet with olive oil. Cook on medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes or until they start to brown.
- Add 1/2 cup of water to the pan and stir. Let them cook until the water evaporates. Keep adding 1/2 cup of water, letting it cook off until the onions brown and caramelize. They can cook while you prepare the other ingredients.
Mayonnaise Sauce
- In a small bowl, stir together the pickle, mayonnaise, and ketchup; set aside.
Topping Glaze
- Melt the butter and add the Worcestershire, mustard, brown sugar, and sesame seeds. Stir well and set aside.
Smash Burgers
- Cook the bacon and set it aside.
- Place a long piece of aluminum foil on a baking pan and add the Hawaiian rolls, breaking them apart. Cut off the tops of the rolls and set them aside. Add the mayonnaise sauce to the bottom of the rolls and spread it out evenly.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the burger in a mixing bowl. In a small separate bowl, stir together the paprika, Worcestershire, onion powder, brown sugar, ketchup, salt, and pepper, then add it to the meat and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the burger into 8 discs or balls. (Although the recipe calls for making 6 sliders, the burger usually comes in a 1-pound size, so you will have 2 leftover burgers for making double-burger sliders or extras.)
- Place 3 hamburger discs in a large skillet with enough oil to lightly coat the pan. Using a spatula, press the burgers thin, leaving any uneven edges. Cook on medium heat for 2 minutes, flip, and cook another minute, or until the burgers are 132°F (medium-rare) or 137°F (medium). Do not overcook. Set aside, covered, to keep the burgers warm. Repeat until all the burgers are cooked.
- Add the cooked burgers to the prepared bread. Add 1/2 slice of cheese to each, then 1/2 slice of bacon.
- Divide the caramelized onions and place them on top of the bacon. Add the roll tops,
- Stir the topping glaze, then brush it over the tops and sides of the rolls until all of the glaze is used. Fold the aluminum foil over the burgers, then place them in the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the rolls are warm. Serve immediately