Mini Burgers

30 min Dinner
Mini Burgers

It is almost a universal truth that everyone loves burgers, and our recipe for mini burgers captures all that love in a perfectly petite package. They have all the familiar layers: juicy beef patties with melted cheese, a creamy dressing, and fresh vegetables tucked into soft burger buns. Their size makes them a fantastic choice for movie nights, casual dinners with friends, late-night snacks, or any occasion built around a shared spread.

Ingredients

Dressing

250 ml Creme fraiche
2 tsp Tomato ketchup
¼ tsp Salt
¼ tsp Paprika
Pepper

Beef patties

600 g Minced beef steaks
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Pepper
25 g Butter
16 slices Cheese

To serve

16 Burger buns
Lettuce
Tomatoes

Instructions

Dressing

  • Stir together crème fraiche, tomato ketchup, salt, paprika, and pepper. Cover and place in the fridge until ready to serve.

Beef patties

  • Mix minced beef, salt, and pepper together. Form 16 patties, each about 8 cm in diameter.
  • Brown butter in a frying pan. Fry the patties over low heat for about 1½ minutes on each side.
  • Add cheese on top of the patties and let it melt.

To serve

  • Spread the burger buns with the dressing.
  • Layer a lettuce leaf, a tomato slice, and a patty onto the bottom half of each bun.
  • Serve immediately.

Recipe tips

It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes

Toasting the cut sides of the buns before assembling prevents them from turning soft once the dressing and tomatoes go in. Use the same pan from the beef patties; once they are done, place the buns cut side down and let them toast gently in the leftover fat. They will pick up on the flavours left in the pan and hold everything in place.

You can easily grill the patties instead of frying them. Preheat the grill to medium-high, around 200–220 °C. Place the patties directly on the grates and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side. Once they are done, add the cheese and let it melt properly.

FAQ: Questions about mini burgers

We have gathered the most-asked questions and answered them below, so you can get past any conundrums when making your next batch of mini burgers.

Can I prepare the burger patties ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the burger patties up to a day in advance. Place them in a single layer, cover tightly with cling film, and store in the fridge until you are ready to cook. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before frying, so they cook more evenly.

What type of minced beef should I use for mini burgers?

You should use minced beef with around 6 % fat when making mini burgers. This gives them enough moisture to stay juicy without falling apart or turning greasy. Leaner mince can dry out, while fattier options tend to shrink too much as they cook.

What is the best way to melt cheese on mini burger patties?

The best way to melt cheese on mini burger patties is to place the slices on top of them as soon as they are cooked through, then cover the pan with a lid for about a minute. The steam helps the cheese soften quickly without overcooking the meat.

How thick should each patty be formed?

Each patty should be formed to about 1½ cm thick. That is enough to keep the patties juicy while still cooking through quickly, which works well for mini burgers.

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

5183 Kcal

Fibre - 34.1 gram fibers
Protein 21.9 % 278.8 gram
Fat 41.8 % 245.5 gram
Carbohydrates 36.3 % 462.6 gram

Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Air Fryer Fries
1 h 5 min
Air Fryer Fries
(2)

Juicy and tender mini burgers with beef

These bite-sized burgers may be small, but they pack plenty of flavour. Each one features a tender, juicy beef patty with rich caramelisation around the edges, just enough crisp to contrast the soft, savoury centre. Serve them at a party or enjoy them as a fun weeknight dinner. Our mini burgers deliver the kind of satisfying bite that keeps everyone coming back for more.

With fresh greens and melted cheese

We stick to the classics – lettuce, tomato, and cheddar cheese – because they prove that sometimes, less truly is more. The cheddar melts beautifully on top of the patty and oozes over the edges, adding a tangy, gooey taste to each burger. At the base, crisp lettuce offers a refreshing crunch, while slices of ripe tomato bring a sweet, tangy juiciness that keeps everything balanced.

Crème fraiche dressing with paprika

Cool, creamy, and just a little smoky, this dressing pulls everything together. Crème fraiche gives it a smooth base with a subtle tang, while ketchup and paprika build in sweetness and warmth. It may be understated, but it complements the burger patties and cheese wonderfully. After all, what would a burger be without its dressing?

Serve with fries, coleslaw, and other sides

Besides the batch of mini burgers, it is worth laying out a spread of delicious sides to match. Fries are the obvious companion, and they are rarely complete without a dip. You can easily use the burger dressing for that; it is already made and works just as well next to a pile of chips. Or go for something else on the table, like a jalapeño dip, aioli, chilli mayo, or even ketchup if you are keeping it simple.

A bowl of coleslaw is always a good counterbalance, as it is fresh, crunchy, and easy to make ahead. A green salad with a simple vinaigrette works too, or try grilled vegetables like courgette, peppers, or corn on the cob if you are cooking outside.

The ultimate party food

Mini burgers, or sliders, fit nearly any occasion. Because they are small and easy to handle, they work well as a few-bite snack or part of a larger spread, be it a birthday, game night, weekend picnic, or casual dinner with friends. You can make a big batch and serve them assembled, or lay every component on the table and let everyone build their own.

On warmer days, take it outside and grill the patties instead, letting them pick up a light char. And if you feel like going all in, you can even bake your own burger buns from scratch.

Explore all your favourite ingredients

This mini burger recipe is easy to adjust to whatever you are in the mood for. You can tuck in a few simple extras, like thin slices of pickled cucumbers for a sour crunch, caramelised onions for a mellow sweetness, or pickled red onions for something with a bit more punch.

And if you are serving a crowd, why not set out a few varieties? Keep our classic ones on the table, but add a few with crispy chicken and avocado, pulled pork with creamy coleslaw for something rich and soft, or grilled halloumi with roasted peppers for a Mediterranean twist.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/mini-burgers/