Description
These Jalapeño Pepper Jack Cheeseburger Sliders are a zesty twist on classic cheeseburgers, featuring spicy jalapeños, creamy pepper jack cheese, and a flavorful special sauce. Perfect for parties or family dinners, these sliders are baked to melty perfection with a buttery, garlicky herb topping on soft dinner rolls.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef, chicken, or turkey
- 1 jalapeño, seeded if desired, and chopped
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sliders Assembly
- 1 package (12 count) dinner rolls, halved lengthwise
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup drained pickled jalapeños
- 4-6 slices pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded spicy cheddar or regular cheddar
Butter Herb Topping
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or cilantro
- 2 green onions, chopped
Special Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeño juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Make the Special Sauce: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, grated garlic, pickled jalapeño juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and set aside for flavors to meld.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled sliders.
- Cook the Meat Mixture: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat, chopped jalapeño, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat as it browns evenly, about 10 minutes. Once cooked through, remove from heat.
- Assemble the Sliders: Place the bottom halves of the dinner rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread each with cream cheese, then add a layer of pickled jalapeños. Pile the cooked meat mixture evenly over the rolls, drizzle about 1/4 cup of the special sauce over the meat, then top with pepper jack slices and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Prepare the Butter Herb Topping: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, chopped garlic, fresh herbs (basil or cilantro), and chopped green onions. Spread this mixture evenly over the top halves of the rolls.
- Bake the Sliders: Place the buttered top rolls over the assembled sliders. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the tops are golden and fragrant.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately, offering additional special sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- Seed the jalapeños to reduce heat if you prefer milder sliders.
- Substitute ground chicken or turkey for beef for a leaner option.
- Use fresh herbs based on availability; cilantro or basil both complement the flavors well.
- These sliders are ideal for parties and can be prepared ahead by assembling and refrigerating before baking.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave but are best fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American