Chili Cheese Krystal from Krystal features bite-sized, fluffy white bread sandwiches filled with savory beef chili and melted cheddar cheese, delivering a delicious blend of spicy, cheesy, and soft textures in every mini slider.
Equipments
- Grill or Griddle
- Saucepan
- Cheese Melter or Microwave
- Spatula
- Bread Knife
- Tongs
- Baking Sheet
- Ladle
- Cutting Board
- Serving Tray
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup canned kidney beans
- 1/2 cup yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 8 slider buns (fluffy white bread rolls)
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Butter (optional, for toasting buns)
Ground beef should be fresh and well-drained to prevent excess grease in the chili mixture, enhancing the savory flavor. Using canned diced tomatoes and kidney beans adds both texture and richness, so opt for quality brands with no added preservatives. Onion should be finely chopped to evenly distribute its sweetness without overpowering the chili. Slider buns made from fluffy white bread provide the perfect soft texture that complements the chili and melted cheddar cheese, so avoid dense or crusty breads. Your copycat Chili Cheese Krystal from Krystal will shine best by balancing these ingredients carefully for authentic taste and texture.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or griddle.
- Dice yellow onion on cutting board.
- Heat vegetable oil in saucepan.
- Add diced onion to saucepan; sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef to saucepan; cook until browned.
- Sprinkle chili seasoning mix over beef and onions.
- Pour in canned diced tomatoes and kidney beans.
- Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Simmer chili mixture, stirring with spatula, until thickened.
- Slice slider buns with bread knife.
- (Optional) Butter and toast buns on grill or griddle.
- Place bottom halves of buns on baking sheet.
- Ladle chili mixture onto each bun bottom.
- Top each with a slice of cheddar cheese.
- Melt cheese using cheese melter or microwave.
- Add top halves of buns.
- Arrange sliders on serving tray with tongs.
Substitution
When making Chili Cheese Krystal copycat sliders, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef to reduce fat content while maintaining protein richness. If canned kidney beans are unavailable, black beans or pinto beans offer a similar texture and nutritional profile. You may use jarred mild chili sauce in place of the chili seasoning mix for a quicker prep, adjusting seasoning to taste. Soft slider buns are essential to replicate the original fluffy texture, but brioche rolls can also be used for a slightly sweeter flavor. Butter can be spread lightly on buns before toasting on the griddle for added richness and a golden crust that enhances the overall mouthfeel.
Tips
Ensure your ground beef is fully browned before adding the chili seasoning mix to develop deeper flavors and avoid a raw taste. When simmering the chili, stir frequently with the spatula to prevent it from sticking to the pan or burning. Toasting the slider buns with butter on the grill or griddle enhances texture and adds a rich flavor contrast to the spicy chili and melted cheese. You should use tongs for assembling the sliders to keep them intact and maintain cleanliness during serving.
Nutritions
Chili Cheese Krystal packs a rich source of protein from 1 lb of ground beef, which supports muscle repair and growth. The inclusion of kidney beans provides dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting satiety. Cheddar cheese contributes calcium and vitamin D, essential for bone health, while the diced tomatoes add antioxidants like lycopene. Your mini sliders combine these nutrients into a flavorful meal that balances protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
Storage
Store your Chili Cheese Krystal sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. For best reheating results, use a grill or microwave to warm them evenly, ensuring the cheese melts smoothly without drying the bread. Avoid freezing these sliders, as the bread texture and cheese quality may deteriorate upon thawing.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, swap ground beef with ground turkey or shredded chicken to reduce fat content while maintaining protein richness. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar to introduce a spicy, creamy layer. Try toasting the slider buns with garlic butter on the grill for added flavor and crunch. You might also enhance the chili by incorporating finely chopped jalapenos or a splash of smoky chipotle sauce to boost heat and complexity.
Allergies
This Chili Cheese Krystal slider contains several common allergens including wheat from the white bread buns and dairy from the cheddar cheese. Your beef chili also includes onion, which can cause sensitivities for some individuals. Always check ingredient labels and consult with your healthcare provider if you have specific food allergies or intolerances.
Why this recipe?
Chili Cheese Krystal from Krystal restaurant is beloved for its perfect blend of savory chili, melted cheese, and the iconic mini slider bun that delivers a unique taste experience. The combination of rich, hearty chili with gooey cheese creates a flavorful contrast that appeals to comfort food lovers. It's worth trying to make your own copycat version because replicating this signature item allows you to enjoy the taste of Krystal at home while customizing ingredients to your preference. Your homemade Chili Cheese Krystal can capture the nostalgic flavors while offering freshness and control over quality.