Big Mac Sliders Recipe Easy

Introduction

Craving that iconic fast-food flavor without leaving home? This is the BEST Copycat Big Mac Sliders recipe, a perfect 30-minute party appetizer. These mini burgers pack all the signature Big Mac sauce, special sauce, and melty cheese into soft, irresistible sliders. For more easy copycat favorites, try this Cheesecake Factory Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe or this refreshing Orange Whip Recipe Like Disney World.

Copycat Big Mac Sliders Recipe image-2

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your own irresistible Copycat Big Mac Sliders Recipe, featuring juicy beef patties, melty cheese, and that iconic special sauce on soft, buttery buns.

  • 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls or other slider buns)
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • 9 slices American cheese
  • 24-30 dill pickle slices
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped white onion
  • 2/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Timing

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes

Context: This Copycat Big Mac Sliders Recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, which is about 20% faster than similar recipes that assemble each slider individually.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Sauce

Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. For the most authentic flavor, cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before assembling your Copycat Big Mac Sliders Recipe.

Step 2 — Cook the Beef

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Form 1 pound of 80/20 ground beef into 12 thin, equally-sized patties, seasoning both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Cook the patties for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F and are nicely browned.

Step 3 — Toast the Buns

While the beef cooks, split a 12-pack of Hawaiian sweet rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected. Lightly butter the cut sides and toast them in a separate skillet or under a broiler for 1–2 minutes until golden. This prevents sogginess and adds a crucial texture.

Step 4 — Assemble the Bottom Layer

Place the bottom half of the toasted rolls on your serving platter. Spread a generous layer of the special sauce over the entire surface. Top with 12 thin slices of American cheese, followed by the 12 cooked beef patties.

Step 5 — Add the Middle Bun & Toppings

This is the signature “middle bun” step. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of finely chopped white onion over the patties. Add a layer of shredded iceberg lettuce for crunch. Carefully place the top half of the rolls over the lettuce to create the middle layer.

Step 6 — Finish the Top Layer

Spread another layer of the copycat sauce on the newly placed middle buns. Add 3–4 dill pickle slices per slider, then top with the remaining 12 beef patties. Finish with the final 12 slices of American cheese.

Step 7 — Add the Top Bun & Serve

Place the buttered and toasted top bun crown over the entire assembly. For easy serving, use a sharp serrated knife to gently slice between the rolls. Serve these Copycat Big Mac Sliders immediately while warm and melty.

Copycat Big Mac Sliders Recipe image-3

Nutritional Information

Calories ~320 kcal
Protein ~18 g
Carbohydrates ~26 g
Fat ~16 g
Fiber ~2 g
Sodium ~680 mg

Note: These are estimates for one Copycat Big Mac Slider based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual values can vary with specific brands and preparation methods.

Healthier Alternatives

This Copycat Big Mac Sliders Recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some practical ingredient swaps to tailor it to different dietary needs without sacrificing that iconic flavor.

  • Lean Ground Turkey or Chicken — A lighter protein alternative that still provides a savory base, perfect for a lower-fat version of these sliders.
  • Lettuce Wraps or Low-Carb Buns — Swap the Hawaiian rolls for crisp butter lettuce leaves or a keto-friendly bun to significantly reduce the carbs.
  • Dairy-Free Cheese & Sauce — Use your favorite plant-based cheese shreds and a vegan mayo-based special sauce for a completely dairy-free experience.
  • Gluten-Free Rolls — The easiest swap to make this a gluten-free Copycat Big Mac Sliders Recipe; just ensure your Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free.
  • Low-Sodium Pickles & Cheese — Opt for low-sodium pickle slices and a reduced-sodium cheese to cut down on salt while maintaining crunch and creaminess.
  • Ground Beef & Pork Blend — For a richer, more complex flavor profile, try a 50/50 mix of ground beef and pork.
  • Greek Yogurt Special Sauce — Mix plain Greek yogurt with ketchup, mustard, and relish for a tangy, high-protein sauce with fewer calories.
  • Portobello Mushroom “Buns” — For a bold, plant-based twist, grill large portobello caps to use as hearty, umami-rich bun substitutes.

Serving Suggestions

  • For a classic fast-food experience, serve your Copycat Big Mac Sliders with a side of crispy French fries and a cold pickle spear.
  • Turn them into a party platter by arranging the sliders on a large board with bowls of extra special sauce, shredded lettuce, diced onions, and pickles for DIY assembly.
  • Pair with a lighter side like a simple green salad or creamy coleslaw to balance the rich, savory flavors.
  • Perfect for game day or casual gatherings, serve alongside other finger foods like onion rings, mozzarella sticks, or chicken wings.
  • For a fun family dinner, offer a “slider bar” with additional toppings like bacon, jalapeños, or different cheese slices so everyone can customize their own.
  • Serve on a classic red-and-white checkered paper tray or a diner-style basket for an authentic, nostalgic presentation.
  • These sliders are ideal for potlucks, picnics, and tailgates because they are easy to transport and eat with your hands.

No matter how you serve them, these Copycat Big Mac Sliders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, capturing the iconic taste in a perfectly shareable size.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Mistake: Using lean ground beef, which dries out. Fix: Opt for 80/20 beef for juicy, flavorful patties.
  • Mistake: Overworking the meat, making patties tough. Fix: Gently form them and avoid compacting.
  • Mistake: Skipping the steam for the buns. Fix: Lightly steam or toast them for authentic softness.
  • Mistake: Applying sauce only to the top bun. Fix: Spread Big Mac Sauce on both the middle and top buns.
  • Mistake: Forgetting the middle bun “club” layer. Fix: Always include that extra seeded bun piece for true structure.
  • Mistake: Using cold, hard cheese slices. Fix: Let cheese sit at room temp to melt perfectly on hot patties.
  • Mistake: Overloading with lettuce, causing sogginess. Fix: Use a thin, crisp shred and pat it dry.
  • Mistake: Not seasoning the patties adequately. Fix: Generously salt and pepper the beef before cooking.
  • Mistake: Assembling sliders too far in advance. Fix: Build them just before serving to maintain texture.

Storing Tips

  • Fridge: Store assembled Copycat Big Mac Sliders in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For best quality, refrigerate the components separately: cooked patties and sauce in sealed containers for 3-4 days, and buns at room temperature.
  • Freezer: Freeze cooked, unassembled patties on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Sauce can be frozen separately for 1-2 months. Do not freeze assembled sliders.
  • Reheat: Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat or in a 350°F oven until warmed through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Warm buns separately to prevent sogginess. Assemble with fresh lettuce and sauce.

Always allow cooked patties to cool completely before refrigerating or freezing to maintain food safety and texture. Reheat only the amount you plan to eat immediately for the best results.

Conclusion

This Copycat Big Mac Sliders Recipe is the perfect way to satisfy your fast-food craving at home with minimal effort. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for game day or a fun family dinner. Give them a try and let us know what you think in the comments! For another great side, check out our Crunchy Asian Cabbage Slaw with Sesame Dressing Recipe.

Print

Big Mac Sliders Recipe

  • Author: Dorothy Miler

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls or other slider buns)
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • 9 slices American cheese
  • 2430 dill pickle slices
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped white onion
  • 2/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish or sheet pan with nonstick spray.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the sauce. Mix to combine and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onions, salt and pepper until the ground beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft.
  4. Remove from heat and drain.
  5. Place the bottoms of the slider buns in the prepared dish or sheet pan.
  6. Spread a thin layer of the big mac sauce on the bottom buns.
  7. Top with the beef and onion mixture.
  8. Top with cheese slices to cover the beef as evenly as possible.
  9. Place pickle slices on the cheese layer, try to space them so each slider gets pickles.
  10. You can bake them for 8-10 minutes and then remove and add shredded lettuce and sauce. Then top with buns and melted butter and sesame seeds. Bake for an additional 3-4 minutes to warm the complete sliders.
  11. Alternatively, spread the remaining big mac sauce on the underside of the top buns.
  12. Place top buns on the sliders. Melt butter in a small bowl.
  13. Brush the tops of the buns with the butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  14. Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
  15. Remove and enjoy warm.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

FAQs

Can I make these Copycat Big Mac Sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders a few hours before baking. Cover them tightly and refrigerate. For the best texture, add the final drizzle of sauce and the pickle just before serving. This Copycat Big Mac Sliders Recipe is great for easy party prep.

What can I use instead of King’s Hawaiian rolls?

Any soft, sweet dinner roll or small slider buns will work well. Brioche buns are an excellent substitute to maintain that slightly sweet, soft texture that complements the savory Big Mac-style toppings in this recipe.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or a toaster oven to keep the buns from getting soggy. The microwave works in a pinch but may soften the buns more.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating