These Mini Big Mac Cheeseburgers are everything I love about a classic fast food favorite—just in a fun-sized package. With juicy beef patties, tangy pickles, shredded lettuce, and a copycat Big Mac sauce stacked between three layers of soft buns, these mini burgers are the perfect party appetizer or weeknight dinner treat.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these mini burgers pack all the flavor of a traditional Big Mac into a smaller, bite-sized version that’s easier to eat and more fun to serve. They’re great for game day spreads, backyard BBQs, or even just a fun twist on dinner. Plus, I can customize them however I want—different cheeses, more sauce, or even a spicy kick. They’re easy to assemble and just as satisfying as the full-sized version.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ground beef (I like using 80/20 for juicy patties)
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Slider buns or dinner rolls
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American cheese slices
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Shredded lettuce
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Dill pickle slices
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Minced onion (rehydrated if using dried)
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Big Mac sauce (mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika)
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Salt and pepper
Directions
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I start by dividing the ground beef into small portions and forming them into thin, mini patties slightly larger than the slider buns.
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I season each patty with salt and pepper, then cook them in a skillet or on a griddle until nicely browned and cooked through—about 2-3 minutes per side.
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While the patties cook, I slice the slider buns horizontally into three layers: top bun, middle slice (from the bottom half), and bottom bun.
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I toast the buns lightly on a dry skillet or in the oven for extra flavor and texture.
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I mix up the Big Mac sauce in a small bowl if I’m making it from scratch.
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To assemble: I spread sauce on the bottom bun, add a few onions, shredded lettuce, a patty, and a slice of cheese.
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I top that with the middle bun slice, spread more sauce, onions, lettuce, pickles, and another mini patty.
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Finally, I add the top bun and secure everything with a toothpick.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 mini burgers. Each burger takes around 20-25 minutes total from start to finish, including prep and cooking time.
Variations
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Spicy version: I add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the Big Mac sauce.
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Low-carb option: I swap out the buns with lettuce wraps.
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Cheese swap: I sometimes use cheddar or pepper jack instead of American cheese for a flavor twist.
Storage/reheating
I store leftover mini burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or warm them gently in a skillet. I usually remove the lettuce and pickles before reheating and add fresh ones afterward to keep everything crisp.
FAQs
How do I keep the patties from shrinking too much?
I make the patties slightly larger than the buns since they shrink as they cook. Using leaner meat can help reduce shrinkage too.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I often prep the patties and sauce in advance and keep them in the fridge. I cook and assemble just before serving so they stay fresh.
What’s the best way to toast the buns?
I use a dry skillet or place them under the broiler for a couple of minutes. This gives a nice crisp texture without drying them out.
Can I freeze the patties?
Absolutely. I freeze cooked or raw mini patties in a single layer, then store them in freezer bags. They reheat well in a skillet or oven.
Is there a vegetarian version?
I’ve made these using plant-based ground beef alternatives and they work great. Just adjust the cook time slightly and use a vegetarian cheese and sauce.
Conclusion
These Mini Big Mac Cheeseburgers hit all the right notes—savory, tangy, cheesy, and downright fun to eat. Whether I’m making them for a party or just switching up my dinner routine, they never disappoint. I love how easy they are to make, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
Print
Mini Big Mac Cheeseburgers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 mini cheeseburgers
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Mini Big Mac Cheeseburgers are a bite-sized version of the classic fast food favorite, stacked with juicy beef patties, tangy pickles, shredded lettuce, American cheese, and a copycat Big Mac sauce layered between three soft bun slices.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 8 slider buns or dinner rolls
- 8 slices American cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 16 dill pickle slices
- 2 tbsp minced onion (rehydrated if using dried)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Big Mac sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Divide ground beef into 16 small portions and shape into thin patties slightly larger than slider buns.
- Season patties with salt and pepper and cook on a skillet or griddle for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Slice slider buns into three layers: top, middle, and bottom.
- Toast bun slices in a dry skillet or oven until lightly crisped.
- In a bowl, combine all Big Mac sauce ingredients and mix well.
- Spread sauce on bottom bun layer, add minced onions, shredded lettuce, a patty, and a cheese slice.
- Top with the middle bun layer, spread more sauce, add onions, lettuce, pickles, and another patty.
- Place the top bun layer, secure with a toothpick, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make patties slightly larger than buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.
- Remove lettuce and pickles before reheating to maintain crispness.
- Prep patties and sauce ahead of time for faster assembly.
- Vegetarian versions can use plant-based meat and cheese alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini burger
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg