Sliders for Game Day

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Perfect for your next gathering, these sliders are easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

Tabitha Green

Created by

Tabitha Green

Last updated on 2026-01-04T12:25:10.252Z

These sliders are a crowd-pleaser at any game day party. With delicious flavors and easy assembly, they're perfect for sharing!

Why You Will Love These Sliders

  • Perfect bite-sized portions for easy snacking
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings
  • Great for any occasion, not just game day

Game Day Essential

When it comes to game day, having the right food can make or break your gathering. These sliders are the perfect solution, offering a delicious and satisfying option that everyone will love. Their bite-sized nature allows for easy snacking, making them ideal for those who want to keep one eye on the game and the other on their plate. With minimal preparation involved, you can whip these up in no time, ensuring that you have more time to enjoy the festivities with your friends and family.

What sets these sliders apart is their versatility. You can easily customize them to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you prefer beef, turkey, or even a plant-based option, the base recipe can be adapted to accommodate your favorite proteins. Plus, the endless array of toppings means that everyone can personalize their slider to perfection, making them a hit among diverse guests.

Perfect for Any Occasion

While these sliders are a fantastic addition to any game day spread, they’re also great for other occasions. Whether it's a birthday party, a casual family gathering, or a summer barbecue, these sliders can fit seamlessly into your menu. Their easy preparation and crowd-pleasing nature make them a reliable choice for any event where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Moreover, these sliders can be made ahead of time, allowing you to focus on entertaining. You can prepare the meat mixture and form the patties in advance, then simply bake them right before serving. This not only saves you time but also ensures that you can enjoy the event alongside your guests without being tied to the kitchen.

Tips for the Best Sliders

To elevate your slider experience, consider experimenting with different cheeses and sauces. While cheddar is a classic choice, other cheeses like pepper jack or gouda can add a unique twist to your sliders. Additionally, trying out different barbecue sauces can introduce exciting flavor profiles, from sweet to spicy, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.

When it comes to toppings, don't hesitate to get creative. Adding sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick or avocado slices for creaminess can transform your sliders into gourmet treats. Remember to provide a variety of toppings so your guests can mix and match, ensuring everyone finds their perfect combination.

Ingredients

For the Sliders

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 12 slider buns
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/4 cup diced onions
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Toppings

  • Pickles
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato slices
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.

Prepare the Meat Mixture

In a bowl, combine the ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, diced onions, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.

Form the Sliders

Divide the meat mixture into 12 equal portions and form into small patties.

Bake the Sliders

Place the patties on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until cooked through.

Assemble the Sliders

Remove the sliders from the oven and place each patty on a slider bun. Add your desired toppings and serve warm.

Enjoy your sliders with friends and family on game day!

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Pro Tips

  • Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and toppings to make these sliders your own.

Making Ahead

Preparing sliders ahead of time can take the stress out of hosting. You can prepare the meat mixture and patty shape a day in advance, storing them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This means less time in the kitchen on game day and more time enjoying the company of your guests.

If you want to prepare them even further, consider assembling the sliders completely without the toppings and refrigerating them. Simply bake them when your guests arrive, and they will be fresh and warm out of the oven, ready to be topped and devoured.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete game day experience, pair these sliders with a variety of sides. Classic choices include potato chips, coleslaw, or even a fresh salad. Offering a selection of dips, like ranch or salsa, can also enhance the snacking experience and give your guests more options to enjoy.

Don’t forget about drinks! A selection of beers, sodas, or even non-alcoholic options will complement your sliders perfectly, keeping your guests refreshed while they cheer for their favorite team. Having a well-rounded menu ensures that everyone leaves your gathering satisfied.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and form the patties a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake.

→ What other proteins can I use for sliders?

You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian option.

→ How can I keep the sliders warm during the game?

Use a slow cooker or warming tray to keep the sliders warm while serving.

→ Can I freeze the sliders?

Yes, you can freeze the raw patties. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Sliders for Game Day

Perfect for your next gathering, these sliders are easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Tabitha Green

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 12 sliders

What You'll Need

For the Sliders

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  3. 12 slider buns
  4. 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
  5. 1/4 cup diced onions
  6. Salt and pepper to taste

For Toppings

  1. Pickles
  2. Lettuce
  3. Tomato slices
  4. Ketchup
  5. Mustard

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.

Step 02

In a bowl, combine the ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, diced onions, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.

Step 03

Divide the meat mixture into 12 equal portions and form into small patties.

Step 04

Place the patties on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until cooked through.

Step 05

Remove the sliders from the oven and place each patty on a slider bun. Add your desired toppings and serve warm.

Extra Tips

  1. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and toppings to make these sliders your own.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g