Save to Pinterest This dish features juicy ground beef patties seasoned with smoked paprika and spices, grilled and glazed with rich BBQ sauce. Served on toasted brioche buns, each slider is topped with creamy coleslaw, sharp cheddar, pickled onions, and fresh chives. The buttery brioche adds a soft, slightly sweet contrast, while the tangy toppings balance smoky flavors. Ideal for casual get-togethers, these sliders combine ease of preparation with bold, crowd-pleasing tastes.
My buddy Dave refused to eat sliders at parties until he tried these at my annual Super Bowl Sunday three years back. Now he texts me in November asking if I'm making them again. Something about that buttery brioche against smoky BBQ beef just turns people into loyal fans.
Last winter my sister accidentally used spicy BBQ sauce instead of regular, and honestly? It was a happy mistake. We've been doing a half-and-half blend ever since, letting guests choose their heat level.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (80/20): That fat ratio matters—lean beef makes dry patties, and nobody wants that at a party
- Smoked paprika: This is your secret weapon for that grill flavor even if you're cooking inside
- Mini brioche buns: Trust me, regular slider buns won't do—brioche holds up better and tastes infinitely better
- Cheddar cheese: Pepper jack works beautifully here if your crew likes some kick
- Coleslaw mix: Homemade is great, but the bagged stuff with that creamy dressing saves you so much prep time
Instructions
- Season the beef:
- Mix your spices into the meat gently—overworking makes tough patties, and we want these to melt in your mouth
- Form your patties:
- Make them slightly wider than your buns since they'll shrink while cooking, and press a small thumbprint in the center of each to prevent puffing
- Get cooking:
- Fire up that grill or skillet to medium-high and cook for about 3 minutes per side until you've got gorgeous caramelization
- Add the good stuff:
- Brush on that BBQ sauce in the final minute, top with cheese, and cover briefly to let it melt into something magical
- Prep the toppings:
- Whisk together your coleslaw mix with mayo and apple cider vinegar, then taste and adjust seasoning until it's bright and creamy
- Toast those buns:
- Brush the cut sides with melted butter and give them a quick toast—this prevents soggy bottoms and adds that irresistible golden crunch
- Bring it all together:
- Pile on the beef, slaw, onions, pickles, and chives, then watch these vanish faster than you can say touchdown
Save to Pinterest My neighbor's kids now request these for every birthday celebration instead of pizza. Seeing six-year-olds ask for seconds on coleslaw-topped beef still catches me off guard in the best way.
Make Ahead Magic
You can form and season the patties the night before, stacking them between parchment paper in the fridge. The coleslaw actually gets better after a few hours, so mix that up in advance too.
Serving Strategy
Set up a slider bar with all the toppings separate and let guests build their own. I've found people get surprisingly opinionated about pickle placement and onion ratios.
Perfect Pairings
Kettle chips are classic, but sweet potato fries with these sliders? Absolute perfection. A cold lager cuts through the richness, or go with a citrusy IPA if you want to match that coleslaw brightness.
- Keep extra napkins handy—these are gloriously messy
- Small cocktail picks help hold everything together
- Consider a vegetarian black bean patty option for non-meat eaters
Save to Pinterest These sliders have become my go-to for everything from tailgates to Tuesday night dinner cravings. Hope they find a permanent spot in your rotation too.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of beef is best for these sliders?
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Ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio is ideal, as it provides juicy and flavorful patties that stay tender during grilling.
- → How can I make sure the sliders don’t dry out?
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Mix the beef gently and avoid overworking it. Cook patties just until browned and use BBQ sauce to add moisture and flavor.
- → What is the purpose of toasting the brioche buns?
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Toasting brioche buns with melted butter adds a golden crispness and prevents sogginess, enhancing texture and taste.
- → Can I prepare the coleslaw topping ahead of time?
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Yes, tossing the coleslaw mix with mayonnaise and vinegar can be done in advance, but it's best served fresh for optimal crunch.
- → What are good side dishes to serve with these sliders?
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Kettle chips, crispy fries, or a refreshing lager complement the smoky, savory flavors of the beef sliders nicely.
