The Jalapeno Cheese Slider from White Castle features a tender beef patty topped with melted American cheese and spicy jalapeno slices, all nestled inside a soft, steamed bun for a spicy and savory bite-sized treat.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Spatula
- Cheese slicer or knife
- Bun steamer or steaming tray
- Tongs
- Knife (for slicing jalapenos)
- Baking sheet or tray (for assembling)
- Serving platter or plate
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 8 slider buns
- 8 slices American cheese
- 2 fresh jalapeno peppers
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Butter (optional, for buns)
Choosing fresh jalapeno peppers is crucial to achieving the right balance of heat and flavor in your Jalapeno Cheese Slider. Use ground beef with a moderate fat content, around 80/20, for juicy and tender patties. Opt for American cheese slices to replicate the creamy melt and classic taste found in the original slider. Steaming the buns helps maintain softness and enhances the overall eating experience, but you can lightly butter them for added richness if preferred. Your jalapeno cheese slider from this White Castle copycat menu will closely match the iconic spicy and savory bite-sized treat.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
- Slice jalapeno peppers into thin rounds.
- Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions and shape into small patties.
- Season patties with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Place patties on the hot grill or griddle and cook for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Top each patty with a slice of American cheese and several jalapeno slices.
- Steam slider buns until soft (using a bun steamer or steaming tray).
- (Optional) Lightly butter the inside of each bun.
- Place cooked patties with cheese and jalapenos onto the bottom half of each steamed bun.
- Cover with the top bun.
- Arrange sliders on a serving platter or plate.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Jalapeno Cheese Slider copycat from White Castle combines a juicy beef patty, melted American cheese, and fresh jalapeno slices on a soft, steamed bun for an authentic spicy snack. If fresh jalapenos are unavailable, pickled jalapenos or a milder pepper like banana peppers can be used to adjust heat levels. When steaming buns, you can substitute with a microwave steam method by wrapping them in a damp paper towel for convenience. Ground beef can be swapped with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives to accommodate dietary preferences without compromising texture. To achieve even melting of American cheese, cover the sliders briefly while cooking on a grill or griddle using a lid or foil.
Tips
Make sure the grill or griddle is preheated to medium-high before cooking patties to ensure even cooking and proper browning. When slicing jalapenos, remove seeds if you prefer less heat, as they add significant spiciness to the sliders. Steaming the buns until soft is critical for that signature White Castle texture, and lightly buttering them enhances flavor and moisture. Use a spatula carefully when flipping patties to avoid breaking, and serve sliders immediately to enjoy the cheese perfectly melted and the buns warm.
Nutritions
The Jalapeno Cheese Slider from White Castle provides a rich source of protein from the 1 lb of ground beef, supporting muscle repair and growth. American cheese adds calcium and vitamin D, contributing to bone health, while jalapeno peppers supply capsaicin, known for its metabolism-boosting properties. The steamed buns provide carbohydrates for energy, making this slider a balanced, flavorful snack option. You can enjoy this spicy treat knowing it combines protein, vitamins, and energy to fuel your day.
Storage
Store any leftover Jalapeno Cheese Sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess, ideally consuming within 2 days. To reheat, use a grill or oven at medium heat to warm the beef patties and melt the cheese evenly, while refreshing the steamed buns by wrapping them in foil. Your sliders will retain their spicy, savory flavors and tender texture with this method.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to create a leaner version of the Jalapeno Cheese Slider. Substitute American cheese with pepper jack or cheddar for a sharper flavor profile. Instead of steaming buns, try toasting them lightly with butter on a griddle for added crispiness and flavor contrast. Roasting jalapenos before slicing enhances their smokiness and reduces heat, catering to milder taste preferences.
Allergies
The Jalapeno Cheese Slider contains common allergens such as dairy from the American cheese and potential cross-contamination with gluten from the slider buns. If you have a milk allergy or lactose intolerance, the melted American cheese may cause adverse reactions. Additionally, those sensitive to spicy foods should be cautious of the fresh jalapeno peppers included in this recipe.
Why this recipe?
The Jalapeno Cheese Slider from White Castle boasts a perfect balance of spicy jalapenos and creamy cheese, delivering a bold flavor that excites your taste buds. Its signature small, square beef patty is expertly steamed to retain juiciness and paired with soft, steamed buns that melt the cheese perfectly. Fans appreciate the unique texture contrast and the affordable price point that makes it an irresistible snack. Recreating your own copycat version lets you customize heat levels and ingredients, ensuring a fresh, personalized take on this iconic slider.