Savor the perfect blend of Japanese and American flavors with our Teriyaki Mac and Cheese Sliders! Inspired by our family’s culinary adventures in Japan, this recipe combines the sweet-savory essence of teriyaki with the comforting creaminess of mac and cheese, all wrapped in soft slider buns. Ready in just 25 minutes, these sliders are perfect for parties, quick meals, or game days.
A Taste of Japan: The Story Behind Our Sliders
It's late afternoon here in Da Nang, and the salty air from the sea reminds me of our trip to Osaka. In the bustling streets near Fushimi Inari Shrine, we savored skewers of teriyaki-glazed beef from a lively izakaya, the sauce caramelizing under the grill. That experience sparked Oliver’s creativity, honed by his culinary training. Back home, he fused Japan’s iconic teriyaki with a beloved American classic: mac and cheese. Victor loves layering the toppings, adding a playful twist with sriracha or pickled ginger. These Teriyaki Mac and Cheese Sliders are now a family favorite, blending cultures in every bite.
Why You’ll Love These Sliders
- Amazing Flavor Fusion: The balance of sweet teriyaki and savory, creamy mac and cheese is unbelievably delicious.
- Incredibly Fast: From start to finish, this entire meal is ready in just 25 minutes.
- Completely Customizable: Easily add sriracha for heat, pineapple for sweetness, or avocado for creaminess.
- Perfect for Parties: These are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game days or family gatherings.
Choosing the Best Ingredients
Using quality ingredients is key to making these sliders unforgettable. As noted by food experts at Verywell Fit, the components of your sauce can make a big difference.
- Ground Beef: We recommend 90% lean ground beef for great flavor without excess grease.
- Teriyaki Sauce: A quality, low-sodium store-bought sauce works well, but our homemade version is even better.
- Mac and Cheese: Use a creamy, sharp cheddar-based mac and cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Slider Buns: Soft, fresh brioche or potato buns are the perfect vehicle for these flavorful sliders.
Teriyaki Mac and Cheese Sliders
A Japanese-American fusion of teriyaki beef and creamy mac and cheese in slider form, perfect for any occasion.
15 minutes
10 minutes
25 minutes
8 sliders
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (90% lean)
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce, divided
- 1 cup cooked mac and cheese (creamy, sharp cheddar)
- 8 slider buns
- 1 tbsp sriracha (optional, for spice)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Chef Knife - For perfectly slicing your garnishes.
- Bamboo Cutting Board - A durable and eco-friendly workspace.
- Large grill pan or skillet
Instructions
For more tips on getting the perfect sear on your patties, check out this guide from the pros at Epicurious.
- Prepare Patties: In a bowl, gently mix the ground beef with ¼ cup of the teriyaki sauce. Be careful not to overwork the meat. Form into 8 small patties, slightly larger than your buns.
- Cook Patties: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side for medium, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for well-done.
- Toast Buns: While the patties cook, lightly toast your slider buns on the grill or in a toaster.
- Assemble Sliders: Place a cooked patty on each bottom bun. Top with a generous scoop of warm mac and cheese. Drizzle with sriracha (if using), and sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Drizzle the remaining teriyaki sauce over the top.
- Serve Immediately: Add the top bun and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Variations and Customizations
Make this recipe your own! Explore more ideas in our Japanese Recipes Collection.
- Chicken Sliders: Substitute ground chicken for a leaner option.
- Veggie Sliders: Use a plant-based patty or a large, grilled portobello mushroom.
- Spicy & Sweet: Add a slice of grilled pineapple for a sweet contrast to the sriracha.
- Extra Cheesy: Add a slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese on top of the patty before adding the mac and cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely. To save time, a quality store-bought mac and cheese works wonderfully. Choose a creamy variety for the best texture on the sliders.
The key is to assemble them just before serving. Toasting the buns also creates a great barrier against moisture. Have all your components ready to go, then build and serve immediately.
You can prep the components ahead of time. Cook the patties and make the mac and cheese, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the patties and mac and cheese, then assemble.
How Will You Customize Your Sliders?
Pick your favorite twist!
