Baked Butter Burger Sliders with Pickle and Onion Relish

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Miniature butter-toasted burger sliders layered with juicy beef patties and a tangy sweet pickle and onion relish, inspired by Milwaukee’s famous butter burger tradition. This american-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs 80% lean ground beef, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 8 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, mixing gently to combine. Form into 8 small patties roughly the size of slider buns.
  2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the patties for 2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked through.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup thinly sliced dill pickles, 1/2 small finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, and 2 tsp yellow mustard to create a tangy relish.
  4. Step 4: Butter the cut sides of 8 mini slider buns generously with 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter.
  5. Step 5: Place the slider patties on a baking sheet, top each with a spoonful of the pickle and onion relish and a sprinkle of 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
  6. Step 6: Place the buttered buns cut side up on another baking sheet and bake both patties and buns in the oven for 8-10 minutes until the cheese has melted and the buns are toasted through.
  7. Step 7: Assemble sliders by placing each patty with melted cheese and relish inside the toasted buns and serve warm.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Butter Burger Sliders with Pickle and Onion Relish take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Butter Burger Sliders with Pickle and Onion Relish?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep 80% lean ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Butter Burger Sliders with Pickle and Onion Relish?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Butter Burger Sliders with Pickle and Onion Relish for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Butter Burger Sliders with Pickle and Onion Relish?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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