What is a Slider?
A slider is a mini burger, typically around 2-3 inches in diameter. Sliders feature petite buns and thinner patties compared to a traditional hamburger. The small size makes them perfect for passing around at parties or gatherings. While you can find slider-style burgers at many restaurants and diners, it’s also easy and fun to make them at home. Grilling is one of the best cooking methods for getting a juicy, flavorful slider.
Benefits of Grilling Sliders
Grilling sliders has several advantages over other cooking methods:
- Enhances flavor – The heat from the grill sears the patties, creating a crispy char and smoky flavor.
- Cooks quickly – With their petite size, sliders grill up fast. No need to wait long for your meal.
- Adds appetizing aesthetics – Grill marks from the grates give the sliders an appetizing, cookout-style appearance.
- Allows customization – Grilling lets you add your own choice of toppings and condiments.
- Fun for gatherings – Grilled sliders and fixings can be set up as a DIY bar for parties.
So if you want to take your sliders to the next level, firing up the grill is the way to go.
Choosing the Meat
When making sliders, you’ll want to choose a meat that is flavorful, tender, and cooks up quickly on the grill. Here are some of the best options:
Ground Beef
Ground chuck or sirloin are ideal choices for beef sliders. Go for 80/20 or 85/15 blends for the best balance of fat and flavor. The fat content keeps the patties moist and tender.
Ground Turkey
Lean ground turkey makes a lighter slider option. Be sure to mix in some olive oil and breadcrumbs to keep the meat juicy.
Ground Chicken
Chicken thigh meat ground up creates great turkey slider patties. The dark meat has more flavor and moisture than breast meat.
Ground Pork
Ground pork is a flavorful choice for sliders. Mix in some Worcestershire sauce and spices for extra flair.
Sausage
Italian sausage, bratwurst, chorizo, and other sausages work beautifully for slider patties. Remove the meat from the casing first.
Seafood
Salmon, tuna, crab cakes, shrimp burgers, and other seafoods can all be slider-sized. Brush with oil or butter before grilling.
Choosing the Right Bun
The bun is a key part of any great slider. You’ll want a bun that is:
- Small – Look for petite rolls, about 2-3 inches wide.
- Sturdy – Choose a bun with some structure to hold the patty and toppings.
- Soft – Pick a bun with a smooth, tender crumb.
- Fresh – For best results, use freshly-baked buns.
Some excellent options include:
- Hawaiian rolls
- Dinner rolls
- Brioche buns
- Potato rolls
- Pretzel rolls
- Slider buns
- Mini burger buns
Split the buns in half and lightly toast or grill them to create a crispy, sturdy foundation for the slider.
Seasoning the Meat
One of the keys to incredible grilled sliders is flavoring the meat before it hits the grill. Seasonings enhance the natural flavors and make the patties pop. Here are some tasty seasoning options:
Spice Rubs
- Barbecue rub – paprika, chili powder, garlic, pepper
- Steak rub – salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
- Cajun seasoning – Cayenne, paprika, oregano, thyme
- Jamaican jerk rub – allspice, thyme, brown sugar, cayenne
Sprinkle the spice rub liberally over the meat before forming into patties.
Fresh Herbs
Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, oregano, or cilantro add a flavor boost to ground meat. Mix in up to 1/4 cup per pound of meat.
Aromatics
Onions, garlic, shallots, or chives finely minced and blended into the meat add tons of aroma. A little goes a long way.
Marinades & Sauces
Soaking patties in marinades for 30 mins+ infuses flavor. BBQ sauce, teriyaki, and steak sauce also pair well with sliders.
Cheese
Adding shredded cheese like cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, or bleu cheese ramps up the flavor. Mix it in evenly before forming patties.
Grilling Techniques
Grilling slider patties takes a little special care because of their small size. Follow these techniques:
Use Medium-High Heat
Heat your gas or charcoal grill to around 400°F. This prevents the exterior from burning before the interior cooks.
Don’t Press Patties
Let the patties cook undisturbed to maximize juiciness. Pressing squeezes out their moisture.
Flip Once
Let the patties develop a nice char on one side, then flip only once to finish cooking. Frequent flipping dries them out.
Add Cheese at End
If adding cheese, wait to top patties until the last 1-2 minutes so it melts but doesn’t burn or fall through the grates.
Cook Thoroughly
Ensure beef patties reach 160°F internal temperature, while poultry should reach 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check.
Rest Before Serving
Let patties rest 5 minutes off direct heat before assembling into sliders. This allows juices to redistribute.
Fabulous Slider Toppings
Piled high with creative toppings, sliders become truly sensational. Mix and match from these mouthwatering options:
Cheese
- Cheddar
- Swiss
- Pepper jack
- Provolone
- Bleu cheese
- Monterey Jack
- American
Sauces & Condiments
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- BBQ sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Sriracha
- Buffalo sauce
Vegetables
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Onion slivers
- Pickles
- Jalapeños
- Onion rings
- Avocado
Other Toppings
- Bacon
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Fried egg
- Pineapple rings
- Crispy onion straws
The options are endless for topping off an incredible grilled slider!
How Long to Grill Sliders
The grill time for sliders depends on the thickness of the patties and type of meat used. Use these guidelines for approximate cook times:
| Meat | Patty Thickness | Grill Time Per Side |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1/4 inch | 2-3 minutes |
| Ground beef | 1/2 inch | 3-4 minutes |
| Ground turkey | 1/4 inch | 2-3 minutes |
| Ground turkey | 1/2 inch | 3-4 minutes |
| Chicken or pork | 1/4 inch | 2-3 minutes |
| Chicken or pork | 1/2 inch | 3-4 minutes |
| Sausage patties | 1/2 inch | 4-5 minutes |
| Seafood patties | 1/2 inch | 3-4 minutes |
Always use a food thermometer to confirm safe internal temperatures. Grill times may vary based on heat intensity.
Serving Suggestions
Once grilled, it’s time to assemble those sensational sliders. Here are some serving ideas:
Slider Bar
Set up a DIY topping bar with buns, patties, and a variety of toppings so guests can build their own.
Individual Plates
Assemble slider “towers” on individual plates with patties and creative combinations of toppings.
Skewers
Thread assembled sliders onto skewers for easy passing at parties.
Baskets
Pile piping hot sliders into bread baskets, lined with checkered paper or napkins.
Party Platters
Arrange slider stacks artfully on a large platter for a crowd to enjoy.
However you serve them up, grilled sliders are always a hit!
Grilled Slider Recipes
Here are some fantastic slider recipes perfect for tossing on the grill:
Perfect Basic Beef Sliders
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef chuck
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Slider buns
- Lettuce, tomato, onion for topping
Instructions:
- Mix seasoning into beef and form into patties.
- Grill at 400°F for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve on buns with desired toppings.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- Slider buns
Instructions:
- Mix buffalo sauce into chicken and form patties.
- Grill 3-4 minutes per side.
- Top with blue cheese crumbles.
- Serve on buns.
Cajun Shrimp Sliders
Ingredients:
- 1 lb peeled, deveined shrimp
- 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Slider buns
- Tartar sauce
Instructions:
- Cut shrimp into chunks and mix with egg and Cajun seasoning.
- Shape mixture into patties, coat with panko crumbs.
- Grill patties 4 minutes per side.
- Serve on buns with tartar sauce.
Fire up the grill and get ready to sink your teeth into the juiciest, tastiest slider creations!
Conclusion
Grilling is hands-down the best cooking method for taking ordinary sliders from good to sensational. Allowing the patties to sear over an open flame imparts unbeatable flavor and texture. Complement with a soft bun and creative toppings, and you have the formula for a mouthwatering meal. Preparing sliders on the grill is also a fun cooking project for summer parties or backyard barbecues. With the right techniques and a little practice, you can master how to make picture-perfect, smoky, succulent sliders every time. So get grilling and start enjoying these petite, palate-pleasing burgers!