If you are on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a fun snack that packs all the flavors of a classic burger into bite-sized goodness, the Long Boy Burger Bites Recipe is exactly what you need. These mini sandwiches are bursting with juicy ground beef seasoned to perfection, tangy barbecue sauce, and melty cheddar cheese, all nestled between soft, fluffy Hawaiian rolls. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a comforting treat, this recipe is an absolute winner that’s as simple as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Long Boy Burger Bites Recipe is in its straightforward ingredients, each carefully selected to create a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and tender textures. These elements come together effortlessly to deliver that irresistible burger flavor in a smaller, shareable form.
- Lean ground beef (1½ lb): The hearty base that gives these bites their classic burger mojo while keeping them juicy.
- Egg (1): Acts as a binder to hold the meat mixture together without making it heavy.
- BBQ sauce (½ cup, divided): Adds tangy sweetness and a smoky kick, split for mixing into the meat and topping the bites.
- Dried minced onion (1 Tbsp): Brings a subtle onion flavor that melds beautifully into the patties.
- Garlic powder (¼ tsp): Enhances the overall savory profile with a touch of aromatic depth.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 Tbsp): Adds umami richness and a tangy complexity to the beef mixture.
- Crushed cornflakes (¾ cup): Provides a crispy texture inside the meatballs, helping them stay tender and moist.
- Montreal steak seasoning (1 tsp): Seasoning magic that infuses the meat with a perfectly balanced blend of spices.
- Hawaiian rolls (12-count package): Soft, slightly sweet buns that make these burger bites stand out from your average slider.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): The gooey topper that melts beautifully, adding sharp, creamy flavor.
How to Make Long Boy Burger Bites Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 450ºF. A hot oven is key to achieving those perfectly toasted buns and juicy meat bites. While you prep everything else, the oven will be warming up to the ideal temperature for baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
Separate your Hawaiian rolls into individual pieces and slice each one in half lengthwise. Arrange them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush the cuts with olive oil or cooking spray, then pop them in the oven for 5 minutes. This step toasts the rolls just enough to hold up under the juicy burger bites without getting soggy.
Step 3: Mix the Meatball Magic
In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, egg, ¼ cup of the BBQ sauce, dried minced onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, crushed cornflakes, and Montreal steak seasoning. Mixing all these ingredients together ensures each bite is packed with flavor and has a wonderful, tender texture thanks to the cornflakes.
Step 4: Form and Assemble
Divide the meat mixture into 24 small balls—perfectly sized to sit atop each half of your toasted rolls. Gently press each ball down slightly so it spreads evenly. Next, spread the remaining ¼ cup of BBQ sauce over the top of each meatball to add extra saucy richness and seal in moisture while baking.
Step 5: Bake and Add Cheese
Bake your assembled burger bites for 10 to 12 minutes, allowing the meat to cook through and the flavors to meld wonderfully. Then, pull them from the oven and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each bite. Pop them back in the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a gooey masterpiece.
How to Serve Long Boy Burger Bites Recipe
Garnishes
These Long Boy Burger Bites are perfect as is, but a few thoughtful garnishes can take them to the next level. Try adding thin slices of pickles or a dash of finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and a little brightness. A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce on the side is always a crowd-pleaser, providing an option for dipping that enhances every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these tasty bites with crispy French fries or sweet potato wedges for a classic burger experience. If you want to add a healthier element, a fresh coleslaw or a crunchy green salad makes a wonderful accompaniment, balancing the savory flavors with refreshing crispness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or game days, arrange the burger bites on a large platter lined with lettuce leaves and cherry tomatoes for an inviting display. Sticking small cocktail picks through each bite makes them easy to grab and keeps everything neat. You could also serve them alongside a trio of dipping sauces such as ranch, spicy mayo, and extra BBQ sauce for a fun interactive twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the Long Boy Burger Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to maintain their texture and flavor.
Freezing
These burger bites freeze wonderfully if you want to prep in advance. Arrange the baked and cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To bring your Long Boy Burger Bites back to life, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 8-10 minutes or until warmed through. This helps preserve the toasted texture of the buns and the melted goodness of the cheese without drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use different cheese instead of cheddar for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with Swiss, pepper jack, or even mozzarella for different flavor profiles and melting textures that suit your taste.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Long Boy Burger Bites Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or a mixture of black beans and mushrooms for a flavorful vegetarian twist that still holds together well in bite form.
Can I make the meat mixture ahead of time?
You can prepare the meat mixture a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. This can even enhance the flavors as the spices have more time to meld.
How do I prevent the rolls from becoming soggy?
To avoid soggy buns, lightly toast the Hawaiian rolls before adding the meatballs, and use just enough BBQ sauce so it doesn’t overpower the bread’s moisture level.
Are these Long Boy Burger Bites suitable for freezer meals?
Definitely! They freeze well and make excellent ready-to-go appetizers or snacks that you can quickly bake whenever the craving hits.
Final Thoughts
There is just something undeniably charming about the Long Boy Burger Bites Recipe that brings people together. Whether you’re serving them at a casual get-together or enjoying a cozy night in, these little bites are bursting with big flavors and bound to impress. Don’t hesitate to try making them yourself—they’re genuinely as fun to make as they are delicious to eat!
Print
Long Boy Burger Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 burger bites
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Long Boy Burger Bites are bite-sized sliders made with seasoned ground beef, baked on Hawaiian rolls with tangy BBQ sauce and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect as a party appetizer or a fun snack, they combine savory flavors with a crispy, cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1½ lb lean ground beef
- 1 egg
- ½ cup BBQ sauce, divided
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ cup crushed cornflakes
- 1 tsp Montreal steak seasoning
- 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian rolls
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450ºF to prepare for baking the burger bites.
- Prepare Rolls: Separate the 12 Hawaiian rolls and cut each in half lengthwise. Arrange them cut-side up on a baking sheet, lightly spray with olive oil or cooking spray, then bake for 5 minutes to toast.
- Make Meat Mixture: In a bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, ¼ cup BBQ sauce, dried minced onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, crushed cornflakes, and Montreal steak seasoning. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Form and Assemble Bites: Divide the beef mixture into 24 small balls. Place one meatball on each roll half and gently press down to flatten slightly. Spread the remaining ¼ cup BBQ sauce evenly over the top of each meatball.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the assembled burger bites in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the meat is cooked through.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, place shredded cheddar cheese on top of each meatball, and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease.
- To easily crush cornflakes, place them in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin or your hands.
- Make sure not to over-bake the rolls in step 2; they should be lightly toasted but not browned.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with your favorite melting cheese if desired.
- These bites are best served warm for optimal flavor and cheese texture.
