The beloved flavors of a classic Big Mac get a bite-sized makeover in these irresistible Big Mac Sliders. Perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying that fast-food craving at home, these sliders are layered with seasoned beef, melted cheddar, crunchy pickles, and crisp lettuce, all nestled in soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls and baked to golden perfection.
Not only are they easy to prepare, but they’re also a fun and flavorful option for parties, game days, or quick family dinners. The drizzle of special sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds bring nostalgic charm to every bite. Say goodbye to the drive-thru and hello to this homemade favorite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
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1 lb ground beef
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 cup diced onions
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1 cup shredded lettuce
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup sliced dill pickles
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1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing (or homemade Big Mac sauce)
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2 tablespoons butter, melted
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1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Add diced onions to the beef and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
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Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected.
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Place the bottom half of the rolls in a baking dish.
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Evenly spread the cooked beef mixture over the roll bottoms.
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Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef.
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Add shredded lettuce and sliced pickles evenly over the cheese.
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Drizzle Thousand Island dressing (or Big Mac sauce) on top.
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Place the top half of the rolls over the fillings.
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Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle sesame seeds over them.
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Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until tops are golden brown.
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Remove from oven, slice into individual sliders, and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 325 kcal | Servings: 12 sliders
Big Mac Sliders: Bite-Sized Burgers with Big-Time Flavor
If you’ve ever wished for the bold, tangy, crave-worthy flavors of a Big Mac without the drive-thru line, or maybe in a more shareable, party-friendly format, Big Mac Sliders are your perfect answer. These mini burgers take the familiar fast-food favorite and reimagine it as oven-baked sliders layered on soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls, complete with melted cheese, lettuce, pickles, and a rich, creamy “special sauce.”
Whether you’re planning a game-day party, a backyard BBQ, or simply need a quick dinner option the whole family will love, these sliders bring fun, flavor, and familiarity to any table.
A Miniature Spin on a Fast-Food Classic
The original Big Mac, introduced by McDonald’s in 1967, quickly became an American icon thanks to its double beef patties, pickles, cheese, onions, shredded lettuce, sesame seed bun, and that unmistakable special sauce. What makes this slider version so appealing is how it captures all those nostalgic flavors in a smaller, more versatile format.
Big Mac Sliders are built for sharing and entertaining, yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner. By using ground beef instead of burger patties, and Hawaiian rolls instead of traditional buns, you speed up the prep time and make assembly a breeze. Once baked, the rolls are golden on top, soft in the middle, and absolutely loaded with juicy, cheesy, tangy flavor in every bite.
What Makes Big Mac Sliders So Irresistible?
Let’s break down why this recipe is such a fan favorite and why it should be in your regular meal rotation.
1. Comfort Meets Convenience
These sliders have all the savory comfort of a cheeseburger, with none of the hassle of grilling individual patties. Everything is cooked and assembled in layers, which means less time cooking, more time enjoying. And the oven does most of the work.
2. That Signature Flavor
The ground beef is simply seasoned, letting the tang of pickles, the crunch of lettuce, the richness of cheddar, and the signature sauce do the heavy lifting. It’s the perfect balance of savory, creamy, tangy, and fresh.
3. Easy to Scale Up or Down
Whether you’re feeding four people or a party of 20, this recipe scales beautifully. You can make one batch with a 12-count roll pack or line up multiple packs on a sheet pan for large gatherings.
4. Kid-Friendly & Adult-Approved
Let’s face it: not every meal is a winner with everyone at the table. But Big Mac Sliders check all the boxes, cheese, beef, sauce, soft bread. Even picky eaters are on board. And grown-ups love the nostalgic factor and bold flavor.
Making It Your Own
The classic version of these sliders mirrors the traditional Big Mac, but once you’ve mastered the basics, there are so many ways to personalize this dish. Here are some of the most popular customizations:
Add Heat
Love a little spice? Add sliced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or a drizzle of hot sauce to bring the heat.
Go Gourmet
Swap cheddar for smoked gouda or Swiss cheese. Use caramelized onions instead of raw. Add a slice of tomato or avocado for an upscale twist.
Make It Meatless
Vegetarian? No problem. Use plant-based ground meat alternatives and make your own vegan Big Mac sauce using dairy-free mayo.
Keep It Low-Carb
Cut carbs by using lettuce wraps instead of rolls, or use keto-friendly buns. Swap out the sugar-heavy sauces for your own healthier homemade versions.
Build a Slider Bar
Hosting a party? Let your guests build their own Big Mac sliders by setting out toppings like bacon, different sauces, lettuce types, onions, and cheeses.
Pro Tips for Perfect Sliders
Want to take your Big Mac Sliders from good to unforgettable? Here are a few expert tips:
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Pre-toast the bottom buns if you’re concerned about sogginess. A few minutes in the oven helps.
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Drain the beef well after browning. This prevents greasy sliders and helps keep the bread from absorbing too much fat.
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Add lettuce after baking if you want it fresh and crisp. Baking softens it, which some people prefer, but you can also add it fresh at the end.
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Use a serrated knife to cleanly cut the sliders into individual portions.
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Don’t skip the butter + sesame topping! It brings the flavor and looks of a true Big Mac bun to the dish.
What to Serve with Big Mac Sliders
These sliders can be a meal on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:
Classic Sides
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French fries or sweet potato fries
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Potato chips
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Tater tots
Fresh Options
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Coleslaw
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Cucumber salad
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Grilled corn on the cob
Party Favorites
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Macaroni & cheese
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Baked beans
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Mozzarella sticks
And if you’re feeling nostalgic, serve with a milkshake for the ultimate diner-style experience.
Storage & Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), they keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To store:
Place sliders in an airtight container or wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
To reheat:
Wrap individual sliders in foil and place in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This keeps the bread soft and the beef moist.
Avoid the microwave, if possible, it can make the bread rubbery.
Nutritional Notes
These sliders are rich, savory, and indulgent. While not a “health food,” they’re easy to modify. For a lighter version:
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Use lean ground beef (or turkey)
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Use low-fat cheese
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Cut the sauce with Greek yogurt
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Skip the top bun and serve open-faced
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Add more lettuce or veggies inside
The Origins of the Big Mac & Its Cultural Impact
The Big Mac was created in 1967 by Jim Delligatti, a McDonald’s franchise in Pennsylvania. Designed as a more filling alternative to standard burgers, it soon featured its signature double-decker structure and iconic “special sauce.” It became so synonymous with the brand that it inspired slogans, songs, and countless copycats.
Today, that same flavor combination continues to resonate with generations of food lovers. The rise of “copycat” recipes in the home kitchen scene lets anyone recreate fast food favorites with their own twist. These sliders are just one example of how accessible and fun home cooking can elevate even the most familiar flavors.
Conclusion
Big Mac Sliders are the best of both worlds, comforting and crave-worthy like your favorite fast-food burger, yet made fresh and customizable right in your own kitchen. They’re ideal for entertaining, quick dinners, or indulging in a nostalgic treat. Simple to make and bursting with familiar flavor, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit wherever you serve them.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or feeding a crowd, Big Mac Sliders offer unbeatable flavor, flexibility, and fun in every single bite. Make a batch today and get ready to watch them disappear fast!