How I Make These Irresistible Triple Cheese Smashburger Sliders at Home

Name: How I Make These Irresistible Triple Cheese Smashburger Sliders at Home
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 3-4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (I use 80/20 for the perfect fat-to-flavor balance); 1 tsp garlic powder; 2 tbsp butter; 4 slider buns; 4 slices cheddar cheese; 4 slices mozzarella cheese; 4 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions

March 20, 2025

Recipes

If there’s one recipe I turn to when I need to feed a group (or just seriously indulge), it’s these ooey-gooey triple cheese smashburger sliders. They’re crispy on the edges, juicy in the middle, and loaded with melty layers of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Whether it’s game day, a backyard cookout, or just a Saturday night craving, these sliders always deliver.

What I love most is that they come together fast and don’t require anything fancy. The secret is in the smash — pressing the beef onto a hot griddle so it caramelizes and crisps up perfectly. Then, I load them with cheese until they’re dripping with flavor. Let me show you exactly how I make them and why they’ve become a favorite in my house.

Why These Sliders Work

I’ve made plenty of sliders in my day, but this recipe has that perfect balance of crispy, juicy, and cheesy that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Here’s why they work so well:

The smash method creates crispy edges: Pressing the beef into the hot skillet gives you a beautiful crust without drying out the meat.
Three kinds of cheese: Cheddar for sharpness, mozzarella for stretch and creaminess, and Parmesan for that salty, nutty finish.
Buttered, toasted buns: The melted butter and slight toast take these sliders from good to irresistible.
Simple seasoning: Just salt, pepper, and garlic powder — the beef and cheese shine without being overcomplicated.
Quick and easy: Start to finish in under 20 minutes, with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe makes 6 sliders — perfect for a small gathering or a fun family dinner.

(Serves 3-4 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes)

1 lb ground beef (I use 80/20 for the perfect fat-to-flavor balance)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
6 slider buns
4 slices cheddar cheese
4 slices mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter, melted

How I Make These Triple Cheese Smashburger Sliders (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat the Cooking Surface

I preheat a cast-iron skillet or flat griddle over high heat. It needs to be screaming hot so the beef gets that perfect crust when smashed.

2. Form and Season the Beef

I divide the ground beef into six equal portions and roll each into a loose ball. No need to overwork them — the less handling, the better the texture. Then, I season each ball with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on all sides.

3. Smash and Sear

Once the skillet is hot, I place the beef balls down and immediately press them flat with a sturdy spatula or burger press. I hold the press for a few seconds to make sure they really flatten and develop a crust. I cook each patty for about 2 minutes on the first side.

4. Flip and Add Cheese

After flipping, I place half a slice of cheddar and half a slice of mozzarella on each patty, letting it melt while the second side cooks for another 2 minutes. The cheese starts to ooze down the sides, and that’s when I know they’re ready.

5. Toast the Buns

While the patties finish, I brush the slider buns with melted butter and toast them lightly on the griddle until golden.

6. Assemble and Finish with Parmesan

I place each cheesy smashburger patty on the bottom bun, then sprinkle a generous pinch of shredded Parmesan over the hot cheese so it melts slightly. I top them with the buttered bun tops and serve immediately.

My Favorite Tips for the Best Sliders

Don’t overwork the beef: Loose, tender beef makes juicier smashburgers.
Use a metal spatula: The thinner and sturdier, the better for pressing and flipping.
Let the cheese drip: Don’t be shy with the cheese — let it melt and drip down the sides for that ooey-gooey effect.
Serve with dipping sauces: These sliders are amazing with spicy ketchup, garlic aioli, or BBQ sauce on the side.

What I Serve With These Sliders

These sliders are rich and cheesy, so I like to balance them out with:

Crispy fries or sweet potato fries
A simple coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing
Pickles or pickled onions for some tang
An ice-cold soda or a crisp beer to wash it all down

FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: I don’t recommend cooking them ahead — smashburgers are best fresh. But you can form and season the beef balls ahead and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Q: What’s the best beef to use?
A: I always go for 80/20 ground beef. It has enough fat to stay juicy and flavorful without being greasy.

Q: Can I add toppings?
A: Definitely! Sliced pickles, grilled onions, or a little crispy bacon make these sliders even more indulgent.

Q: Can I make these on a grill?
A: Yes! I use a flat griddle or cast-iron pan on my grill and follow the same process for that smoky, grilled flavor.

Why You Need to Try These Sliders

There’s just something satisfying about biting into a slider with crispy edges, layers of gooey cheese, and buttery toasted buns. These triple cheese smashburger sliders are simple to make, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a weekend treat or part of a fun dinner spread, they never disappoint.

If you make these sliders, I’d love to hear how they turn out! Did you add your own twist? Maybe you found a new cheese combo I need to try? Let me know — I’m always looking for more cheesy inspiration.