These BBQ apple cheddar sliders are sweet, savory, cheesy, and completely kid-approved. They’re one of our go-to weeknight dinners that feel just a little extra special without any extra effort. With just five ingredients, you can whip them up in under 20 minutes—and the burger bar setup makes them a fun, hands-on dinner the whole family gets excited about.
Originally from my cookbook, Fast and Easy Five-Ingredient Recipes: A Cookbook for Busy People, these sliders have stood the test of time (and toddlers). Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or feeding a crowd, this one’s always a win.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Just 5 ingredients – Ground beef, BBQ sauce, apples, cheddar, and buns. That’s it!
Fast and family-friendly – Done in under 20 minutes, with a kid-friendly build-your-own slider setup.
Sweet + savory combo – Thin apple slices give these burgers a fresh, crisp bite that plays perfectly with melty cheddar and smoky BBQ.
Flexible sizing – Make them as sliders for little hands (we do!) or full-sized burgers for grown-ups.
Customizable bar-style meal – Everyone assembles their own, which somehow makes them taste even better.
Tips for Success
Don’t overmix the beef – Just mix until combined with the BBQ sauce for the juiciest burgers.
Slice apples thinly so they layer well and don’t overpower the burger.
Toast the buns – It adds great texture and helps them hold up to all the fillings.
Use a nonstick skillet or grill pan to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Customizations
Cheese swap: Sharp white cheddar, gouda, or even brie would work beautifully.
Add crunch: A handful of arugula or coleslaw adds a nice peppery bite.
Make it vegetarian: Use plant-based burger patties and a vegan BBQ sauce and cheese.
Change up the meat: Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sliders with:
Oven-roasted fries (sweet potato, curly, or classic)
A green salad or slaw
Fruit salad for the kids
Pickles or extra BBQ sauce on the side
Make it a Meal the Kids Will Love
We love turning this into a burger bar night! I lay out:
A plate of cooked slider patties
Bowls of thinly sliced apples, cheddar cheese, and toasted buns
And let the kids “build their own burgers.” It’s a fun way to get them involved—and they’re way more likely to eat something they helped put together.
As our kids are growing (I have four under 8!), these sliders are becoming so loved, I’m already mentally preparing to double the recipe. They’re just that good.
If you’ve got five ingredients and 20 minutes, these BBQ apple cheddar sliders just might become your new family favorite.
5-ingredient bbq apple cheddar burgers
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup bbq sauce I love Stubbs original for this
- 8 slider buns or 4 regular burger buns
- 1 medium apple very thinly sliced (honeycrisp or fuji work nice)
- 2 slices of cheddar cut into 4s, if you're doing full size burgers I'd recommend doing 4 slices of cheese
Instructions
- Mix & shape: Combine ground beef and BBQ sauce in a bowl. Form into 8 slider patties or 4 burger patties.
- Cook: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 5 minutes, flip, then cook another 4–5 minutes until fully cooked.
- Toast buns: Lightly toast the slider or burger buns while the patties cook.
- Prep toppings: Core and thinly slice the apple. Cut cheese slices into quarters.
- Assemble: Place a few apple slices on the bottom bun, top with a patty, then cheddar, and finish with the top bun. Serve warm and enjoy!
Video
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