Mini but Mighty: How to Make Copycat White Castle Sliders at Home
Craving those iconic little square burgers from White Castle but don’t have one nearby? No problem. With this copycat recipe, you’ll recreate the same juicy, onion-loaded sliders from the comfort of your kitchen. These homemade White Castle burgers are perfect for game day, weeknight dinners, or feeding a hungry crowd. Soft, steamy buns, seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and finely diced onions—it’s the fast-food classic, upgraded.
🍔 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Beef Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor and juiciness)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp beef broth (optional for extra moisture)
For the Classic Slider Build:
- 1 cup finely diced onions
- 12 slider buns or dinner rolls (soft and pillowy)
- 6 slices American cheese (cut in half)
- Dill pickle slices
- Cooking spray or a touch of oil for the baking sheet
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Prep the Onions
Spread the diced onions evenly over a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Pour a couple tablespoons of water over them—this helps steam the sliders and keeps things juicy.
2. Shape the Beef
Mix the ground beef with seasonings and gently press it into a thin, even rectangle (about 1/4-inch thick) directly over the onions on the baking sheet. Use a knife or pizza cutter to score the meat into 12 equal squares. Poke five holes in each square with a straw or skewer (just like White Castle does!) to help the steam rise through the patty.
3. Bake
Bake the beef-on-onion sheet at 400°F (204°C) for about 10-12 minutes until fully cooked. The beef will shrink a little—just like the originals.
4. Assemble
Place a half slice of cheese on each patty if you want them cheesy (yes, you do). Let it melt slightly, then scoop each patty-onion combo onto a slider bun. Add one dill pickle per slider, top with the bun, and you’re done.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately while warm. Pro tip: Wrap them in parchment for 1-2 minutes to get that classic steamed-bun texture.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Recreate White Castle Burgers at Home
- 🍽️ Baking Sheet with Wire Rack – Ensures even cooking and airflow beneath your sliders.
- 🔪 Meat Chopper or Press – Shape patties to that iconic thin, square perfection.
- 🧅 Onion Chopper Dicer – Achieve the signature finely diced steamed onions effortlessly.
- 🍔 Slider Bun Pan – Bake perfect mini buns that hold everything together.
- 🔥 Non-Stick Parchment Paper Sheets – Easy cleanup and mess-free cooking.
- 🧂 Beef Seasoning Blend – Kick up the flavor with a savory punch.
- 🧀 American Cheese Slices – Melty, creamy, and just like the original.
- 🥒 Crinkle-Cut Dill Pickle Chips – No White Castle copycat is complete without these.
💡 Pro Tips
- Want that steamed bun vibe? Wrap sliders in foil and warm them briefly before serving.
- Try adding jalapeños or sautéed mushrooms for a gourmet twist.
- These freeze well! Wrap individually in parchment then foil, freeze, and reheat in the oven.
Bring the crave home. These mini White Castle sliders are just like the originals—only better because you made them yourself. Whether you’re reliving late-night snack runs or just want a nostalgic bite, this recipe delivers big flavor in a tiny burger.