Crave Case from White Castle features a savory assortment of their iconic mini cheeseburgers, perfectly layered with melted American cheese and grilled onions inside soft, steamed buns, offering a satisfying blend of juicy, cheesy, and tender flavors in every bite.
Equipments
- Griddle (flat-top grill)
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Steaming tray or lid
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Baking sheet or tray (for assembling/serving)
- Food thermometer (optional)
- Gloves (for food handling)
- Serving case/container (like the "Crave Case" box)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 small yellow onion
- 12 slider buns
- 6 slices American cheese
- Pickle slices (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray (or oil for griddle)
- Water (for steaming)
Ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio ensures juicy and flavorful mini cheeseburgers, while seasoning with salt and black pepper enhances the meat's natural taste. Thinly sliced yellow onions provide a sweet, caramelized complement when grilled properly on a flat-top griddle. Using soft slider buns steamed with a little water keeps them tender and warm, creating the ideal texture for assembling the sliders. American cheese slices should be evenly melted over the patties to achieve that classic creamy and savory layer. You can replicate the satisfying blend of juicy, cheesy, and tender flavors found in the Crave Case from White Castle with these key ingredient tips on your copycat menu.
Instructions
- Preheat the griddle to medium-high heat and lightly coat with nonstick cooking spray or oil.
- Finely dice the small yellow onion on the cutting board.
- In the mixing bowl, season the ground beef with salt and ground black pepper; mix gently.
- Divide the ground beef into 12 equal portions and flatten each portion into a thin, square patty (slightly larger than the buns).
- Place patties onto the hot griddle.
- Top each patty immediately with a generous amount of diced onions.
- Cook patties for about 2 minutes.
- Flip patties with a spatula (onions on the bottom now).
- Place the bottom half of a slider bun directly on top of each patty.
- Add a splash of water to the griddle around the patties (not on top), then cover with a steaming tray or lid to steam for 2–3 minutes.
- Remove buns and patties from the griddle.
- Place 1/2 slice of American cheese on each patty while hot.
- Stack patties (with cheese and onions) onto the bottom halves of the buns, add pickle slices if desired, then top with the bun tops.
- Arrange assembled sliders on a baking sheet or tray.
- Transfer sliders to a serving case/container or "Crave Case" box.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Substitution
The Crave Case from White Castle copycat menu replicates the iconic mini cheeseburgers with perfectly melted American cheese and grilled onions inside soft, steamed buns. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives if you prefer a leaner or vegetarian option, but be mindful that cooking times may vary. If a griddle is unavailable, a large nonstick skillet can be used to cook the patties evenly. Instead of steaming trays, covering the slider buns with a damp towel while warming in the microwave or oven helps maintain their softness. Optional ingredients like pickles can be omitted or replaced with your favorite condiments to suit your taste preferences.
Tips
Make sure to flatten the patties evenly and slightly larger than the buns to ensure proper coverage and juicy texture. Add water around the patties on the griddle before covering to create steam, which softens the buns and melts the cheese perfectly. When layering, place the cheese on the hot patties immediately to allow it to melt thoroughly for that signature gooey bite. Remember to serve your sliders right away to enjoy the full savory flavor and warm texture.
Nutritions
Crave Case sliders from White Castle provide a combination of protein and fat primarily from the 80/20 ground beef, supplying essential amino acids and energy. The small amount of American cheese adds calcium and saturated fat, while the yellow onions contribute negligible calories but offer antioxidants and fiber. Each slider bun contributes carbohydrates, supporting your energy needs, and optional pickles add a minimal sodium boost. This meal, while flavorful and satisfying, should be consumed in moderation due to its fat and sodium content to align with a balanced diet.
Storage
Store any leftover mini cheeseburgers in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. To reheat, use a microwave or griddle, covering the sliders with a damp paper towel or lid to retain moisture and melt the cheese evenly. Your sliders will taste best when consumed within 2 days of refrigeration.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, swap American cheese with sharp cheddar or pepper jack to introduce a bolder flavor profile. You can caramelize the diced yellow onions slowly on the griddle before adding them to patties for extra sweetness and depth. Swap out slider buns for pretzel buns or brioche to enhance texture and richness. For a smoky touch, sprinkle smoked paprika or add a small pinch of chipotle powder to your ground beef before cooking.
Allergies
Your Crave Case from White Castle contains common allergens such as dairy from the American cheese and gluten from the slider buns, which may cause reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. Ground beef is generally safe but could trigger allergies in rare cases of meat allergy. Cross-contamination with onions or pickles could pose risks for those allergic to alliums or certain food preservatives, so always check ingredient sources carefully.
Why this recipe?
White Castle's Crave Case menu is popular for its variety of slider packs that offer convenient, shareable portions with the signature savory flavor of their iconic mini burgers. The combination of freshly steamed buns, tender beef patties, and select toppings delivers a unique taste that satisfies cravings quickly and affordably. Creating a copycat version allows you to enjoy this classic fast-food experience in your own kitchen with customizable ingredients and freshness. Your homemade Crave Case can replicate the crave-worthy appeal while providing control over quality and flavor profiles.