White Castle Hamburger Recipe

Ground beef: The main protein for the burgers, providing a rich and savory base.

Dinner rolls: These small, soft rolls will serve as the buns for the sliders.

Onions: Finely chopped to add a sweet and savory flavor that is essential to the recipe.

American cheese: Melts perfectly over the patties, adding a creamy texture and taste.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef and onions.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.

To achieve the signature texture of White Castle hamburgers, use a spatula to press the ground beef firmly into the skillet. This ensures the patty is thin and cooks evenly. Additionally, cover the skillet with a lid while cooking to trap steam, which helps soften the onions and infuse their flavor into the beef.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can provide a similar texture and flavor when seasoned well.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken is another lean alternative that can absorb flavors well, making it a good substitute.

• dinner rolls - Substitute with slider buns: Slider buns are specifically designed for small burgers and will provide a similar texture and size.

• dinner rolls - Substitute with Hawaiian rolls: Hawaiian rolls are slightly sweeter and softer, adding a unique flavor profile to the sliders.

• onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter taste, which can add a subtle complexity to the sliders.

• onions - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a mild onion flavor and can add a different texture and taste to the sliders.

• american cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a sharper flavor and melts well, making it a good alternative.

• american cheese - Substitute with Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese has a mild, nutty flavor and melts smoothly, offering a different but complementary taste.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor while also providing the necessary saltiness.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can offer a slightly different texture and flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the sliders.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can add a subtle heat without overpowering the other ingredients.

• pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can add a mild heat and a smoky flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the sliders.

• Allow the hamburger patties to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the buns soggy.
• Wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures they stay fresh and don't stick together.
• Place the wrapped patties in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Store the dinner rolls separately in a resealable bag or airtight container to maintain their texture.
• For freezing, follow the same wrapping and storing steps. Ensure the patties are tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps retain their texture and flavor.
• Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If using a microwave, place a damp paper towel over the patties to keep them moist.
• Toast the dinner rolls lightly in a toaster or oven to refresh their texture before assembling the hamburgers.
• Assemble the hamburgers with the reheated patties, melted cheese, and any additional toppings you desire, such as pickles or ketchup.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap each hamburger in aluminum foil to retain moisture. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the beef is warmed through.
• For a quicker method, use the microwave. Place the hamburger on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking to ensure it's heated evenly.
• If you prefer a crispy texture, use a skillet. Preheat the skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or olive oil. Place the hamburgers in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through.
• For an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F. Place the hamburgers in the basket in a single layer. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are not overcooking.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the onions and ground beef evenly.

• Spatula: A tool for pressing the ground beef into the skillet and flipping the patty if needed.

• Knife: Used to cut the large patty into small squares that fit the dinner rolls.

• Cutting board: A surface to chop the onions finely before cooking.

• Measuring cup: To measure out one cup of finely chopped onions.

• Dinner rolls: The bread component that will hold the mini burgers.

• Cheese slices: To place on top of the patty squares, allowing them to melt.

• Salt shaker: For seasoning the ground beef with salt.

• Pepper grinder: For adding freshly ground pepper to the beef.

• Serving platter: To arrange and serve the finished mini burgers.

Pre-chop onions: Finely chop onions in advance and store them in an airtight container to save time during cooking.

Use pre-sliced cheese: Opt for pre-sliced American cheese to eliminate the need for slicing and ensure uniform melting.

Form patties ahead: Shape the ground beef into a large, thin patty on parchment paper and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Preheat skillet: Preheat your skillet while you prepare other ingredients to reduce waiting time.

Use dinner rolls: Choose pre-packaged dinner rolls to avoid the hassle of baking or slicing bread.