Introduction
Game day just got a whole lot tastier with these incredible Corned Beef Sliders! Whether you’re hosting a football party or simply craving a savory snack, these sliders are the perfect combination of crispy, melty, and satisfying. Packed with tender corned beef (or pastrami), Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and a zesty homemade Thousand Island dressing, these sliders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re super easy to make, ensuring you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the game. Ready to score a touchdown in the flavor department? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
History or Background
Corned beef sliders have been a beloved dish for centuries, with roots tracing back to Irish and Jewish cuisines. The process of “corning” beef, which involves curing it with salt and spices, has been a preservation technique since the 17th century. The tender, flavorful meat became especially popular in the U.S. in the 19th and 20th centuries. Corned beef’s reputation soared further during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, often paired with cabbage in the traditional Irish American dish.
As for corned beef sliders, the evolution of mini sandwiches dates back to the early 20th century, with “sliders” gaining popularity in American culture in the 1940s. These small sandwiches are perfect for parties, game days, and casual gatherings. Today, corned beef sliders offer a delightful way to enjoy the savory flavor of corned beef in bite-sized portions, ideal for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients Breakdown or Variations for Corned Beef Sliders
This Corned Beef Sliders recipe is versatile, so feel free to get creative with ingredients! Here’s a breakdown of the key components:
- Butter: The melted butter adds richness and helps crisp up the slider buns for that golden, delicious finish.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory, umami depth to the butter mixture, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Dried Onion: Gives a mild sweetness and aromatic flavor to the butter coating.
- Poppy Seeds: These little seeds add a slight crunch and a touch of nutty flavor, balancing the richness of the butter.
- Slider Buns: Soft yet sturdy, these buns hold all the layers together. You can use store-bought or homemade buns, as long as they’re soft enough to enjoy but strong enough to hold up the fillings.
- Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese melts beautifully and adds a creamy, mild flavor that complements the corned beef.
- Pastrami (or Corned Beef): The star ingredient! You can use pastrami for a bit of a smoky twist, or stick with traditional corned beef for that classic flavor.
- Sauerkraut: Adds a tangy, slightly sour crunch, balancing out the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Thousand Island Dressing: This homemade dressing brings creamy, sweet, and tangy elements to the sliders, enhancing the overall flavor with each bite.
Variations:
- Add Pickles: For a bit more tang, you can add sliced dill pickles inside the sliders.
- Use Rye Bread: If you want a more authentic deli-style flavor, substitute the slider buns with rye bread or rye buns.
- Spicy Twist: Add a layer of spicy mustard or sriracha to kick up the heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Corned Beef Sliders
Follow these easy steps to make your Corned Beef Sliders for your next football party:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready to bake the sliders.
- Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1 stick of melted butter, 1 ½ teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of dried onion, and 1 ½ tablespoons of poppy seeds. Stir until well mixed. Set aside.
- Slice the Buns: Slice your 12 slider buns in half and place the bottom halves into a 9×13 baking dish.
- Layer Swiss Cheese: Arrange 6 slices of Swiss cheese over the bottom buns, ensuring each slider is covered evenly.
- Add the Pastrami or Corned Beef: Layer the pastrami or corned beef over the cheese. Spread it evenly to make sure each slider has enough filling.
- Sauerkraut Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the drained sauerkraut with 2 tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing. Spread this mixture evenly over the pastrami.
- Add More Swiss Cheese: Layer the remaining 6 slices of Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut mixture.
- Top with Buns: Place the top halves of the slider buns on top of the cheese.
- Brush with Butter Mixture: Using a brush or spoon, evenly coat the top of the buns with the melted butter mixture, ensuring every slider is well covered.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and Bake Again: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes or until the tops of the sliders are golden and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, and offer extra Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping!
Pro Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Sliders: Make sure the ingredients are evenly spread out for each slider. If you overcrowd the filling, the sliders may become soggy. You want each bite to have the perfect balance of corned beef, cheese, and sauerkraut.
- Toast the Buns for Extra Crispiness: If you want an even crunchier top, lightly toast the buns in a skillet before assembling the sliders. This adds an extra layer of texture and prevents the buns from becoming too soft.
- Rest Before Serving: After baking, let the sliders rest for about 5 minutes before cutting them. This helps the filling set, making them easier to serve and enjoy without spilling everywhere!

Serving Ideas or Usage Tips
These Corned Beef Sliders are the perfect snack for game day or any casual gathering. Here are a few ideas to make your spread even more exciting:
- Pair with Potato Chips: Serve the sliders with crunchy potato chips or fries to balance out the savory richness.
- Add a Side Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the sliders.
- Perfect for a Buffet: These sliders are easy to make in large quantities, making them great for buffet-style gatherings. Serve them alongside other mini sandwiches, such as chicken or veggie sliders.
- Dip in Extra Thousand Island Dressing: If you love that creamy dressing, provide extra on the side for dipping.
Storage Advice or Shelf Life Information
To keep your Corned Beef Sliders fresh:
- In the Refrigerator: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick snack.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze them, wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes from frozen.
Be sure to enjoy them within these timeframes to maintain the best taste and texture!
Find out more : Incredible Chicken Pot Pie Croquettes: A Crispy Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
FAQs
What not to do when cooking corned beef?
When cooking corned beef, avoid overcooking it, as it can become tough and dry. Also, don’t skip the resting period after cooking – letting the corned beef rest for 10-15 minutes ensures it retains its juices and remains tender.
How long can cooked corned beef stay in the fridge?
Cooked corned beef can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Be sure to consume it within this time frame for the best flavor and quality.
Why does my corned beef always come out tough?
Corned beef can turn tough if it’s cooked at too high a temperature or for too long. It’s best to cook it slowly over low heat and to check the tenderness by testing it with a fork. A slow-cooking method like simmering or braising helps break down the meat fibers for a tender result.
What are the pros and cons of corned beef?
Pros: Corned beef is flavorful, protein-packed, and versatile. It’s perfect for sandwiches, sliders, and other dishes.
Cons: It’s high in sodium and fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation, especially for those monitoring their salt intake.
Conclusion
These Corned Beef Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any football party or casual gathering. With layers of tender corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing, all tucked into soft, toasted buns, they’re sure to be a hit with your guests. Whether you’re prepping for game day or simply craving a flavorful snack, this easy recipe delivers on taste and convenience. Don’t forget to try the variations and serving tips to make your sliders even more irresistible!
Ready to make your own batch? Gather the ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to serve up some delicious sliders everyone will love!

Incredible Corned Beef Sliders for Your Football Party Day
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These corned beef sliders are the perfect savory treat for game day, packed with tender corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut, all nestled in soft buns.
Ingredients
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1 stick butter, melted
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1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
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1 tablespoon dried onion
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1 ½ tablespoons poppy seeds
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12 slider buns
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6 slices Swiss cheese
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¾ lb pastrami (or corned beef)
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1 cup sauerkraut (drained)
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2 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing
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6 more slices Swiss cheese
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F.
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In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, dried onion, and poppy seeds. Set aside.
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Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom half in a 9×13 baking dish.
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Layer 6 slices of Swiss cheese over the buns.
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Top the cheese with pastrami (or corned beef), spreading it out in 3 even layers.
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In a separate bowl, mix the drained sauerkraut with Thousand Island dressing. Spread the mixture evenly over the pastrami.
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Layer 6 more slices of Swiss cheese on top of the sauerkraut mixture.
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Place the top half of the slider buns on the sliders.
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Brush the melted butter mixture over the entire top of the buns, ensuring they’re well coated.
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Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
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After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden and crispy.
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Serve warm with extra Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
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For a spicier version, add some Dijon mustard or sriracha to the sliders.
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You can also swap the Swiss cheese for cheddar if you prefer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American