Easy Big Mac Sliders (Copycat McDonald’s Style)

If you’ve ever craved the iconic flavors of a Big Mac but wanted something a bit more fun and shareable, these Easy Big Mac Sliders are exactly what you need. This recipe transforms the beloved McDonald’s classic into bite-sized perfection, making it ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or just a weeknight dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

What makes these sliders so irresistible is how they capture every essential element of the original Big Mac. You get the juicy seasoned beef, the melty American cheese, the crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and most importantly, that signature special sauce that ties everything together. But instead of assembling individual burgers, you build these sliders all at once on a sheet pan, making the process incredibly efficient and perfect for feeding a crowd.

The genius behind this recipe lies in using Hawaiian rolls. Their slightly sweet, pillowy texture provides the perfect base for all those savory toppings, and because they come connected in a tray, you can assemble and bake everything as one large unit before slicing into individual portions. This method saves you precious time while ensuring every slider comes out perfectly golden and evenly topped.

Whether you’re hosting a game day party, planning a birthday celebration, or simply want to surprise your family with a fun twist on burgers, these Big Mac sliders deliver big flavor in a small package. They’re also incredibly kid-friendly and customizable, so you can adjust the toppings based on personal preferences without losing that classic Big Mac taste everyone loves.

Ingredients

For the Sliders

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 12 Hawaiian rolls
• 6 slices American cheese
• 1/2 cup white onion, diced
• 1 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

For the Special Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 3 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika

For Topping

• 5 oz shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles

Instructions

Prepare the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Season generously with salt and black pepper, ensuring the seasonings are distributed throughout the meat. Continue cooking for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and breaking up any large chunks, until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains. The meat should be crumbly and evenly cooked. Once done, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside while you prepare the slider base.

Assemble the Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Take your tray of Hawaiian rolls and, without pulling them apart, use a sharp serrated knife to slice horizontally through the entire block of rolls, creating a top half and a bottom half. Place the bottom half on your prepared baking sheet, cut side facing up.

Now it’s time to build your layers. Start by arranging the American cheese slices evenly across the bottom buns, making sure to cover the entire surface. You may need to overlap slightly or tear pieces to ensure complete coverage. Next, spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the cheese layer, distributing it all the way to the edges so every slider gets a good portion of meat. Finish this layer by sprinkling the diced white onions evenly across the beef. The onions will soften slightly as they bake, adding a subtle sweetness and crunch.

Bake to Perfection

Carefully place the top half of the rolls back onto the assembled base, creating a complete sandwich block. Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, brush the melted butter across the tops of the buns, making sure to coat them evenly. This butter will help the buns turn a beautiful golden brown while adding extra richness. Sprinkle the sesame seeds generously over the buttered tops to recreate that authentic Big Mac appearance.

Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and bake for approximately 12 minutes. You’re looking for the tops to turn golden brown and the cheese to melt completely. The rolls should be slightly crispy on top while remaining soft and fluffy inside. Keep an eye on them during the final few minutes to prevent over-browning.

Make the Special Sauce

While the sliders are baking, prepare the signature special sauce that makes these taste just like the real thing. In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, white vinegar, sweet pickle relish, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Whisk everything together until the sauce is completely smooth and all the ingredients are well incorporated. The sauce should be creamy with a pale orange color and have a balanced sweet-tangy flavor. Set this aside until the sliders come out of the oven.

Final Assembly

When the sliders emerge from the oven golden and fragrant, let them cool for just a minute or two before handling. Carefully lift off the entire top portion of the buns and set it aside on a clean surface. Now comes the final layering that brings these sliders to life.

Distribute the shredded iceberg lettuce evenly across the onion layer, making sure each slider area gets a generous portion of crisp lettuce. The lettuce adds essential crunch and freshness that balances the rich beef and cheese. Next, drizzle the prepared special sauce generously over the lettuce, using a spoon to distribute it evenly across the entire surface. Don’t be shy with the sauce—it’s what gives these sliders their authentic Big Mac flavor.

Place two pickle slices on each slider section. You should be able to fit 12 sliders total, so arrange them in a 3×4 or 4×3 pattern depending on your baking sheet orientation. The pickles add that signature tangy crunch that’s essential to the Big Mac experience.

Finally, replace the top buns carefully, pressing down very gently to help everything settle together. Using a sharp knife, cut through the assembled sliders following the natural divisions between the rolls, creating 12 individual portions. Serve immediately while still warm for the best texture and flavor.