Original Sliders from White Castle feature small, square beef patties cooked with onions and served on soft, steamed buns, delivering a savory, juicy bite that's both nostalgic and satisfying.
Equipments
- Griddle or flat-top skillet
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Sheet pan or tray (for buns/patties resting)
- Steamer lid or domed lid (for steaming buns)
- Small cookie cutter or square mold (optional, for shaping patties)
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 12 slider buns (soft, square dinner rolls)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 12 slices dill pickle chips
- Ketchup (optional)
- Yellow mustard (optional)
Using an 80/20 blend of ground beef ensures the patties remain juicy and flavorful, closely mimicking the Original Sliders from White Castle. Finely chopping the onions is crucial, as they cook directly into the meat, enhancing the savory profile. Choose soft, square dinner rolls to maintain the authentic texture and shape of the slider bun. Seasoning with just salt and black pepper keeps the flavor simple and true to the classic recipe. Your homemade White Castle-style sliders will capture the nostalgic taste and satisfying bite of the Original Slider from White Castle copycat menu.
Instructions
- Preheat griddle or skillet to medium-high.
- Finely chop onions.
- Mix ground beef with salt and pepper in mixing bowl.
- Divide beef into 12 equal portions.
- Shape portions into thin, square patties (about 2.5 inches wide) using hands or a square mold.
- Spread chopped onions evenly on griddle.
- Place patties directly on top of onions.
- Cook patties 2-3 minutes, do not flip.
- While cooking, cut slider buns horizontally (if not pre-sliced).
- Place bun bottoms, cut side down, over each patty.
- Top each with bun top, creating a “bun-patty-bun” stack.
- Place a steamer lid or domed lid over sliders; add a small splash of water to create steam.
- Steam 1-2 minutes until buns are soft and patties cooked through.
- Remove buns with tongs; assemble with patties and onions.
- Top each with a pickle chip.
- Add ketchup and mustard if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Original Sliders from White Castle copycat menu features bite-sized, square beef patties cooked with finely chopped onions, served on soft, steamed square buns for a nostalgic flavor experience. If you can't find square slider buns, use small round dinner rolls or dinner sliders and steam them under a domed lid to keep the softness. Ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio ensures juicy patties, but you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken if preferred, adjusting cooking time to avoid dryness. Finely chopping onions and mixing them into the beef adds moisture and flavor, but caramelized onions can be used for a sweeter twist. You can customize your sliders with classic dill pickle chips, ketchup, and yellow mustard for an authentic taste.
Tips
When shaping the patties, ensure they are uniformly thin and about 2.5 inches wide to cook evenly and fit the slider buns perfectly. Avoid flipping the patties to maintain their juiciness and to let the onions cook underneath, which adds flavor and moisture. Use a steamer lid with a splash of water to create enough steam for softening the buns without making them soggy. You should handle the sliders gently when removing them with tongs to keep the layers intact and hot for serving.
Nutritions
Original Sliders from White Castle provide a portion-controlled serving of ground beef that is rich in protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. Each slider contains onions, adding dietary fiber and antioxidants, while the steamed buns contribute carbohydrates for energy. The 80/20 beef blend offers a balance of fat and protein, making these sliders a flavorful yet moderately calorie-dense option. You can enhance the nutritional profile by adding pickles, which add vitamins and probiotics, along with condiments like mustard and ketchup in moderation.
Storage
To store leftover White Castle sliders, wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out. Place the wrapped sliders in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag before refrigerating; they can be kept fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a microwave with a damp paper towel over the sliders or a steamer to restore the buns' softness and maintain the juicy texture of the beef patties for your next meal.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the classic sliders. Try mixing finely chopped mushrooms into the beef to enhance juiciness and add a savory umami flavor. Instead of steaming buns on top of the patties, toast them lightly on the griddle for a crisp texture contrast. Incorporate a slice of cheddar or American cheese between the patty and bun during steaming for a melty, cheesy twist.
Allergies
The Original Sliders from White Castle contain common allergens such as wheat in the soft slider buns, which can trigger reactions in individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Ground beef and onions generally present a low allergy risk, but some people may experience sensitivity to certain spices or condiments like mustard. Your best option is to check ingredients carefully and avoid sauces or toppings that could contain hidden allergens.
Why this recipe?
White Castle's Original Slider menu is renowned for its unique blend of small, square-shaped burgers with steamed onions on a perfectly soft bun, creating a distinctive taste and texture. Fans appreciate the sliders for their nostalgic appeal, affordability, and consistent quality, making them a beloved fast-food staple. Attempting to recreate these sliders at home allows you to experiment with authentic flavors and customize ingredients to suit your preferences. Crafting a copycat version offers a rewarding culinary experience that captures the essence of an iconic American comfort food.