Festive Holiday Sliders

Name: Festive Holiday Sliders
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 12 slider buns; 1 cup caramelized onions; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or gouda); 1/2 cup cranberry sauce; Fresh arugula or lettuce for garnish

Highlighted under: Festive Home Cooking

I love creating festive dishes that capture the spirit of the holidays, and these Holiday Sliders definitely fit the bill! With their juicy patties and flavor-packed toppings, they are a surefire hit at any gathering. Cooking them in smaller size makes them perfect for serving guests, and I often experiment with different cheeses and sauces to elevate the flavors even further. These sliders not only taste amazing, but they also bring everyone together during the festive season – perfect for sharing and enjoying with loved ones!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-06T22:53:27.724Z

These sliders have become a staple in my holiday celebrations. When I first created the recipe, I was surprised at how easy they were to assemble. Each bite bursts with flavor, thanks to the combination of spices and a touch of sweetness from the caramelized onions. One technique I've found that works wonders is to grill the patties for a smoky flavor; it really enhances the overall taste experience!

Not only do these sliders pack a powerful flavor punch, but they're also incredibly versatile. You can customize the toppings based on your preferences or what you have in your fridge. For example, adding cranberry sauce for a tart twist is a fantastic seasonal touch. They make a perfect appetizer or main dish, and I often pair them with a festive drink to really set the mood.

        Why You'll Love These Sliders
        Flavorful beef patties infused with holiday spices
Deliciously sweet and tangy toppings that complement the meat
Perfectly sized for easy serving at parties

      

Perfecting Your Patties

Getting the burger patties just right is crucial for delicious sliders. When mixing the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper, be careful not to overwork the meat. Over-mixing can lead to tough patties. Form your patties gently, each one around 2-3 ounces, ensuring they are slightly larger than the buns since they will shrink while cooking.

Texture matters in your sliders; a good fat content in ground beef (around 80/20) helps keep the patties juicy and flavorful. If you prefer a leaner option, consider using ground turkey or chicken, but remember that these will cook faster, usually about 3-4 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them to prevent dryness.

Flavorful Toppings

The toppings are where you can really elevate these holiday sliders. Caramelized onions add a naturally sweet and rich flavor. To caramelize onions, slice them thinly and sauté over medium heat with a bit of oil, stirring occasionally for about 20-30 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown. Be patient; the slow process maximizes their natural sugars for the best result.

Choosing the right cheese can enhance your slider's flavor profile immensely. Cheddar provides a sharp contrast while gouda offers a creamy texture that melts beautifully. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a slice of brie for a touch of luxury or pepper jack for some heat. Each cheese brings its unique character, making your sliders distinct.

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving the sliders warm adds to their appeal, so if you're preparing them ahead of time, keep them wrapped in foil and in a low oven (around 200°F) until guests arrive. This setup helps retain moisture without overcooking. If you have any leftovers, store sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

For a fun variation, consider serving the sliders with a side of spicy mustard or a chipotle mayo. Building a slider bar with various toppings allows guests to customize their bites, enhancing the interactive experience. You can also freeze uncooked patties between sheets of parchment paper for up to three months; just thaw and cook when you're ready!

Ingredients

For the Sliders

1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
12 slider buns

For the Toppings

1 cup caramelized onions
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or gouda)
1/2 cup cranberry sauce
Fresh arugula or lettuce for garnish

Gather these ingredients to get started on your holiday sliders!

Instructions

Prepare the Patties

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Form into small patties, each about the size of a slider bun.

Cook the Patties

Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness.

Assemble the Sliders

Place each patty on a slider bun and top with caramelized onions, cheese, and a dollop of cranberry sauce. Add arugula or lettuce for a fresh crunch.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the sliders warm and watch them disappear in no time. Perfect for parties, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Enjoy your delicious festive sliders!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorites, like avocado slices or spicy aioli, for a unique twist.

Cooling and Reheating

If you’ve made a large batch of sliders ahead of time or have leftovers, cooling them properly is essential to maintain their flavor and texture. Allow the sliders to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. When reheating, a quick blast in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes keeps them warm without drying them out, or you can microwave them in 30-second increments, but be mindful of sogginess.

To easily reheat multiple sliders, consider placing them on a baking tray covered with foil to avoid direct heat contact, which can lead to drying. If reheating just a couple, a skillet can retain the best texture; simply add a few drops of water and cover to steam while warming.

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your taste or dietary needs. If you want to reduce carbs, consider swapping out slider buns for lettuce wraps or portobello mushrooms for an earthy flavor. For a vegetarian option, use black bean or chickpea patties, which will soak up the spices beautifully; just ensure they're firm enough to hold together during cooking.

Another fun variation is to change up the cranberry sauce with a spicy jalapeño relish for those who enjoy a kick. Adding different spices to the meat mixture can create a unique twist, like smoked paprika or cumin, which can complement the holiday spices nicely.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the patties and toppings ahead of time, and assemble them just before serving.

→ What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar and gouda are great choices, but you can also experiment with blue cheese or pepper jack for added flavor.

→ Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well, just adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavor.

→ How can I make these sliders vegetarian?

You can substitute the beef with plant-based meat alternatives or use black beans to form patties.