
Knife and Fork Velveeta Cheeseburger Sliders are perfect for family movie nights cozy game day spreads or anytime you want a cheesy meaty treat that just feels fun These sliders are smothered in creamy Velveeta sauce loaded with zesty sausage and RoTel and baked for a golden finish impossible to eat without a big grin and a fork
Ingredients
- Velveeta: cubed for quick smooth melting I find fresh unopened blocks melt best
- Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (RoTel): gives a punchy tang and a bit of heat choose the original for extra kick or mild if you want it less spicy
- Ground breakfast sausage: adds seasoning and hearty flavor go for a brand with balanced herbs for best results
- Sour cream: makes the cheese sauce extra velvety pick a thick high quality sour cream for maximum richness
- Slider buns: soft mini rolls soak up all the saucy goodness bakery fresh buns have better structure
- Butter: melted to brush on for golden sliders use unsalted to control saltiness
- Garlic powder or onion powder: for a classic savory finish choose garlic for punch onion for mellow depth
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Sausage:
- In a large skillet over medium heat fully cook ground sausage breaking it apart as you go for small perfectly browned pieces Drain off any excess fat so your filling is not greasy
- Melt the Cheese and Mix:
- Lower the skillet heat to low Add Velveeta cubes and diced tomatoes with chilies Stir slowly and gently until everything is melted together and bubbling Add sour cream and stir again so the sauce is creamy and smooth
- Prepare the Buns:
- Place bottom halves of slider buns snugly in a baking dish Pull the tops off gently you want to keep the bottoms whole for easy serving
- Assemble the Sliders:
- Pour the hot sausage and cheese mixture across the bottom buns Make sure every bun is covered to the edges Place the tops of the buns back on pressing lightly
- Finish and Bake:
- Brush melted butter over the tops of the buns Use a pastry brush to get even coverage Sprinkle with your choice of garlic powder or onion powder Pop in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for about five to ten minutes until the buns are hot to the touch and lightly golden
- Serve Hot:
- Let the sliders cool just a minute They are best served piping hot with a knife and fork to catch every bit of the gooey filling

Velveeta is always my favorite part of this recipe Its melt is unbeatable and reminds me of the nachos my grandma made every Sunday We still joke about needing two napkins just for this dish
Storage Tips
Wrap leftover sliders in foil and store in the refrigerator for up to two days These reheat well in the oven covered with foil at three hundred fifty degrees Use a baking sheet to catch any bubbling cheese sauce
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find breakfast sausage try ground beef or turkey with a bit of taco seasoning For a lighter version use light sour cream and reduced fat cheese Cubed cheddar can swap in for Velveeta but you will lose that classic smooth texture

Serving Suggestions
Serve these sliders with crisp pickle spears or fresh crunchy coleslaw for contrast They are fantastic with sweet potato fries or as a hearty party platter alongside chips If you want extra heat add jalapeno slices to the cheese mixture
Cultural Context
Sliders are a classic American comfort dish but this saucy skillet version leans hard into the Tex-Mex flavors found in southern cheese dips The use of RoTel and sausage takes the classic cheeseburger somewhere fun and unique
Recipe FAQs
- → Can ground beef be substituted for sausage?
Yes, ground beef can be used instead of sausage for a more classic burger flavor, but sausage adds extra seasoning and richness.
- → How do I prevent sliders from getting soggy?
Avoid overloading with the cheese sauce and bake the assembled sliders just until the tops are golden and the filling is set.
- → What side dishes pair well with these sliders?
Pair with crispy fries, pickles, or a tangy coleslaw to complement the rich, melty cheese filling.
- → Can these sliders be made ahead of time?
The sausage and cheese filling can be prepped ahead, but assemble and bake sliders fresh to avoid soggy buns.
- → How spicy are these sliders?
The level of heat depends on the brand and variety of diced tomatoes and green chilies used. Mild versions are available for less spice.