This post is a comprehensive guide in how to make sliders for a party.
Hosting a large party and want to keep things fun, interactive, and delicious? Look no further than setting up sliders for a party! This crowd-pleasing idea allows your guests to customize their mini burgers with an array of patties, toppings, and sauces. To help you pull off the ultimate burger slider station, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide, including equipment, ingredients, supplies, a checklist and a handy timeline.
Equipment
Special Serving Equipment
Chafing Dishes or Warming Trays:
Keep your buns and patties warm and ready for assembly with chafing dishes or warming trays. These ensure that each slider is served at the perfect temperature. Don’t forget to pack fuel or extension cords.
Ice Holder Serving Tray:
Maintain the freshness of perishable items like produce, cheese and sauces by storing them on crushed ice in serving trays. This is especially crucial if your party extends for an extended period.
Squeeze Bottles:
Make it easy for guests to add their favorite sauces with squeeze bottles.
Serving Platters:
Display your array of components with style.
Serving Utensils:
Ensure you have the necessary utensils—tongs spoons, and spatula.
- Thermometer:
For checking food temperature to ensure safety.
Ingredients & Components
Patty Ideas
- Beef, recommended (get the recipe)
- Grilled Chicken
- Ground Turkey
- Veggie Mushroom Patties
- Salmon Filet
Bread Ideas
- Mini Slider Buns (recommended)
- Mini Pretzel Buns
- Brioche Slider Buns
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- Sourdough Rounds
- Lettuce wraps
Cheese Ideas
- American Cheese (recommended): traditional and has a gooey and melty texture.
- Cheddar: adds a sharp and tangy flavor.
- Swiss: mild and nutty
- Pepper Jack: for a spicy kick, pepper jack with its blend of peppers and Monterey Jack.
- Gouda: smooth, slightly sweet, and melts well.
- Provolone: mild and melts well.
Topping Ideas
- Iceberg Lettuce (recommended)
- Tomato (recommended)
- Onion, raw (recommended)
- Onion, grilled
- Pickles
- Bacon
- Sautéed mushrooms.
- Avocado
- Fried eggs
- Coleslaw
- Jalapeños
- Crispy Onion Strings
Sauce Ideas
- In-N-Out Burger Secret Sauce (recommended)
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- BBQ sauce
- Aioli
- Hot sauce
- Salad dressing
Timeline
4 Weeks Before
- Plan your menu.
- Make a shopping list.
- Purchase non-perishable items.
3 DAYS BEFORE
- Buy fresh produce, meats, and bread.
- Pack up equipment and supplies if hosting at an offsite venue.
2 DAYS BEFORE
- Prepare sauces that can be made in advance.
- Assemble condiment bottles.
- Set up serving stations if hosting at home.
THE DAY BEFORE
- Slice and prepare perishable toppings that can be made in advance.
ON THE DAY OF THE PARTY
- Ensure chafing dishes or warming trays are ready for patties and warm garnishes.
- Grill or cook patties. Keep warm.
- Set up the hot station and cold station, organizing ingredients logically.
- Keep cold toppings and sauces in iced serving trays, coolers or refrigerator until ready to be served.
Supplies
Guest Supplies
- Plates
- Disposable utensils (forks and knives)
- Napkins
- Hand wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer
Cleanup Supplies
- Towels and paper towels
- Trash bags
Decorations
- Signage
- Food labels: clearly mark each component, topping, and sauce for easy identification.
- Table covers
- Themed decor items
- Tent or canopy if outside (for shade and comfort)
By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-prepared to serve sliders for a party. It will be an unforgettable party with a burger slider station that caters to every palate. Your guests will love the interactive aspect of building their own sliders, and you’ll get to enjoy the satisfaction of pulling off a seamless and delicious event. Cheers to a successful burger bash!