Description
This White Castle Sliders recipe recreates the iconic mini burgers with a simple baking method, delivering juicy beef patties topped with melty American cheese, pickles, and classic condiments on soft slider buns. Perfectly seasoned and steamed with onions for authentic flavor, these homemade sliders are great for game day or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef Patties
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup finely minced or grated onion
For Assembly
- 6 slider-sized dinner rolls or mini hamburger buns
- 6 slices American cheese (optional)
- Dill pickle slices
- Mustard or ketchup, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Beef Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Form Beef Layer: Press the seasoned beef evenly into the prepared baking dish, forming one thin, flat layer. Use a fork to prick holes all over the surface of the beef; this helps it to cook evenly and prevents bubbling during baking.
- Add Onions and Water: Sprinkle the finely minced or grated onion evenly over the top of the beef layer. Pour the 1/2 cup of water over the onions, which creates steam while baking to keep the patties moist.
- Bake Beef: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked through and the onions are softened. Once done, carefully remove the dish and drain any excess grease from the beef.
- Cut Patties: Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the cooked beef into 6 equal square patties, each sized to fit the slider buns.
- Assemble Sliders: If using cheese, place a slice of American cheese on each patty immediately while still warm to allow it to melt slightly. Arrange the bottom halves of the slider buns on a serving tray, then layer each with a beef patty, cheese, dill pickle slices, and your choice of mustard or ketchup. Finally, top with the bun tops.
Notes
- Toasting the slider buns in the oven for 2–3 minutes adds a nice crisp texture and enhances flavor.
- For a more authentic White Castle flavor, refrigerate the beef mixture for 30 minutes before baking to mimic the original freezer-to-grill process.
- Feel free to customize condiments to your taste, such as adding mayonnaise or special sauce.
