
These juicy burger sliders with garlic aioli are my favorite party food because they always disappear in minutes. Their tiny size is perfect for guests who want a taste of everything and the creamy garlic aioli gives every bite an irresistible kick. After making these for a family game night, even my picky uncle asked for the recipe and now brings them to every picnic.
When I first tested this recipe for a birthday party, I loved seeing how the sliders made it easy for everyone to mingle and eat at the same time
Ingredients
- Ground beef: with eighty percent lean and twenty percent fat delivers juicy results so ask your butcher for this ratio
- Salt and black pepper: seasons the beef while letting the meat’s flavor shine
- Garlic powder and onion powder: give the patties mouthwatering depth
- Worcestershire sauce: adds a hit of bold savoriness
- Slider buns: try to find brioche for the ultimate soft bite and slight sweetness
- Cheddar cheese (optional): for melted gooeyness pick real sharp cheddar if you can
- Baby arugula or fresh lettuce: adds peppery crunch and color
- Tomato: offers freshness select ripe and firm slices
- Red onion: for tang and bite slice very thin for best texture
- Mayonnaise: forms the base of the easy garlic aioli choose a full fat version for richness
- Fresh garlic: for big aioli flavor mince it finely
- Lemon juice: lifts and brightens the aioli
- Dijon mustard: deepens the sauce with subtle spice
- Fresh cracked salt and pepper: tie the aioli together adjust to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Aioli:
- Mix mayonnaise minced garlic lemon juice Dijon mustard salt and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and creamy The flavor gets better if you chill it for at least ten minutes
- Make the Burger Patties:
- Combine ground beef salt black pepper garlic powder onion powder and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl Use your hands to gently mix until just combined Overmixing makes burgers dense
- Form the Patties:
- Divide the mixture into twelve equal parts Shape each into a small round patty Use your thumb to make a slight dip in the center of each patty This keeps them flat as they cook
- Cook the Sliders:
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium high Lay on the patties and cook for three to four minutes until browned Flip and if using cheese add it now Cover so it melts Cook the other side another three to four minutes
- Toast the Buns:
- Lightly butter the inside of each slider bun Grill or toast in a skillet until the cut sides are golden and crisp This keeps buns from getting soggy
- Assemble the Sliders:
- Spread garlic aioli on the bottom half of each bun Top with a patty arugula tomato and red onion Finish with the top bun
- Serve:
- Arrange sliders on a big platter Serve warm with any extra aioli and favorite sides like crispy fries or a bright salad

Out of all hamburger recipes this one stands out because of the garlic aioli It always brings my family to the kitchen as soon as they catch a whiff and we usually end up laughing over who can eat more sliders in one sitting
Storage Tips
Leftover cooked sliders keep in the fridge for up to three days Store buns separately to keep them soft and reheat patties in a covered skillet or microwave until hot If freezing uncooked patties wrap them individually and freeze up to two months Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking for best texture
Ingredient Substitutions
Turkey or chicken can swap in for beef if you want a lighter option Swap cheddar for Swiss or pepper jack for a spicier kick Gluten free slider buns are easy to find if guests need them The garlic aioli also works with vegan mayo if you want a dairy free version
Serving Suggestions
Serve sliders with homemade oven fries sweet potato chips or a classic coleslaw These also make a fun topping for salad bowls or pair well with roasted veggies For parties set all the toppings on a tray and let guests build their own sliders for a custom bite
Cultural Context
Sliders first gained popularity in the United States as a bar snack and now these mini burgers have become a staple at gatherings and casual dinners Their name comes from how easily they slide down the hatch and you can find endless creative variations at diners nationwide My family now makes these for every Super Bowl
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of beef works best for juicy sliders?
Use ground beef with an 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio to ensure the sliders remain moist and flavorful after cooking.
- → How do you keep burger patties from drying out?
Mix seasonings gently into the beef and avoid overworking the meat. Cook over medium-high heat to seal in juices.
- → Can I make garlic aioli ahead of time?
Yes, homemade garlic aioli can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, allowing flavors to develop more fully.
- → What buns work best for mini sliders?
Brioche slider buns are preferred for their soft texture and subtle sweetness, complementing the savory patties.
- → Are there cheese alternatives for the sliders?
While cheddar is classic, you can try Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
- → How do I serve sliders for a party?
Arrange sliders on a platter and offer with extra aioli or condiments. Pair with sides like fries or fresh salads.