Cheddar Jalapeño Slider Bliss

Name: Cheddar Jalapeño Slider Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated; 2 fresh jalapeños, diced; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 12 slider buns; Butter for toasting the buns

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love whipping up Cheddar Jalapeño Sliders for gatherings or a cozy night in. The combination of gooey sharp cheddar and spicy jalapeños nestled in perfectly sized slider buns makes for an irresistible bite. Each slider brings a delightful balance of flavors that keeps everyone coming back for more. I often pair them with a homemade dipping sauce for a little extra zing. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a staple at your events.

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-01-06T21:22:30.457Z

When I first tried making slider versions of my favorite jalapeño cheese dip, I was blown away by how simple yet delicious they turned out. I grilled the sliders just right to ensure they were crispy on the outside while the cheese melted perfectly inside. A little trip to my local farmer's market for fresh jalapeños brought the flavor to life, and now I can't imagine serving any other slider at gatherings.

One tip I swear by is to mix the jalapeños into the cheese while it’s still warm, ensuring that the spiciness is evenly distributed. Trust me, this method infuses each slider with just the right amount of heat. Plus, I love serving them with a side of tangy pickles to complement the rich cheese flavor.

        Why You'll Love These Sliders
        The creamy cheese combined with a spicy kick from fresh jalapeños
Perfectly sized for a quick appetizer or a satisfying meal
Great for entertaining or a fun family dinner

      

Essential Ingredients and Their Impact

The choice of ground beef in these sliders significantly impacts their flavor and texture. I recommend using an 80/20 blend of lean to fat ratio, as it provides just the right amount of juiciness without being greasy. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey can work well, but consider adding a touch of olive oil to maintain moisture, as it tends to dry out more quickly during cooking.

The use of sharp cheddar cheese not only provides a rich and tangy flavor but also melts beautifully, creating that gooey texture that pairs perfectly with the spicy jalapeños. If you're looking for an alternative, pepper jack cheese is an excellent substitute and adds an extra layer of heat that complements the jalapeños wonderfully.

Mastering the Cooking Process

When forming the patties, be sure not to overwork the meat mixture, as this can lead to tough sliders. Shape them gently and make a small indentation in the center of each patty before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up. The indentation should be about a half-inch wide, which ensures they remain flat during grilling.

Cooking time is key to achieving the perfect slider. For medium doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F. If you prefer your sliders well-done, continue cooking until they reach 170°F. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, ensuring that each slider is cooked perfectly without any guesswork.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Cheddar Jalapeño Sliders

For the Sliders

1 pound ground beef
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
2 fresh jalapeños, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
12 slider buns
Butter for toasting the buns

You can adjust the number of jalapeños according to your heat preference!

Instructions

Instructions for Cooking Cheddar Jalapeño Sliders

Prepare the Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated cheddar, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are blended.

Form the Patties

Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and shape them into small patties.

Cook the Sliders

Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 5 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired doneness.

Toast the Buns

While the sliders are cooking, butter the slider buns and toast them on the grill until golden brown.

Assemble and Serve

Place each slider patty on a bun and serve warm. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!

Feel free to customize your sliders with additional toppings like avocado or spicy mayo!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor punch, try adding cooked bacon bits to the mixture. It’s also great to serve these sliders with a side of coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These Cheddar Jalapeño Sliders are perfect for meal prep. You can form the patties ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. If you wish to store them longer, freeze the uncooked patties between sheets of parchment paper, then place them in a freezer bag for up to three months. Just remember to adjust cooking times when using frozen patties; they may need an additional minute per side.

Leftover cooked sliders can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This method keeps the sliders from drying out, unlike microwaving, which can lead to a chewy texture.

Serving Suggestions and Dipping Sauce Ideas

For a fun twist, consider setting up a slider bar with toppings like avocado, fresh salsa, or even crispy bacon to add more dimensions to your sliders. Each guest can customize their slider, making it a hit at any gathering. You could also serve them with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh salad to complement the richness of the sliders.

A homemade dipping sauce can elevate your sliders even further. A simple mix of sour cream, lime juice, and chopped cilantro creates a zesty dip that balances the heat of the jalapeños. Alternatively, a smoky chipotle mayo adds a rich creaminess with a kick. These sauces only take a few minutes to whip up and can be served on the side for added flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey or even black beans for a vegetarian option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the slider patties?

Absolutely! Freeze the uncooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for future use.