Mini Big Mac Cheeseburgers

These mini Big Mac cheeseburgers bring the iconic fastfood flavor into a homemade, bitesized treat that’s perfect for any casual dinner, party, or game day. They capture the familiar taste of a classic Big Mac with seasoned beef, melted American cheese, pickles, crisp shredded lettuce, and that creamy Thousand Island dressing—all layered on soft, buttery dinner rolls sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. This recipe is a crowd pleaser and simple enough to make ahead or whip up quickly.

I first made these at a neighborhood block party and ended up sharing the recipe with three neighbors on napkins. Since then, they have become a staple at family get togethers and game day celebrations.

Ingredients

• Dinner rolls: Choose connected packs of six for easy slicing and stacking
• Ground beef: Use 85 percent lean for a great balance of flavor and juiciness without excess grease
• Small yellow onion: Minced finely for sweetness and a subtle aromatic base
• Kraft American cheese: Slices melt perfectly to deliver that nostalgic Big Mac taste
• Shredded lettuce: Adds freshness, crunch, and vibrant color
• Hamburger dill pickles: Opt for thin slices so they layer easily without overpowering
• Thousand Island dressing: Essential for the iconic tangy and creamy flavor
• Eggs: Help bind the beef mixture and keep patties moist
• Toasted sesame seeds: For authentic Big Mac look and added texture
• Butter: Melted to brush on buns for shine and richness
• Salt: Enhances the beef’s natural flavor
• Garlic powder: Adds a gentle savory note without overwhelming
• Black pepper: Provides a subtle hint of heat
• Minced onion: Incorporated into meat to boost Big Mac flavor and texture

Instructions

Mix the Meat:

Combine ground beef with minced onion, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and egg in a mixing bowl. Stir gently just until everything is blended, taking care not to overwork the meat so the patties stay tender after baking.

Shape and Bake:

Divide the meat mixture into two equal portions. Press each portion into a thin, even rectangle slightly larger than the bottom of six dinner rolls stacked side by side. Put them on a baking sheet and sprinkle extra minced onion on top if you like more onion flavor. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about twelve minutes until the meat is fully cooked but still juicy inside.

Prep the Rolls:

While the meat cooks, carefully slice the dinner rolls in half horizontally to create tops and bottoms. Leave the sets of six connected for easier handling during assembly.

Add the Sauce:

Spoon Thousand Island dressing evenly onto the bottom halves of each roll set. Spread it using the back of a spoon to cover all the surfaces where the meat will rest.

Build the Base Layer:

Use a paper towel to blot any excess grease from the baked patties to keep the buns from getting soggy. Place each patty evenly onto the dressed roll bottoms. Add a little more dressing over the cooked meat to boost flavor intensity.

Melt the Cheese:

Place slices of Kraft American cheese across the patties. Return the baking sheet to the oven for one to two minutes, just enough for the cheese to melt fully and become deliciously gooey.

Finish the Layers:

Top each patty with minced onion, pickle slices, and a generous handful of shredded lettuce. Close each mini with the roll tops to complete the stack.

Garnish and Serve:

Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds generously. Cut along the connections to separate individual sliders and serve them warm for best taste.

My favorite element of this recipe is the melted cheese that adds a gooey, rich layer to every bite. Once, my nephew ate four of these mini burgers at a family gathering and wanted more the next day. They have a way of disappearing quickly because of how addictive they are.

Storage Tips

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to keep freshness. Reheat them gently in a low oven to avoid soggy buns. When preparing in advance, keep cooked patties and buns separate, assembling just before serving to maintain texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey can replace beef if you prefer a leaner option. Season it well to keep flavor. Swap Kraft American slices with cheddar or provolone for a different cheesy experience that melts well too. Add spicy pickles or jalapeños if you want a little heat in your burgers.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect alongside baked fries or crispy onion rings for a classic combo. A simple coleslaw pairs nicely to add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich sliders. Serve these at football parties, backyard BBQs, or whenever you want a fun homemade twist on a fast food favorite.

These mini Big Mac cheeseburgers are best served warm and fresh. They make a fun, nostalgic party food that disappears quickly.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ What kind of ground beef is best?

Use 85% lean ground beef for balanced flavor and moisture without excess grease.

→ Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative; adjust seasoning and cooking time accordingly.

→ What cheese works best for melting?

Kraft American singles melt smoothly and provide that classic fast-food flavor, but other melty cheeses can be used.

→ How can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can prep the meat and toppings in advance, then reheat and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.

→ Is it possible to freeze these burgers?

Fully assembled mini burgers don’t freeze well; freeze cooked patties separately and assemble fresh before serving.

→ How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?

Blot excess grease from patties after baking and brush buns with melted butter to preserve texture and add richness.