Mini Cheddar Steak Sliders are the ultimate bite-sized indulgence—featuring juicy seared steak pieces, melty cheddar, and soft, buttery slider buns. These sliders are packed with bold flavors and hearty textures, perfect for game day, family dinners, or a party platter that disappears in minutes. Compact yet satisfying, they offer the classic steakhouse experience in a fun and portable form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for sharing: Their mini size makes them ideal for entertaining or serving at casual events.
- High-impact flavor: The seared steak, sharp cheddar, and toasted buns combine to create a rich, savory bite in every mouthful.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep—just cook, stack, and serve.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt toppings, sauces, and buns to suit your preferences.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- steak (sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin), cubed or sliced
- slider buns or mini brioche rolls
- sharp cheddar cheese slices or shreds
- olive oil or butter
- garlic powder
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- fresh spinach or arugula (optional)
- mayonnaise or aioli (optional)
- caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms (optional)
directions
- Prepare the steak: Pat the steak dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook the steak: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over high heat. Sear steak pieces on all sides until medium-rare or desired doneness is reached. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.
- Toast the buns: Slice slider buns in half. Toast the inside of each half in a dry skillet or on a baking sheet under the broiler until lightly golden.
- Assemble sliders: Spread mayo or aioli on the bottom buns (if using). Layer with fresh spinach or arugula, seared steak, and cheddar slices.
- Melt cheese: Place sliders (open-faced) in a warm oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts. Add top buns and press gently.
- Serve: Secure each slider with a toothpick if serving at a party. Serve warm with chips, fries, or a side salad.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 8–10 mini sliders
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10–15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Saucy twist: Add BBQ sauce, chipotle mayo, or horseradish cream for extra flavor.
- Gourmet version: Add blue cheese crumbles, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Spicy heat: Use pepper jack cheese or add jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Bun alternatives: Use mini pretzel rolls, Hawaiian buns, or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Grilled version: Grill steak on an outdoor grill for smoky flavor, or toast buns directly on the grill.
storage/reheating
- Refrigeration: Store assembled sliders in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a covered baking dish at 300 °F (150 °C) for 10–12 minutes. To preserve the texture, reheat the steak and buns separately before reassembling.
- Freezing: Not recommended for assembled sliders. However, cooked steak can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed before reuse.
FAQs
What’s the best steak for sliders?
Tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon work best as they cook quickly and remain juicy.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the steak and prep toppings ahead of time. Assemble and melt the cheese just before serving.
Are slider buns necessary?
Not strictly. Any small roll or even halved dinner rolls will work as a substitute.
How do I melt the cheese properly?
Place open-faced sliders in a preheated oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for 3–5 minutes until cheese is melted.
Can I use shredded cheese?
Yes, though slices provide a cleaner look and more even melt. Shredded cheese works well when melted under a broiler.
What can I serve on the side?
Fries, potato wedges, coleslaw, or a crisp side salad complement these sliders nicely.
How do I prevent soggy buns?
Toast the buns to create a barrier and avoid adding wet sauces directly to the bread base.
Are these good for kids?
Absolutely. Just keep the seasoning mild and cheese familiar. Leave out spicy sauces or strong toppings.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and olive oil instead of butter for cooking.
Can I grill everything?
Yes. Grill the steak and buns outdoors for a smoky, charred flavor that enhances the dish.
Conclusion
Mini Cheddar Steak Sliders bring big flavor to small packages. Combining juicy, seasoned steak with sharp cheddar and pillowy buns, they’re irresistible as a main course or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Customizable and quick to prepare, they strike the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity—making them a go-to favorite for any occasion.
Print
Mini Cheddar Steak Sliders
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer / Main
- Method: Sear → Toast → Oven melt
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Mini Cheddar Steak Sliders are juicy seared steak and melted cheddar on buttery slider buns, delivering a steakhouse experience in a compact, crowd-pleasing form.
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin), cubed or sliced
- 8–10 slider buns or mini brioche rolls
- 8–10 slices sharp cheddar cheese (or shredded)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh spinach or arugula (optional)
- Mayonnaise or aioli (optional)
- Caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms (optional)
Instructions
- Season steak pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat oil or butter in a skillet over high heat. Sear steak until desired doneness, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and let rest.
- Toast buns: cut in half and toast cut sides in a dry skillet or broiler until golden.
- Optional: spread mayo or aioli on each bottom bun and layer with spinach or arugula.
- Top with steak pieces and cheddar slices.
- Place open-faced sliders in a warm oven (350°F/175°C) or broiler briefly until cheese melts, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add top buns, press gently, and secure with toothpicks if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Swap cheese or buns to customize (e.g., pepper jack, pretzel rolls).
- Make ahead: cook steak and prep toppings, then assemble and melt cheese just before serving.
- Toast buns to prevent sogginess.
- Elevate flavor with extra toppings: caramelized onions, mushrooms, or spicy sauces.
- Reheat separately for best texture if preparing in advance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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