If you’re craving those iconic White Castle burgers but don’t want to leave your cozy kitchen, you’re in luck! Cooking White Castle burgers in the oven is easy, convenient, and delivers that nostalgic, savory flavor right at home. Whether you’re heating up frozen sliders or making a copycat version from scratch, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know for juicy, delicious White Castle-style burgers.
What You’ll Need
– Frozen White Castle sliders (or homemade slider patties)
– Baking sheet
– Aluminum foil or parchment paper
– Slider buns
– Optional toppings: American cheese slices, pickles, ketchup, mustard, grilled onions
Step-by-Step: Cooking Frozen White Castle Burgers in the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for warming the burgers evenly without drying them out.
- Prepare the burgers by removing the frozen sliders from their packaging. Separate the patties and place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Cover the burgers loosely with aluminum foil. This helps retain moisture and ensures the burgers heat through without drying.
- Bake the burgers for about 15 to 20 minutes. If your sliders are thawed, 10 to 15 minutes should be enough. The goal is to heat the patties thoroughly and melt the cheese if it’s already on them.
- Optional broiling: For a slightly crispy top, you can broil the burgers for 1 to 2 minutes after baking, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Toast the buns separately in the oven or toaster oven until lightly golden for added texture and flavor.
- Assemble your sliders by placing a pickle slice on the bottom bun, followed by the burger, a slice of American cheese (if not already melted), and your favorite condiments like mustard and ketchup.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the classic White Castle taste right at home!
Making Copycat White Castle Burgers from Scratch in the Oven
If you want to go beyond frozen sliders and make your own White Castle-style burgers, here’s a simple recipe that captures the essence of those famous sliders:
Ingredients
– 2 pounds ground beef (80% lean recommended)
– 3 tablespoons dried minced onion or onion soup mix
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg
– ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
– Slider buns
– American cheese slices
– Pickle slices
– Optional: Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F to 400°F depending on your recipe preference.
- Mix the beef and seasonings: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, dried onions or onion soup mix, salt, pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs. Add Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder if desired for extra flavor. Mix well but don’t overwork the meat.
- Form the patties: Press the meat mixture evenly into a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread it thin to mimic the signature square slider patties.
- Bake the meat slab for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The meat will shrink slightly during baking.
- Add onions: Scatter thinly sliced onions over the meat halfway through baking or cook onions separately and add on top for that classic White Castle onion flavor.
- Cut into squares: Once cooked, carefully slice the meat slab into 12 equal squares.
- Toast the buns in the oven until lightly golden.
- Assemble sliders: Place a meat square on each bun bottom, top with a slice of American cheese and pickles, then cover with the bun top.
- Serve hot for that authentic White Castle experience!
Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked White Castle Burgers
– Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give each patty room so heat circulates evenly.
– Use foil or parchment: This helps with cleanup and keeps burgers moist.
– Add onions: Onions are key to White Castle’s flavor. Bake them with the meat or caramelize separately.
– Cheese matters: American cheese melts perfectly and gives that classic creamy texture.
– Toast buns: Lightly toasting buns adds a nice crunch that contrasts with the juicy patties.
– Serve with classic condiments: Mustard, ketchup, and pickles complete the authentic slider taste.
White Castle burgers are all about simple, savory flavors and that unique square shape. Whether you’re heating frozen sliders or crafting your own copycat version, the oven is your best friend for easy, delicious results. So go ahead, fire up your oven and satisfy those slider cravings with this foolproof method!
Enjoy your homemade White Castle burgers hot and fresh, and impress your family or friends with this classic fast-food favorite made right in your kitchen!