Edible-Infused Sliders: Mini Burgers with Cannabis Butter

Edible-infused sliders bring a fun, flavorful twist to any tailgate party, especially when you want something hearty that still delivers a mellow, balanced buzz. These mini burgers are made with rich cannabis butter, giving each bite a smooth, savory infusion that’s easy to portion and share. Whether you’re grilling outside the stadium or setting up a backyard pre-game, this recipe keeps things simple, crowd-pleasing, and tailgate-ready.

Ingredients (Makes 8–10 Sliders)

For the Cannabis Butter:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1–2 teaspoons decarboxylated cannabis (adjust potency as needed)

For the Sliders:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 8–10 slider buns
  • 4 slices cheddar or American cheese, cut into quarters
  • Lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, or preferred toppings

For Finishing:

  • 2 tablespoons cannabis butter (from above)
  • Optional: ketchup, mustard, chipotle mayo, or barbecue sauce

Step 1: Make the Cannabis Butter

Start by gently melting the unsalted butter over low heat, keeping the temperature below 250°F to avoid degrading the cannabinoids. Stir in the decarboxylated cannabis and let it steep for 25–30 minutes, never allowing it to boil. Once infused, strain the butter through a fine mesh or cheesecloth into a small bowl. The result should be a smooth, golden infusion ready for both cooking and drizzling. Set it aside to slightly firm up.

Step 2: Prepare the Slider Patties

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently with your hands—just enough to bring the ingredients together without overworking the meat. Form small patties about 2 inches wide and slightly wider than your slider buns, since they’ll shrink a bit during cooking. Place the patties on a tray and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to help them hold their shape on the grill.

Step 3: Grill Your Sliders

Heat your grill or cast-iron skillet to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates or pan, then lay down the patties. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side for medium-doneness, adding cheese during the final minute to melt. The key is keeping them juicy—sliders cook fast, so keep an eye on them while flipping.

Step 4: Toast the Buns with Cannabis Butter

While the patties finish cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of the infused butter. Brush it onto the inside of each slider bun, then quickly toast them on the grill for 30–60 seconds. This step not only warms and crisps the buns but also ensures each guest gets a consistent, low-dose infusion per slider.

Step 5: Build and Serve

Assemble each slider by placing a cheesy patty onto the toasted bun and layering on toppings like lettuce, tomato, onions, or pickles. Add your favorite sauces on the side so guests can customize their flavor. Serve immediately while warm.

These edible-infused sliders deliver big flavor in a small package—perfect for tailgate crowds looking for something tasty, fun, and easy to share. Remember to clearly label infused foods and keep portions moderate so everyone can enjoy responsibly throughout the festivities.