Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

If you’re craving a bite-sized burger that’s big on flavor, these Easy Pickle and Cheddar Grilled Ground Beef Sliders will completely steal the show! They’re smoky, cheesy, tangy, and nestled inside soft Hawaiian sweet rolls for the perfect sweet-and-savory combo that disappears in a flash—trust me, one isn’t enough.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crave-Worthy Flavor: Each slider packs a punch with smoky spices, juicy beef, sharp cheddar, and crisp pickles—all in one dreamy, pillowy bite.
  • Simple Ingredients, Big Payoff: Everything you need is easy to find, but the result feels just a bit magical and restaurant-level delicious.
  • Quick and Party-Perfect: Twenty minutes, one bowl, and a grill is all you need—these sliders are bite-sized crowd-pleasers that vanish before your eyes!
  • Customizable for All: From spice lovers to picky eaters, you can tweak toppings and condiments to make everyone at the table happy.
Air Fryer Falafel Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

I absolutely love how straightforward these ingredients are—their simplicity is what really lets each element shine. Every addition has a job: juicy beef for richness, cheddar for creaminess, dill pickles for tang, all coming together in a pillowy sweet roll. Here’s what brings these Easy Pickle and Cheddar Grilled Ground Beef Sliders to life:

  • Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Their trademark sweetness balances the savory, smoky flavors and makes each slider irresistibly soft.
  • Ground Beef (15–20% fat): Use ground chuck for ultimate juiciness—a little extra fat is key for ultra-moist burgers.
  • Lawry’s Seasoned Salt & Cracked Pepper: Adds savory depth without overpowering the classic burger taste.
  • Good Olive Oil: Helps lock in moisture and richness for a tender bite every time.
  • Red Onion (finely diced): Brings sharp crunch and vivid color that pop with every mouthful.
  • Fresh Minced Garlic: Gives the patties a punchy, aromatic flavor that’s noticeable but not overwhelming.
  • Smoky Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: These seasonings weave in gentle smoke and savory layers, making each slider taste special.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep, meaty umami and a perfectly subtle tang.
  • Olive Oil Spray: Keeps your grill grates nonstick and helps achieve that signature caramelized crust.
  • Cheddar Cheese Slices: Melty, sharp cheddar amps up the creamy factor—it’s not a slider without gooey cheese!
  • Dill Pickle Slices: Crisp, tangy pickles brighten the whole ensemble and deliver that craveable “snap.”
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The beauty of Easy Pickle and Cheddar Grilled Ground Beef Sliders is how easily you can riff on the basics! Don’t hesitate to personalize this recipe for your family’s tastes, a special occasion, or to accommodate dietary needs. Here are some fun ways to mix things up:

  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add thin slices of fresh jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the patties or atop each finished slider for some fiery flair.
  • Mini Turkey or Chicken Sliders: Swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter—but still juicy—alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps for a lower-carb, gluten-free treat.
  • Smoked Cheese Swap: Try smoked gouda or pepper jack in place of cheddar for a fun twist in flavor and gooeyness.

How to Make Easy Pickle and Cheddar Grilled Ground Beef Sliders

Step 1: Prep the Grill and Ground Beef

Start by heating up your grill so it’s sizzling hot and ready for action. In a medium mixing bowl, add the ground beef, then sprinkle in the smoky paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, and cracked pepper. Drizzle olive oil and Worcestershire sauce right over the top, followed by your freshly diced red onion and minced garlic. This layering guarantees every bite will be deeply seasoned and aromatic.

Step 2: Mix and Shape the Patties

Using your hands, dive in and gently combine all ingredients until just mixed. Be careful not to overwork the beef—just enough to make sure the seasonings and aromatics are evenly spread. Take a 3-inch ring mold (if you have one) and start forming your slider patties, using enough beef to fill the mold about three-quarters of the way. Press gently for evenness, then arrange the patties on a lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Chill for Easy Handling

Once all your patties are shaped, cover the tray with plastic wrap or foil and let them chill in the fridge for a bit—this keeps them firm, easy to grill, and helps the flavors meld. (You can even do this the night before if meal prep is your jam!)

Step 4: Grill the Patties

Spray your pre-heated grill or grill pan with olive oil spray, and place the patties over medium-high heat. Grill each side for about four minutes, flipping once for gorgeous grill marks and that crave-worthy sear. Try not to press the patties down—a juicy slider is a happy slider!

Step 5: Add Cheese and Keep Warm

As soon as those beefy beauties finish grilling, transfer them to a platter and immediately top each one with a slice of cheddar cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese into a luscious blanket. Cover everything loosely with foil to keep warm as you prep the rolls and toppings.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Slice the Hawaiian sweet rolls in half and schmear the inside with your choice of mayo, mustard, ketchup, or whatever your burger-loving heart desires. Place a cheesy beef patty on each roll’s bottom half, top with plenty of crisp dill pickles, then crown with the top roll. For extra flair, skewer a pickle slice on top. Enjoy while fresh and warm!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Pickle and Cheddar Grilled Ground Beef Sliders

  • Ring Mold Perfection: If you want perfectly shaped sliders that fit the rolls every time, use a 3-inch ring mold, pressing just firmly enough for the right thickness.
  • Don’t Overwork the Beef: Mix just until combined to keep your patties tender—over-mixing makes them dense and tough.
  • Cheese Timing Matters: Always add cheese immediately after grilling while the patties are piping hot—this guarantees that melt-in-your-mouth finish.
  • Pickle on Top Trick: Use extra dill pickle slices skewered on top for a fun visual pop and even more irresistible tang in every bite.

How to Serve Easy Pickle and Cheddar Grilled Ground Beef Sliders

Air Fryer Falafel Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For that “wow” factor, top each slider with a dill pickle slice skewered through the bun—simple but absolutely adorable! A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a thin slice of red onion can also add a little pop of color and extra crunch.

Side Dishes

Serve your Easy Pickle and Cheddar Grilled Ground Beef Sliders alongside crispy shoestring fries, a bright summer slaw, or crunchy kettle chips. For gatherings, I love tossing in a bowl of fresh fruit or a tangy three-bean salad to keep things light and festive.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange sliders on a big platter with each one skewered individually. Or, set up a DIY slider bar with optional toppings and condiments, letting everyone customize their own burger masterpiece—kids and adults both go wild for this!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which honestly, rarely happens!), store any uneaten slider patties tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the rolls and pickles separate for best texture when reheating.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the cooked beef patties—just cool them off completely, then wrap well and stash them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months. Freeze without cheese for best results; add fresh cheddar when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen sliders overnight in the fridge if possible. Warm patties on a skillet or in the oven at 350°F until heated through, then add cheese and cover for a minute to melt. Reassemble the sliders on fresh rolls with crisp pickles and dig in!

FAQs

  1. Can I make Easy Pickle and Cheddar Grilled Ground Beef Sliders ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can prep and shape the slider patties up to a day in advance and store them covered in the fridge. When it’s grill time, just fire them up and finish as directed for maximum freshness and flavor.

  2. What’s the best way to keep sliders warm for a party?

    After grilling and topping with cheese, keep sliders warm by covering with foil or placing them in a low oven (about 200°F) until ready to serve. Assemble right before eating to keep the rolls soft and fresh.

  3. Can I cook these sliders indoors if I don’t have a grill?

    Definitely! Use a grill pan or cast iron skillet on the stovetop to sear the patties—just be sure to spray with nonstick spray, and watch for that beautiful caramelization. You’ll still get delicious results without an outdoor grill.

  4. What other cheeses would work for Easy Pickle and Cheddar Grilled Ground Beef Sliders?

    Feel free to experiment! Smoked gouda, pepper jack, or Swiss are all fabulous on these sliders. Choose something that melts well and pairs with the tangy pickles for best results.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you’ll give these Easy Pickle and Cheddar Grilled Ground Beef Sliders a spot on your next menu—they’re bursting with flavor and built for sharing, whether it’s a casual backyard dinner or a lively celebration. Gather your favorite people, fire up the grill, and prepare to savor every bite. Enjoy!

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Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

Air Fryer Falafel Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 74 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 12 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 sliders 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Non-vegetarian

Description

These Easy Pickle and Cheddar Grilled Ground Beef Sliders are perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Juicy ground beef patties seasoned to perfection, topped with melty cheddar cheese, and served on soft Hawaiian rolls with a tangy pickle slice.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Burger Patties:

  • 1 pack Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
  • 1.25 lb Ground Beef – 15% – 20% ground chuck
  • 1 tsp Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
  • 1 tsp Cracked Pepper
  • 1 tsp Good Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion – fine dice / small dice
  • 1 tbsp Garlic – fresh minced
  • 1 tsp Smoky Paprika
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • Olive Oil Spray – or your favorite non-stick cooking spray to grease the grill grate
  • 8 slices Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 jar Dill Pickle Slices or dill pickle halves – if using whole halves, slice into thin pieces and use to garnish your sliders

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ground Beef: Pre-heat your grill and transfer your ground beef to a medium bowl.
  2. Season and Mix: Sprinkle the seasonings into the bowl with the ground beef. Drizzle in olive oil and Worcestershire sauce. Add in the diced onion and minced garlic. Combine all ingredients well.
  3. Form Patties: Use a ring mold to shape the ground beef mixture into patties. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Grill: Grill the patties over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes on each side.
  5. Add Cheese: Top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese while hot.
  6. Assemble Sliders: Place the patties on Hawaiian rolls, add pickle slices, and cover with the top bun.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slider
  • Calories: 241 kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 1226mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

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