These aren’t your average sliders! Our Jalapeño Cheddar Cream Stuffed Cheeseburger Sliders are packed with flavor, featuring juicy, perfectly seasoned beef patties bursting with a creamy, spicy jalapeño cheddar filling. Topped with sweet caramelized onions, a zesty lime mayo, and fresh cilantro, these mini burgers are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family meal. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create these incredible sliders!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 500g (1.1lb) Ground Beef (80% Lean): We recommend 80% lean ground beef for optimal flavor and juiciness. The fat content helps keep the patties tender and prevents them from drying out during cooking.
- 12 Mini Hamburger Buns: Choose your favorite mini hamburger buns! Brioche buns add a touch of sweetness, while potato rolls offer a soft and fluffy texture.
- 150g (5.3oz) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Grated: Sharp cheddar provides a bold, tangy flavor that complements the jalapeños beautifully. Pre-grated cheese is convenient, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
- 2 Fresh Jalapeños, Seeded and Minced: Jalapeños bring the heat! Removing the seeds reduces the spiciness, but feel free to leave some in if you prefer a more intense kick. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling jalapeños.
- 100ml (3.4fl oz) Heavy Cream: Heavy cream creates a rich and luxurious texture for the jalapeño cheddar filling. It helps the cheese melt smoothly and adds a delightful creaminess.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Unsalted Butter (plus extra for caramelizing onions): Butter adds richness and flavor to both the jalapeño cheddar cream and the caramelized onions. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level.
- 1 tsp (5ml) Olive Oil (for cooking the patties): Olive oil has a higher smoke point than butter, making it ideal for searing the beef patties.
- 1 Small Red Onion, Thinly Sliced: Red onions offer a slightly sweeter and milder flavor than yellow onions, making them perfect for caramelizing.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness and helps the onions caramelize beautifully, creating a deep, rich flavor.
- 1 tsp (5ml) Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth of flavor to the caramelized onions, enhancing their overall complexity.
- 1 tsp (5ml) Salt, plus more to taste: Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust the amount to your preference.
- ½ tsp (2.5ml) Ground Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle spice and complexity to the patties and filling.
- 2 tbsp (30ml) Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise provides a creamy base for the lime mayo, adding richness and flavor.
- 1 tsp (5ml) Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens up the mayonnaise, adding a zesty and refreshing flavor.
- Handful of Fresh Cilantro Leaves, Roughly Chopped: Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the spicy and savory flavors of the sliders.
- Optional: Thin Pickle Slices for Extra Crunch: Pickle slices add a tangy crunch that provides a delightful contrast to the richness of the sliders.
Ingredient Substitutions
Don’t have everything on hand? Here are a few simple substitutions:
- Ground Beef: You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option.
- Sharp Cheddar: Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Colby Jack cheese would all work well.
- Jalapeños: If you’re sensitive to heat, use poblano peppers or omit them altogether.
- Heavy Cream: Half-and-half can be used, but the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy.
- Cilantro: Parsley can be used as a substitute, though it will have a different flavor profile.
Crafting the Perfect Slider: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Jalapeño Cheddar Cream: In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over low heat. Add the grated cheddar cheese, minced jalapeños, heavy cream, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and the cheese is fully melted. Keep this warm – it’s the heart of our sliders!
- Form the Beef Patties: Divide the ground beef into 24 equal portions, aiming for approximately 20g (0.7oz) per portion. Gently shape each portion into a thin, round disc about 8cm (3 inches) in diameter. Avoid overworking the meat to keep the patties tender.
- Stuff the Patties: This is where the magic happens! Place a teaspoon of the warm jalapeño cheddar cream in the center of 12 of the beef discs. Carefully top each with another disc, and firmly pinch the edges together to completely seal the creamy filling inside. You should now have 12 beautifully stuffed patties.
- Cook the Stuffed Patties: Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the stuffed patties in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until they are nicely browned and the internal temperature reaches 71°C (160°F). Transfer the cooked patties to a plate and keep them warm.
- Caramelize the Red Onions: While the patties are cooking, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onion, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, deeply caramelized, and have a glossy sheen. This slow caramelization process develops incredible sweetness and depth of flavor. Set aside.
- Toast the Buns: Split the mini hamburger buns in half. Lightly brush the cut sides with melted butter. Place the buns cut-side-down in the empty skillet (the same one you used for the patties) and toast for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. This adds texture and prevents the buns from becoming soggy.
- Prepare the Lime Mayo: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise with lime juice and a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth and creamy. This brightens up the sliders with a zesty kick.
- Assemble the Sliders: Now for the fun part! Spread a thin layer of the lime mayo on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add a stuffed beef patty, a generous spoonful of the caramelized onions, a few fresh cilantro leaves, and an optional pickle slice for extra crunch. Top with the other half of the bun.
- Plate and Garnish: Arrange the sliders on a rustic wooden board or a dark-colored plate for visual appeal. Drizzle any remaining lime mayo in a decorative line across the plate. Scatter extra cilantro leaves around the sliders and place a small mound of the caramelized onion jam beside them for added contrast.
Why Stuffed Sliders? The Flavor Explosion
The beauty of these Jalapeño Cheddar Cream Stuffed Cheeseburger Sliders lies in the unexpected burst of flavor with every bite. Stuffing the patties isn’t just about novelty; it ensures that the creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness is perfectly distributed throughout the burger. The heat from the jalapeños is beautifully balanced by the rich cheddar and the cooling cream, creating a harmonious flavor profile. The caramelised onions add a sweet and savoury element that complements the beef and the stuffing perfectly.
The Secret to Tender Patties: Gentle Handling
One of the most common mistakes when making burgers is overworking the meat. Overmixing develops the gluten in the beef, resulting in tough, dense patties. The key to tender sliders is to handle the ground beef as little as possible. Gently divide and shape the patties, and avoid compressing them too much. This will ensure a light and juicy texture.
Elevating with Caramelized Onions: A Flavor Foundation
Don’t underestimate the power of properly caramelized onions! This isn’t a quick sauté; it’s a slow, patient process that transforms humble onions into a sweet, savory, and deeply flavorful jam. The brown sugar and smoked paprika add layers of complexity that elevate the entire slider experience. The slow cooking process breaks down the sugars in the onions, creating a rich, umami-packed flavor that complements the beef and cheese beautifully.
Spice Level Adjustment: Tailoring the Heat
The amount of jalapeño you use is entirely up to your preference! If you’re sensitive to spice, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños completely, or use only one jalapeño. For a bolder kick, leave some of the seeds in, or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheddar cream. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can’t easily take it away!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
You can prepare the jalapeño cheddar cream and caramelize the onions a day in advance. However, it’s best to assemble and cook the sliders just before serving for optimal freshness and texture.
What if I don’t have mini buns?
Regular hamburger buns can be used, but you may need to adjust the size of the patties accordingly. Slider buns provide the perfect ratio of bun to filling.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses would work well. Cheddar provides a classic flavor, but feel free to experiment.
Slider Satisfaction: A Perfect Bite
These Jalapeño Cheddar Cream Stuffed Cheeseburger Sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! The combination of juicy beef, creamy, spicy cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a zesty lime mayo is simply irresistible. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest so you can easily make them again and again!
Print
Jalapeño Cheddar Cream Stuffed Cheeseburger Sliders
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: General
Description
These Jalapeño Cheddar Cream Stuffed Cheeseburger Sliders are packed with flavor, featuring juicy beef patties with a creamy, spicy jalapeño cheddar filling. Topped with caramelized onions and zesty lime mayo, they’re perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 500g (1.1lb) Ground Beef (80% Lean)
- 12 Mini Hamburger Buns
- 150g (5.3oz) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Grated
- 2 Fresh Jalapeños, Seeded and Minced
- 100ml (3.4fl oz) Heavy Cream
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Unsalted Butter (plus extra for buns)
- 1 tsp (5ml) Olive Oil
- 1 Small Red Onion, Thinly Sliced
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp (5ml) Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp (5ml) Salt
- ½ tsp (2.5ml) Ground Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp (30ml) Mayonnaise
- 1 tsp (5ml) Fresh Lime Juice
- Handful of Fresh Cilantro Leaves, Roughly Chopped
- Optional: Pickle Slices
Instructions
- Prepare Cheddar Cream: Melt butter, add cheddar, jalapeños, cream, salt, and pepper; stir until smooth.
- Form Beef Patties: Divide beef into 24 portions, shape into thin discs.
- Stuff Patties: Add cream to 12 patties, top with another, and seal edges.
- Cook Patties: Sear patties in olive oil for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Caramelize Onions: Sauté onions with butter, sugar, paprika, and salt for 10-12 minutes.
- Toast Buns: Brush buns with butter and toast cut-side-down.
- Make Lime Mayo: Combine mayonnaise and lime juice.
- Assemble Sliders: Spread mayo on buns, add patty, onions, cilantro, and pickles.
Notes
For optimal flavor, use 80% lean ground beef and freshly grated cheddar. Don’t overwork the beef when forming patties to keep them tender.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 sliders
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
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