18 Epic Slider Recipes to Make Game Day Even Better

They may be small, but they’re delicious.

crab-cake-sliders-recipe-gam-day-recipes
Photo:

Caitlin Bensel

No matter what the occasion—housewarming party, backyard barbecue, or brunch with friends—sliders better be on the menu. Though they are small in size, sliders are packed with flavor, easy to make, and a great way to feed a crowd. What’s more? The mini sandwiches are as versatile as they come, which means you can use any combination of bun and protein that you like, not to mention any sauces or garnishes that pair well with the main event. So, whether you’re gearing up for an epic Super Bowl party or are simply looking for a clever way to feed a crowd, we’ve got you covered with these slider recipes that are bound to be a hit.

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Smoky Beef Sliders With Dill Yogurt Sauce

Smoky Beef Sliders
Greg DuPree

Is there anything not to love about spiced beef patties served on warm flatbread with homemade tzatziki? These Greek-inspired sliders come together in just 30 minutes, and are flavored with smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic.

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Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Sliders

Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Sliders Recipe
Caitlin Bensel

Making barbacoa (as seen in these sliders) typically requires hours of slow-roasting and basting, but that's not the case if you dust off your slow cooker. Instead, the appliance melts the seasoned beef so you barely need to chew it. Once the meat is done cooking, you'll shred it and pile it onto slider buns with a quick slaw and pickled jalapeños. Now who is ready for the game?!

03 of 18

Crab Cake Sliders With Capers

Crab Cake Sliders Recipe
Caitlin Bensel

If you like crab cakes, we guarantee you’ll enjoy these crab cake sliders. Each one is made with fresh lump crabmeat, saltine crackers, and mayonnaise, while a splash of vinegar and a shower of briny capers ties everything together.

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Barbecue Meatball Sliders

Barbecue Meatball Sliders
Paul Sirisalee

Need a platter of sliders in a pinch? These small snacks are made with premade meatballs and barbecue sauce, which means they’re ready in minutes. Nestle some homemade coleslaw onto each slider bun and you’re all set.

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Mini Hot Chicken and Waffle Sliders

Mini Hot Chicken and Waffle Sliders

Hot chicken and waffles is a spicy-sweet combination that never gets old, and it’s arguably even better in slider form. Dill pickles and slaw bring tang and crunch, while a quick sauce made with maple syrup, cayenne, and more adds even more flavor.

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Lobster Sliders

Lobster Sliders

Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Barrett Washburne

For a fancy slider recipe that will wow your guests, give these lobster sliders a go. They’re loaded with fresh lobster meat that’s been mixed with mayonnaise, crème fraîche, tarragon, and more. Serve on dinner rolls with lemon wedges on the side, and prepare to be showered with compliments.

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Cheeseburger Sliders

Cheeseburger sliders

The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

When it comes to slider variations, it doesn’t get more classic than a cheeseburger-inspired recipe. Here, mini ground beef patties flavored with onion and Worcestershire sauce are joined by pickle slices, American cheese, and a homemade special sauce. Since this recipe yields two dozen sliders, it’s great if you’re entertaining a crowd.

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Cuban-Style Sliders

Cuban style sliders with ham, cheese, and pickles and a cornichon on top

Allrecipes Magazine

These Cuban-style sliders have it all, including ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickle slices, and honey mustard. Everything is piled high on Hawaiian sweet rolls, which you can garnish with individual cornichons for a fun, creative touch.

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Pork Tenderloin Sliders

Pork Tenderloin Sliders

Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Sure, you can assemble a platter of these drool-worthy pork tenderloin sliders, or you can let your guests build their own game day snack. Simply slice the tenderloins on a large cutting board, set out fresh rolls and homemade condiments, and let your pals construct their own sandwiches.

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The Ultimate Sliders

20100326-sliders-beauty.jpg
The Ultimate slider. Photograph: J. Kenji Lopez-Alt

For sliders that are moist, flavorful, and wonderfully saucy, this is the perfect recipe to try. The beef patties are laced with onions, topped with American cheese and dill pickle slices, and smothered in whatever condiments you like.

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Hawaiian Roll Sliders with Meat Sauce and Parm

Cheesy Pull with Hawaiian Roll Sliders with Meat Sauce and Parm

Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

These Italian-inspired pull-apart sliders are filled with rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and hassle-free meatballs that require zero rolling. Everything is packed between two slices of a Hawaiian roll that’s been toasted twice, which firms it up and gives it just the right amount of crispiness. 

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Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

The Spruce / Abbey Littlejohn

If anything screams “game day,” it’s these Philly cheesesteak sliders. Each one is loaded with more than enough thinly sliced steak, provolone cheese, and mushrooms. If you make the whole thing in a pan on the stovetop and then nestle the mixture into the slider buns, everything will be ready in just 30 minutes.

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Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders

Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders

Jordan Provost / Food Styling by Thu Buser

Ham and cheese may seem like a simple combo, but it’s a tried and true duo for a reason. Plus, these sliders are elevated thanks to plenty of butter, spicy Dijon mustard, and tangy Worcestershire sauce that balances out the Hawaiian sweet rolls. 

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French Dip Sliders

French Dip Sliders

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

These fancy sliders are chock-full of French dip flavors thanks to the inclusion of roast beef, caramelized onions, creamy provolone cheese, and meaty au jus. The recipe serves six, but we suggest making two batches so you don’t run out before the game even starts.

15 of 18

Crabby Falafel Sliders

20100316-crabby-falafel-large.jpg
J. Kenji Lopez-Alt

Yes, these sliders combine falafel with seafood, and while that might not sound like a scrumptious pairing, we promise it works. Here, you’ll whip up crab and chickpea patties that are flavored with cumin, fresh cilantro, lemon zest, and more. Once the patties are assembled and cooked, you’ll top them with shaved fennel and stick them in buns that have been slathered with homemade harissa mayonnaise.

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Tex-Mex Taco Beef Sliders

Tex-Mex sliders on a plate.
The Spruce / Diana Rattray

The slow cooker beef used in these sliders can be made a day or two ahead of time, which is helpful if you already have plenty to do on game day. Or, to make your job even easier, use store-bought prepared shredded beef or pork and top the meat with your favorite taco fixings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and pickled jalapeños.

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Meatball-Stuffed Garlic Bread Sliders

Meatball-Stuffed Garlic Bread Sliders

If meatballs and garlic bread joined forces, the result would be these loaded, luscious sliders that are ready in just over an hour. These can be tricky to assemble, but we suggest placing the meatball in through the top of the roll for the best results.

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Crawfish Roll Sliders

Six crawfish roll sliders on a tray with lemon wedges. Two beers in glasses next to the tray.

Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell

For this southern recipe, crawfish tails are mixed with a little mayonnaise, celery, and spices, such as fresh dill and smoked paprika. For an added touch that will have people reaching for seconds, spread a little bit of butter on the insides of the rolls before toasting them in the oven.

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