Name: Mini-Mac Sliders: Small-Size Big Mac-Inspired Beef Sliders with Homemade Mac Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish; 2 tablespoons French dressing; 2 tablespoons finely minced white onion; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1½ pounds ground beef, 80/20; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 3/4 teaspoon black pepper; Shredded iceberg lettuce; Pickle slices; 6 slices American cheese, cut into fourths (2 squares per burger); 12 slider buns; Ghee spray, optional; Toasted sesame seeds, optional

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 15 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this recipe because it brings all the fun and flavor of a classic Big Mac into perfectly bite-sized mini sliders. These Mini-Mac Sliders: Small-Size Big Mac-Inspired Beef Sliders with Homemade Mac Sauce Recipe are one of my favorite go-to snacks when I want something nostalgic but fresh. Each little slider packs that iconic combination of savory smashed beef, melty American cheese, crisp shredded lettuce, tangy pickles, and that special homemade mac sauce that ties it all together perfectly. Making them is such a joyful and satisfying experience, especially when you bite into that soft sesame seed slider bun and taste all those layers together.

Why You’ll Love This Mini-Mac Sliders: Small-Size Big Mac-Inspired Beef Sliders with Homemade Mac Sauce Recipe

Whenever I make these sliders, the flavor really stands out to me — the juicy, smashed beef patty with just the right amount of seasoning combined with the creamy, tangy homemade mac sauce that I whip up from simple pantry ingredients. It’s that sauce that truly makes these sliders feel special and authentic without any shortcuts. The balance of textures, from the crisp lettuce to the soft buns, makes every bite an absolute treat. I love how the American cheese melts just enough without overpowering the palate. It reminds me why I fell in love with the original Big Mac, but shrunken down to a perfect party-friendly size.

One of the things I adore about this recipe is how straightforward it is to prepare. You don’t need a fancy grill or hours of prep — just some basic ingredients, a hot griddle, and a bit of patience to get those patties perfectly cooked. It’s also great for any occasion: casual family dinners, weekend game days, or even when I’m hosting friends and want to serve something fun and shareable. Honestly, these sliders stand out because they are both nostalgic and inventive, and they bring people together in the best way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds one main layer of pink ground meat with a soft, stringy texture filling the bowl. On top of the meat, two piles of seasonings sit close together: one pile is white coarse salt with a grainy texture, and the other is ground black pepper with a speckled, powdery look. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and the bright, natural lighting highlights the freshness of the ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe uses a handful of essential ingredients that come together to create that signature Mini-Mac flavor and texture. Each component plays its part, whether it’s adding crispness, richness, or that unmistakable tang from the sauce.

Ground beef (80/20): I use 80/20 for the perfect balance of juiciness and flavor in the patties.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Just enough seasoning to highlight the beef’s natural taste.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the homemade mac sauce that adds smooth richness.
Sweet pickle relish: Key to giving the mac sauce that classic tangy-sweet bite.
French dressing: A little twist that brings a subtle zing to the mac sauce.
Minced white onion: Adds a fresh crunch and sharpness in the sauce without overpowering.
White vinegar and sugar: These balance the sauce with acidity and a touch of sweetness.
Shredded iceberg lettuce: Classic crunch that brightens every bite.
Pickle slices: The perfect pickled pop to cut through the richness.
American cheese: Melts beautifully over the patties for that iconic Big Mac feel.
Slider buns with sesame seeds: Soft and slightly sweet, perfect for mini sandwiches.
Ghee spray (optional): I love this for lightly toasting buns and adding a rich, buttery finish.

Directions

Step 1: Start by making the mac sauce. Combine mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, French dressing, minced onion, white vinegar, sugar, and kosher salt in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble the sliders. This sauce really needs some chill time to meld the flavors together perfectly.

Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with kosher salt and black pepper. I like to handle the meat gently, just until it’s combined to avoid tough patties. Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions, about 2 ounces each.

Step 3: Place each portion between two sheets of wax paper. Using the flat bottom of a drinking glass, press each patty until just thin and even. This gives you that smashed burger texture I love.

Step 4: Preheat your griddle or skillet to 350°F. Cook the patties in batches if needed. Cook the first side for about 3 minutes until a nice crust forms. Flip the patties, then immediately place two small squares of American cheese on top (half a slice per slider). Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is melty and the patties are cooked through to your liking.

Step 5: While the patties cook, prepare your buns by lightly misting the tops with ghee spray and sprinkling sesame seeds if you like. Toast them lightly on the griddle just until warm and golden. This step is optional but adds such a wonderful flavor and texture to the final sliders.

Step 6: To assemble, spread a spoonful of the chilled mac sauce on each bottom bun. Layer with a burger patty, a handful of shredded iceberg lettuce, and a couple of pickle slices. Cap each slider with the top bun and serve immediately while everything is still warm and perfectly melded together.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 12 delicious mini sliders, making it ideal for gatherings or family dinners. The prep time is about 15 minutes, and the cook time is around 8 minutes, which gives a total time of roughly 23 minutes. Since the mac sauce benefits from some chilling, it’s good to refrigerate it as you prep the rest of the ingredients, which helps the flavors deepen without adding extra time. No resting or cooling time is necessary once the sliders are assembled — they’re best enjoyed right away!

How to Serve This Mini-Mac Sliders: Small-Size Big Mac-Inspired Beef Sliders with Homemade Mac Sauce Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a burger with three main layers on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a light brown burger bun with a smooth texture and sesame seeds on top as the upper bun. On the bottom bun, there is a thick, dark brown grilled meat patty with a slightly rough texture. On top of the meat patty, there is a small amount of yellow mustard, followed by thin green shredded lettuce and slices of green pickles. The top bun is light brown with a soft texture and sesame seeds sprinkled on it. There is some light orange sauce dripping slightly from the burger’s edge. The burger is centered with blurred parts of two more burgers visible on each side, all on a wooden board. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these sliders with classic sides that complement their rich, tangy flavor. Crispy fries or crunchy sweet potato fries are my personal favorites to go alongside, but they also pair beautifully with a crisp coleslaw or even a light cucumber salad to add some refreshing contrast. When plating, I like to arrange them on a large wooden board or platter with extra pickle slices and a ramekin of the mac sauce on the side for dipping — it instantly elevates the presentation and invites everyone to dig in.

For beverages, I find a cold beer or a refreshing American pale ale pairs perfectly with the beef sliders’ savory profile. If you prefer cocktails, a classic cola-based highball or even a tart lemonade with fresh mint can brighten the overall meal. For a non-alcoholic option, iced tea or a sparkling water with a splash of lime are delightful choices that refresh the palate.

These sliders are fantastic served warm, straight off the griddle, so I recommend assembling them just before serving. Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal, a fun party appetizer, or a game day treat, they bring a feel-good vibe that’s hard to beat. I often suggest two sliders per person as a portion size for a satisfying snack or appetizer but feel free to customize based on your appetite!

Variations

Over time, I’ve experimented with some fun variations on the Mini-Mac Sliders: Small-Size Big Mac-Inspired Beef Sliders with Homemade Mac Sauce Recipe to keep things fresh. For example, swapping the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter option, though I always add a bit of extra seasoning to keep the flavor bold. You could also try ground plant-based meat substitutes to make a vegetarian-friendly version, just be sure to watch the cooking time so the patties stay juicy.

If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, simply switch out the slider buns for gluten-free versions or even use lettuce wraps for a completely bun-free experience. The mac sauce is naturally gluten-free, so no worries there! For a dairy-free option, I recommend using a vegan cheese slice or skipping the cheese entirely and adding extra pickles or tomatoes for moisture.

Another way I like to switch it up is by playing with the mac sauce—adding a little smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce gives it a smoky or spicy kick. You could also try cooking the patties on a charcoal grill for that extra charred flavor or even pan-frying them in a cast-iron skillet if you want a crispy crust. The versatility of this recipe is one of the things that keeps me coming back to it.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (though honestly, they rarely last!), I recommend storing the sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The patties and buns store best separately if possible so the buns don’t get soggy. Leftover assembled sliders can last up to 2 days, but I find eating them within a day or so is best for texture and flavor.

Freezing

These Mini-Mac Sliders freeze quite well if you need to save some for later. I like to freeze the cooked patties and the slider buns separately, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in freezer bags. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and assembling.

Reheating

To reheat leftover patties, I find the best method is to warm them gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain juiciness and get that slight crust back. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it often dries the beef out. Reheat the buns separately in a toaster or oven for a few minutes. Then assemble sliders fresh with a spoonful of the mac sauce and fresh toppings for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I make the mac sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The mac sauce actually tastes better when it’s had some time to chill because the flavors meld beautifully. I recommend making it at least 30 minutes to an hour before assembling the sliders, and you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What type of beef is best for these sliders?

I use 80/20 ground chuck because it has enough fat to keep the patties juicy and flavorful when smashed thin. Leaner beef tends to dry out, so I avoid those for this recipe. If you want, you could try a mix of chuck and sirloin for a different flavor, but 80/20 is my tried-and-true choice.

Can I cook these sliders on a grill instead of a griddle?

Yes, you certainly can! Just be careful because the patties are thin and delicate. Use a hot grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. Make sure to oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking. You might not get the same crispy crust as on a flat griddle, but they’ll still be delicious.

Are these sliders suitable for kids?

Definitely! These sliders are perfectly sized for little hands and have familiar flavors that most kids love. Just be sure to adjust the toppings if your kids prefer simpler versions, like skipping pickles or onions. It’s a fun meal that even picky eaters generally enjoy.

What should I serve with these Mini-Mac Sliders for a party?

I love pairing them with easy finger foods like sweet potato fries, onion rings, or a crunchy garden salad. Also, consider having extra mac sauce and pickles on the side for guests to customize their sliders. For drinks, casual beers, soda, or even a light white wine are all great to keep the mood fun and relaxed.

Conclusion

These Mini-Mac Sliders: Small-Size Big Mac-Inspired Beef Sliders with Homemade Mac Sauce Recipe have become one of my absolute favorites to make and share. They capture all the flavors I love from a classic Big Mac but in fun, manageable bites that are perfect for any gathering or simply satisfying a craving. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do — they’re guaranteed to bring smiles and delicious moments every time!