How to Cook Burger Patties and Sliders
September is made for burger nights, football weekends, backyard grills, and easy meals that can feed a family or a full tailgate crew. This month, the featured cuts are Finke Farms Hamburger Patties and Hamburger Slider Patties, available in regular and seasoned options for everything from a classic cheeseburger to a build-your-own slider board.
Finke Farms shapes the beef into ready-to-cook patties, taking one major prep step off your plate. Full-size patties give you a hearty burger-night centerpiece, while 3-ounce sliders are sized for sharing, tasting different toppings, and serving a crowd.
If you have ever wondered which package fits your meal, how full-size patties and sliders cook differently, when to add cheese, or how to keep a burger juicy without pressing out the flavor, this guide will walk you through the basics.
What Are Finke Farms Burger Patties and Sliders?
Finke Farms Burger Patties and Sliders are freshly ground, conveniently shaped portions of single-sourced beef. Single-sourced ground beef comes from one individual animal rather than a conventional blend that may combine meat from many cattle. That greater traceability supports consistency, transparency, and confidence in the beef you are serving.
The full-size lineup includes a generous regular 1/2-pound patty and seasoned 1/3-pound patties. The slider lineup is packaged in sets of twelve 3-ounce patties, making it easy to prepare smaller burgers for parties, tailgates, family meals, or a mix-and-match tasting board.
Across the lineup, the beef is USDA Grass-Raised and Grain-Finished and contains no additives, no preservatives, no added hormones, and no antibiotics. The result is a practical burger-night staple built around straightforward farm-to-table quality.
Burger Patties or Sliders: Which Should You Choose?
Full-Size Hamburger Patties
Choose full-size patties when each burger will be the main event. The regular patties are packaged four to a package at 1/2 pound each, giving you an especially substantial burger. The Cowboy and Hatch Chili with Cheddar patties are packaged four to a package at 1/3 pound each, pairing a familiar burger size with flavor already mixed into the beef.
Hamburger Slider Patties
Choose sliders when you are serving a crowd, planning a tailgate spread, or letting everyone try more than one flavor. Regular, Cowboy, and Hatch Chili slider options are packaged as twelve 3-ounce patties. Their smaller size means they cook more quickly than the full-size patties and fit naturally on slider buns or small rolls.
A Simple Rule for September Meals
For a traditional burger dinner, start with full-size patties. For game day, parties, appetizer-style meals, or a burger flight with several toppings, start with sliders. Both sizes arrive shaped and ready for the grill, skillet, or griddle.
Finke Farms Burger Patty and Slider Options
Hamburger Patties - Regular, 1/2 Pound
The regular full-size patties are the flexible choice for classic burger seasoning and custom toppings. Each $9.49 package contains four patties weighing 1/2 pound each. Their larger size works well for a hearty cheeseburger, barbecue burger, mushroom-and-onion burger, or a simple salt-and-pepper preparation.
Cowboy Hamburger Patties - Jalapeño and Cheddar
Cowboy Hamburger Patties combine cheddar cheese and jalapeños for a savory, zesty burger with flavor built in. Each $12.49 package contains four patties weighing 1/3 pound each. Pair them with grilled onions, pickles, barbecue sauce, ranch-style sauce, or a cool slaw.
Hatch Chili Hamburger Patties with Cheddar
Hatch Chili Hamburger Patties with Cheddar bring smoky, slightly spicy Hatch green chile character together with melted-cheese flavor in the patty itself. Each $12.49 package contains four patties weighing 1/3 pound each. They pair naturally with avocado, roasted peppers, onions, salsa, or a simple toasted bun.
Hamburger Sliders - Regular Patties
Regular Hamburger Slider Patties are a versatile base for classic mini cheeseburgers, a topping bar, or a slider board. Each $9.49 package contains twelve 3-ounce patties, giving you enough portions for a group while keeping the prep simple.
Cowboy Hamburger Sliders - Jalapeño and Cheddar
Cowboy Hamburger Sliders include cheddar cheese and jalapeños for a bold, party-ready bite. Each $12.49 package contains twelve 3-ounce patties. Their smaller size makes it easy to serve a few seasoned sliders alongside regular patties for guests who want options.
Hatch Chili Hamburger Sliders with Cheddar
Hatch Chili Hamburger Sliders with Cheddar combine the smoky, slightly spicy flavor of Hatch green chiles with cheddar in a 3-ounce slider. Each $12.49 package contains twelve patties and works especially well for a Southwest-style slider board.
Hatch Chili Slider Patties
The Hatch Chili option without cheddar keeps the focus on seasoned beef and the smoky, slightly spicy flavor of Hatch green chiles. Each $12.49 package contains twelve 3-ounce patties, making it another shareable choice for game-day meals.
Prices are listed before shipping, which is calculated at checkout.
Why Choose Finke Farms Burger Patties and Sliders?
· Freshly ground: Finke Farms grinds the beef fresh for quality and rich burger flavor.
· Single sourced: The ground beef comes from one individual animal, supporting greater traceability, consistency, and transparency than conventional blended ground beef.
· Conveniently shaped: Full-size patties and sliders arrive formed and ready to cook, reducing prep for weeknight meals and gatherings.
· Multiple sizes: Choose substantial 1/2-pound patties, versatile 1/3-pound seasoned patties, or crowd-friendly 3-ounce sliders.
· Flavor options: Build a classic burger with regular patties or start with Cowboy Jalapeño and Cheddar, Hatch Chili with Cheddar, or Hatch Chili flavor already in the beef.
· Farm-to-table quality: The patties are made with USDA Grass-Raised and Grain-Finished Beef from Finke Farms.
· Pure and wholesome: No additives, no preservatives, no added hormones, and no antibiotics.
What Do Burger Patties and Sliders Taste Like?
Regular patties put the rich, savory flavor of the beef first and give you full control over seasoning, cheese, sauce, and toppings. The Cowboy options add cheddar and jalapeño for a fuller, zesty bite. Hatch Chili options bring smoky, gently spicy green chile flavor, with the cheddar versions adding extra richness.
Size also changes the eating experience. A 1/2-pound patty gives you a thick, substantial center, while 1/3-pound patties balance a browned exterior with a familiar burger thickness. Sliders cook quickly and offer more browned edge in each small serving, making them ideal for crisp buns, bold sauces, and several topping combinations on one plate.
Best Ways to Cook Burger Patties and Sliders
Grilled Burger Patties and Sliders
Grilling gives burgers a smoky exterior and makes it easy to cook several portions at once. Preheat the grill, clean and lightly oil the grates as needed, and place the patties over direct heat. Let the first side develop a browned crust before turning. Because sliders are smaller, watch them closely and remove them before they dry out.
Cast-Iron Skillet Burgers
A hot cast-iron skillet creates strong browning indoors. Work in batches so the patties have room and the pan stays hot. A small amount of neutral oil can help when needed. Turn the burgers once a crust forms, add cheese near the end, and use the browned skillet drippings to cook onions or peppers after the patties come out.
Flat-Top or Griddle Burgers
A flat-top gives you space to cook patties, toast buns, and prepare onions at the same time. Keep the meat in a hot zone and the buns in a lower-heat zone. For preformed Finke Farms patties and sliders, cook them in their existing shape rather than repeatedly pressing them down.
Broiled Burger Patties
Broiling is a useful indoor option when you do not want to manage a skillet in batches. Place the patties on a broiler-safe pan, cook close to a fully heated broiler, and turn once. Watch the smaller sliders carefully because their cooking window is shorter than the full-size patties.
How to Cook Burger Patties and Sliders Step by Step
1. Thaw safely. Thaw the patties in the refrigerator so they cook evenly and hold their shape.
2. Keep the beef cold until cooking. Cold patties are easier to handle and move cleanly to the grill or pan.
3. Choose the right cooking surface. Preheat a grill, cast-iron skillet, griddle, or broiler before adding the meat.
4. Season appropriately. Season regular patties to taste. Cowboy and Hatch Chili options already contain flavorful ingredients, so start lightly with any added salt or seasoning.
5. Make room for browning. Arrange patties in a single layer with space between them. Cook in batches indoors when needed.
6. Let the first side sear. Avoid moving the patties constantly. Turn them once a browned crust has formed.
7. Do not press out the juices. Preformed patties should stay intact while cooking. Pressing them repeatedly can force moisture and rendered fat onto the cooking surface.
8. Add cheese near the end. Place any extra cheese on the patty after turning so it melts without overcooking the beef.
9. Check doneness with a thermometer. Ground beef should reach 160°F in the center. The 1/2-pound patties will generally need more time than 1/3-pound patties or 3-ounce sliders.
10. Rest briefly and serve. Give the burgers a short rest, then place them on toasted buns with the toppings and sides of your choice.
Flavor and Texture Tips for Better Burgers
· Fully preheat the grill, skillet, or griddle before the patties touch the cooking surface.
· Cook in a single layer and leave enough room for steam to escape.
· Match the cooking time to the patty size; sliders cook faster than 1/3-pound patties, and 1/2-pound patties take the longest.
· Turn only after the first side has browned, and avoid repeated flipping.
· Do not flatten preformed patties while they cook. Save the smash technique for loose balls of ground beef, as used in this month's Texas Tailgate Smashburger recipe.
· Toast the buns so they hold up to sauces, cheese, and juicy toppings.
· Balance rich burgers with crisp pickles, onions, slaw, lettuce, tomato, or a bright sauce.
· Use an instant-read thermometer and cook ground beef to 160°F in the center.
Build-Your-Own Burger and Slider Bar
A burger bar is one of the easiest ways to turn several Finke Farms options into a September gathering. Cook a mix of regular, Cowboy, and Hatch Chili patties, then let everyone choose a bun, cheese, sauce, and topping combination.
· Buns: classic hamburger buns, slider rolls, brioche-style buns, potato rolls, or lettuce wraps
· Cheese: American, cheddar, pepper jack, Swiss, or queso-style cheese sauce
· Fresh toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, jalapeño, or cilantro
· Cooked toppings: grilled onions, sauteed mushrooms, roasted peppers, Hatch green chiles, or crispy onion strings
· Sauces: mustard, mayonnaise, burger sauce, barbecue sauce, hot sauce, salsa, or ranch-style sauce
· Bright and crunchy finishes: dill pickles, pickled jalapeños, slaw, or pickled onions
Easy September Burger and Slider Board
For a simple game-day spread, cook regular sliders alongside Cowboy and Hatch Chili sliders. Arrange them on a large board or tray with toasted slider buns, sliced cheese, pickles, onions, lettuce, tomato, jalapeños, sauces, and a few bowls of chips or slaw.
Label the seasoned options so guests can tell them apart, and keep extra toppings on the side. The result is flexible enough for a family dinner but easy to scale for a tailgate or watch party.
What to Serve with Burger Patties and Sliders
· Oven fries, potato wedges, or sweet potato fries
· Kettle chips, tortilla chips, or loaded nachos
· Coleslaw, broccoli slaw, or a crisp green salad
· Grilled corn, corn salad, or roasted vegetables
· Baked beans, ranch-style beans, or chili
· Macaroni and cheese or a cold pasta salad
· Pickle spears, pickled onions, or jalapeños
· Fresh fruit, watermelon, or a simple fruit salad
· Slider boards with several sauces and toppings
· Tailgate snacks such as pretzels, popcorn, or snack mix
Frequently Asked Questions About Burger Patties and Sliders
What is the difference between a full-size patty and a slider?
Finke Farms full-size patties are either 1/2 pound or 1/3 pound each, depending on the option. Slider patties are 3 ounces each and are packaged twelve to a package. Full-size patties work well as a main-course burger, while sliders are sized for sharing and variety.
How are the patties packaged?
Regular 1/2-pound patties are packaged four to a package. Cowboy and Hatch Chili with Cheddar full-size patties are packaged four to a package at 1/3 pound each. Slider patties are packaged twelve to a package at 3 ounces each.
What does single sourced mean?
Single-sourced ground beef comes from one individual animal. This provides greater traceability, consistency, and transparency than conventional ground beef that may blend meat from many cattle.
Do Cowboy or Hatch Chili patties need extra seasoning?
They already contain flavorful ingredients, so start lightly with additional seasoning. Cook one as prepared, taste the finished burger, and add salt, sauce, or toppings as needed.
How do I keep burger patties juicy?
Start with a fully heated cooking surface, avoid overcrowding, turn after a crust develops, do not repeatedly press the patty, and use a thermometer so the burger does not stay over the heat longer than necessary.
Should I press down on the patties while they cook?
Not for the preformed Finke Farms patties and sliders. Pressing can force juices and rendered fat out of the burger. The exception is a true smashburger made from loose balls of ground beef, which are pressed once at the beginning of cooking to create a wide, crisp crust.
Can I cook the patties indoors?
Yes. A cast-iron skillet, flat-top griddle, or broiler can cook the full-size patties and sliders indoors. Work in batches when needed so the meat browns instead of steaming.
What internal temperature should ground-beef patties reach?
Cook ground-beef patties to 160°F in the center and check with an instant-read thermometer. Test through the side of a thinner slider when that gives you a more accurate reading in the center.
Which option is best for a tailgate?
Sliders are especially convenient for a tailgate because they are packaged in sets of twelve and make it easy to offer more than one flavor. Full-size patties are a strong choice when guests want a hearty, traditional burger.
How much do Finke Farms patties and sliders cost?
Regular full-size patties and regular sliders are listed at $9.49 per package. Cowboy and Hatch Chili options are listed at $12.49 per package. Shipping is calculated at checkout.
Why Buy Burger Patties and Sliders from Finke Farms?
At Finke Farms, burger night begins with beef that is freshly ground, single sourced, conveniently shaped, and raised with farm-to-table care. The lineup gives families a practical way to choose the size and flavor that fit the meal without giving up traceability or quality.
· Freshly ground beef prepared for dependable burger flavor
· Single-sourced ground beef for greater traceability and consistency
· Regular, Cowboy, and Hatch Chili flavor options
· Full-size patties for hearty meals and 3-ounce sliders for sharing
· USDA Grass-Raised and Grain-Finished Beef
· No additives, no preservatives, no added hormones, and no antibiotics
· Ready-to-cook packaging for weeknights, cookouts, and game-day gatherings
Final Tips for Cooking Burger Patties and Sliders
· Thaw completely in the refrigerator.
· Keep the patties cold until the cooking surface is ready.
· Preheat the grill, skillet, griddle, or broiler fully.
· Cook in a single layer and leave room between patties.
· Expect sliders to cook faster than full-size patties.
· Turn after a browned crust forms and avoid repeated pressing.
· Add extra cheese near the end of cooking.
· Cook ground beef to 160°F in the center.
· Toast the buns and balance rich burgers with crisp or tangy toppings.
· Choose full-size patties for a classic burger dinner and sliders for a shareable game-day spread.
For a crisp-edged game-day recipe made with loose Finke Farms Ground Beef, see this month's Taste of the Season blog: The Texas Tailgate Smashburger.
