A filling and delicious snack, burger sliders make the perfect addition to any potluck. The dish originated in the 1920s at White Castle, the first fast-food hamburger chain. There, the employees “slid” the small burgers to the customers over the counter, giving the dish its iconic name. During World War II, US sailors ate similar mini burgers that “slid” down as a quick snack. Today, the dish remains a versatile and popular food option for gatherings.

I decided to make these for a get-together with my friends; however, since I’m vegetarian, I made a potato-based patty. This was my first time making sliders, and I was nervous about the final result since I mixed a couple recipes together to align with the ingredients I had on hand. It turns out that these mini burgers are indeed very customizable, and they still tasted amazing!

First, I made the patty mixture using boiled potatoes, finely chopped peppers, shallots, and corn. I tossed all the ingredients in a pan, added seasoning (salt, spices, and chili powder), and sautéed until everything was well combined.

I then prepared the base. I used King’s Hawaiian Savory Butter Rolls for my sliders, coating both sides with spicy mayonnaise. The creamy sauce complemented the patty mixture perfectly and was an ideal choice for the dinner rolls’ airy texture.

Now, it was time to assemble! I started by putting slices of American cheese on the bottom half of the dinner rolls before adding the patty mixture. I then placed some lettuce and shallots on top to make the burger more filling. Doubling down, I sprinkled a generous amount of shredded mozzarella on top to fill the gaps and make that satisfying cheese pull! Finally, I placed the other half of the dinner rolls on top. As a finishing touch, I made some garlic butter with finely chopped garlic, roasted sesame seeds, and salted butter, brushing the top and sides of the rolls with it.

I then put the mini burgers in a baking tray and covered them with aluminum foil, putting the tray in the oven for around twenty minutes at 355 degrees farenheit. When they came out of the oven, they were the perfect temperature and had an amazing cheese pull. Because of their appetizing aroma, I couldn’t help but indulge in a few of these sliders before the potluck. 

Although I thought the sliders were very delicious, they had yet to complete the final test: the judgement of my friends. Since these sliders are best served hot, I put them in the oven for around five minutes before serving them at the potluck. Everyone loved how the dish was spiced, and even came back for seconds. Srivalli Adarapu (’26) enjoyed the sliders so much that they kickstarted her cooking journey: “Mahi’s burger sliders were so delicious! I remember taking extras home and eating them all in one go because it was just so good. I loved how it had subtle Indian spices to it and how the two cheeses were layered. [The sliders] genuinely inspired me to start cooking.” I think it is safe to say that this dish passed the test with flying colors!

Overall, these sliders were super fun to make and easy to assemble. Moreover, they were very customizable and delicious. I certainly enjoyed making—and eating—these during the potluck, and my friends did as well. I know I will definitely be preparing this fan favorite during my next gathering. So, the next time you are looking for an appealing yet simple dish to make for a potluck, dinner, or even a little snack, be sure to try out burger sliders!