These are my Cheesy Nacho-Inspired Sliders and I actually have my husband to thank for this idea. They’re so simple to make, only require a few ingredients, and I guarantee they’ll be gone in no time. They’re the perfect combination of sweet and are my absolute favorite. All you have to do is make a quick nacho cheese sauce and brown your ground beef with taco seasoning. Then start layering your sliders, pop them into the oven and serve alongside the nacho cheese sauce for dipping. They’re sure to be a hit with family and friends! Hope you love them as much as we do – you’ve gotta try them!
How To Make My Cheesy Nacho-Inspired Sliders
Here’s a video of how I made my Cheesy Nacho-Inspired Sliders! For another delicious recipe, check out my Cheesy Hot Italian Sliders recipe.
Ingredients – For The Sliders
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil, such as avocado
- ½ white onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (see tip below)
- 2 packs King’s Hawaiian Pretzel Slider Buns
- 8 slices Pepper jack cheese
- ⅓ cup strained and chopped pickled jalapeno’s
- ½ cup crumbled tortilla chips
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredients – For The Nacho Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices American cheese (optional)
Step-By-Step Recipe For The Sliders
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a medium skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, using a wooden spoon or spatula to break up, until completely browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the fat, and add the taco seasoning and ⅓ cup of the reserved nacho cheese sauce (recipe below). Stir to combine, remove from heat and set aside.
- Place the bottom layer of pretzel buns onto a rimmed baking sheet or baking dish. Lay the sliced pepper jack cheese across the buns. Use a spoonplace the ground beef evenly over top. Then layer the chopped pickled jalapenos, cheddar cheese, and crushed tortilla chips. Place the top buns over top to close the sliders.
- Bake until the cheese is melted, about 10 to 12 minutes. Once done, separate into individual sliders and serve alongside nacho cheese sauce for dipping.
Step-By-Step Recipe For The Nacho Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is just starting to foam, slowly sprinkle in the flour while whisking until a smooth light golden roux forms, about 2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Bring the mixture to a simmer while whisking occasionally to avoid burning.
- Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and add chili powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Whisk vigorously while adding small handfuls of cheddar and torn pieces of American cheese (if using) bit by bit. Continue whisking until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust for seasoning. Reserve ⅓ cup of the cheese sauce for the ground beef and set the rest aside until ready to reheat and serve.
Tip
- Easily reheat in the same pot over medium-low heat, adding in a few splashes of water while whisking to loosen up the consistency as desired.