Prepare yourself for the most fabulous burger you’ve had in ages. My recipe for Cheeseburger Sliders is a life-changing one! These mini-cheeseburgers offer a combination of flavors that will have your favorite eaters raving. The secret is the depth and sweetness of California Prunes combined with my sweet and savory caramelized onions. Trust me: this will be a truly memorable burger experience!

I share about and partner with only the most fabulous brands. This blog post and the recipe that goes with it were sponsored by the wonderful folks at California Prunes.

The Magic of Smashburger-style Cooking

The balance of flavors in these Cheeseburger Sliders is mind-blowing, and we’re obsessed. Adopting the Smashburger style, they’re griddled to perfection and then layered with sweet and savory caramelized onions, which create a luscious bed for the dripping melted cheese.

teri holding a smashburger

What is a Smashburger?

A Smashburger doesn’t have many steps, but it does take some serious finesse!

A Smashburger is made by pressing the ground beef onto the grill or griddle with a spatula. Smashing the burger results in a sear on the outside of the meat, which locks in the juices and flavor.

Click here to see my famous Smashburger recipe.

Caramelized Onions with a Twist

The secret to a world class cheeseburger has always been sweet and savory caramelized onions, but we’ve created an amazing twist! The game-changer here is my favorite secret ingredient: California prunes. Here are a few reasons prunes make a fabulous secret ingredient. They’re:

  1. Absolutely delicious.
  2. A healthful alternative sweetener.
  3. Loaded with fiber.
  4. And for me, they are a health tonic.

Known for their benefits to gut health, bones, and fiber intake, California prunes are not just a healthful alternative to sugar. California prunes are sweet, delicious, and packed with antioxidants that make you feel your best. The farmers handle the produce with such care and integrity that you can practically taste it in each bite. When finely chopped, they break down beautifully into the caramelized onions, combining for one of my favorite Magic Elixirs.

This combination elevates your cheeseburger experience so much that I’ll be surprised if it’s not the best burger you ever had.

The Perfect Mini-Cheeseburger Toppers

Why settle for the ordinary when the extraordinary is within reach? The key to this recipe for Cheeseburger Sliders is the delightful balance of flavors that we’ve struck.

Imagine biting into the freshness of shredded lettuce, the juiciness of rich, ripe tomatoes, and the crisp tang of pickles. This trio ensures every bite you take is undeniably perfect.

Perfect Pairings For This Recipe for Cheeseburger Sliders

These delectable Cheeseburger Sliders aren’t just meant for a special occasion; they work for everyday eating too. They will easily be the star of your weeknight dinner, the highlight on game day Sunday, and the fun burger everyone looks forward to for Saturday lunch. And if your kids invite friends over on a Friday night? These sliders will be legendary!

For the perfect side just add a classic potato chip. The combination is irresistibly good. I can’t wait for you to dive into this recipe for Cheeseburger Sliders and experience the magic yourself.

More Ways to Devour this Fabulous Magic Elixir

While these Cheeseburger Sliders are the epitome of deliciousness, the Magic Elixir is a star in its own right. Planning a pizza night? Spread the California prune-infused Magic Elixir over a white sausage-fennel pizza. Barbecue weekend? It’s pure magic on grilled sausages paired with tangy mustard. Or, if you’re in the mood for comfort food, add it to a simple classic grilled cheese. The possibilities are endless!

Crunchy Grilled Cheese with Sweet & Savory Caramelized Onions

Some of you may not know it, but sandwich making is one of my superpowers! I shared some of my tips and tricks to perfecting your grilled cheese game with my Sweet & Savory Caramelized Onions is in this blog post.

This isn’t just another recipe for cheeseburger sliders, it’s an invitation to elevate your culinary game. So why wait? Dive into the magic and remember: food isn’t just about filling our bellies; it’s about feeding our souls.

If you make this recipe for Cheeseburger Sliders, leave a comment and let me know what you think. If you’re looking for more inspiration, sign up for our Friday Favorites newsletter, and follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok to join in all the fun!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Teri holding a burger.

Cheeseburger Sliders with Sweet & Savory Caramelized Onions

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Teri Turner
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

My recipe for Cheeseburger Sliders isn’t just a decent burger; it’s a life-changing one thanks to one of my favorite Magic Elixirs!

Ingredients

FOR THE SPICE BLEND 

  •    1 teaspoon salt 
  •    ½ teaspoon granulated garlic 
  •    ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 
  •   1/4 teaspoon paprika 

FOR THE BURGER SAUCE 

  •    ½ cup mayonnaise 
  •    2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles 
  •    1 teaspoon hot sauce 
  •    1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 
  •    1 teaspoon dill pickle juice 

FOR THE BURGERS 

  •    28-ounces 80/20 ground beef 
  •   8 gluten-free or regular small burger buns, horizontally cut in half 
  •    2-4 tablespoons olive oil, divided 
  •    2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, divided 
  •    8 ounces sliced cheddar cheese, divided 
  •    8 tablespoons Sweet & Savory Caramelized Onion Magic Elixir, warm or room temperature  
  •    1 ripe tomato, sliced and lightly salted 
  •    Iceberg or Romaine, finely shredded 
  •    Pickle slices, for garnish

Notes

  Turn the oven to 200°F or lowest temperature available. 

  Make the spice blend: In a small bowl, combine the salt, garlic, pepper, and paprika. Set aside. 

  Make the Special Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, pickles, hot sauce, dijon, and pickle juice. Set aside. 

  Make the Burgers: Divide the ground beef into 8 even parts, or about 3.5 ounces each, and loosely roll into balls. Note: We used this amount of ground beef knowing we had almost dinner-roll size buns, so if you have larger buns, you would want more meat.  

  Gently shape them into small patties, slightly larger than the size of your buns, and equally distribute the spice mix among them. Set aside.  

  Arrange your buns on a sheet tray and put them in the oven to gently toast.  

  Heat a large frying pan (or two if you don’t want to do two batches) over medium. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan and when the oil is hot, add four patties to the pan. (If you’re using two pans, do the same with the other pan and remaining patties now.)  Immediately drizzle 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce per patty. Cook until seared and partially cooked through about 4 minutes.

  Flip the patties and immediately top each patty with a generous tablespoon of the onion-prune magic elixir and 1 ounce of cheese. Cover and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or to your liking.

  Transfer them from the pan to a clean sheet tray. Put the tray in the oven if you’re cooking them in two batches.  Repeat with the remaining patties. 

  Remove the buns and burger patties from the oven. Spread the special sauce on the bottom buns. Top the sauce with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles. Add a burger patty to each bottom bun and top with the top bun.

Click here to view the Google Web Story for this post!


Do you have a copy of the No Crumbs Left cookbook yet?

Food is my love language, and this book is a guide to getting you in the kitchen with me, rolling up your sleeves, and reigniting your passion for everyday cooking. Woven throughout the book are my Teri’s Tips as well.

This cookbook is a love letter to my mother because it offers the recipe for a well-lived life.

Click here to grab your copy!

Are you hungry for more delicious recipes with prunes? Here are a few of my favorites.

A Sensational BLT Sandwich For Fall

A Sensational BLT Sandwich For Fall with Chipotle Prune Jam

As I start to look forward to fall and the crisp autumn winds begin to usher in a season of cozy sweaters and vibrant foliage, I find myself craving something familiar yet refreshingly different. What better way to welcome fall than with a classic BLT sandwich with a delightful twist that elevates it from delicious to unforgettable?

Pork Roast with Prune Wine Reduction

This Pork Roast with Prune Wine Reduction is one of those next level recipes I just feel so proud of. It takes a little bit of work, but it is totally worth it. It’s perfect for weekend cooking, and not to mention the smell is incredible!

California Grown Prune Pork Roast with Prune Vinegar Glaze