Discover The History Of Sliders | Angel Bay (2024)

The tiny, tasty, and oh-so-satisfying bite-sized burger that has been a staple of American fast food for generations. But where did this miniature marvel of meat come from? Let's take a trip down memory lane to uncover the history of the slider.

The origin of the slider is a bit of a mystery, with several different stories claiming to be the true birthplace of this tasty treat. Some say it was invented by White Castle, the first fast-food hamburger chain, in the 1920s. Stemming from the service and presentation of the mini burger to customers. In the early days of the restaurant, the company’s service was more of a show, with pristine white aprons on all the employees and white paper caps. Once your slider was ready, the employees would slide it down the counter towards you, hence the origin of the ‘slider’.

Others claim the name originated in World War II when U.S. Sailors would order mini burgers that they could "slide" in and out of their mouths while they were on the go.

“Sailors in the U.S. Navy would refer to mini burgers as “sliders” because of their extreme greasiness. In just one or two bites the burger would just slide right down!” (InterExchange, 2023).

Regardless of its true origin, the slider quickly became a popular item on the menus of fast-food restaurants and diners acrossthe country. Its small size made it easy to eat on the go, and its affordability meant that it was accessible to people from all walks of life. Fortunately for the cuisine in the U.S. and the country's heart health, the sliders we know today have become more of an art form.

Miniature burgers have adapted to different countries' palettes and elegant flavour combinations. Today, sliders come in a variety of flavours and styles, from classic beef and cheese to veggie burgers and gourmet varieties. They can be found at sports stadiums, bars and grills, and even high-end restaurants.

Discover The History Of Sliders | Angel Bay (1)

Some popular variations of the slider include:
  • Cheeseburger sliders: A classic beef patty topped with melted cheese, served on a mini bun.
  • Pulled pork sliders: Slow-cooked pulled pork served on a slider bun, often topped with coleslaw or barbecue sauce.
  • Veggie sliders: A meatless patty made from a combination of veggies and spices, served on a mini bun.
  • Slider dogs: Mini-hot dogs served on slider buns, often topped with mustard, ketchup, and relish.

The slider is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. Whether you're in the mood for a quick and easy snack or a full meal, there's a slider out there that's sure to satisfy. So, the next time you bite into a juicy mini burger, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and evolution of this beloved food.

Find out more about Angel Bays sliders:

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Reference List.

Gunther Toody's Diner. (2014). Great Moments in Burger History: The Slider. Retrieved from Gunther Toody's Diner: https://gunthertoodys.com/great-moments-burger-history-slider/

InterExchange. (2023). Hungry? Let's Talk About Sliders! Retrieved from InterExchange: https://www.interexchange.org/articles/career-training-usa/2013/12/12/hungry-lets-talk-about-sliders/#:~:text=The%20name%20originated%20in%20the,American%20fast%20food%20chain%20restaurant.

Discover The History Of Sliders | Angel Bay (2024)

FAQs

What is the history of sliders? ›

It is believed the term slider came from the Navy where greasy burgers were called sliders because they could slide around so easily. Some burger purists say that a true slider is only made this way (bun, patty, onion, pickle) and that anything else is a considered mini hamburger.

Why are little burgers called sliders? ›

Sliders refer to miniature hamburgers. The name originated in the 1940s, when sailors in the U.S. Navy would refer to mini-burgers as “sliders” because of their extreme greasiness. In just one or two bites, the burger would just slide right down!

How much does a slider burger patty weigh? ›

Invented in Wichita, Kansas in 1916 by Walter Anderson (who five years later founded White Castle), sliders were at one time the predominant form of burger on the planet. Weighing in at under two ounces, the diminutive sandwiches are made by slowly steam-griddling thin, all-beef patties on a bed of onions.

What is the history of slides? ›

The History of Slides

Slides have been around for centuries, with the first recorded instance of their use dating back to the early 17th century. At that time, slides were made out of wood and were used as a way to get people from one level to another.

What is the original meaning of sliders? ›

History. The name "slider" is believed to have been first used to describe the onion-steamed small burgers at White Castle restaurants. The term has since been picked up by other restaurants, usually to describe a small hamburger, but sometimes used to describe any small sandwich made with a slider bun.

What do Americans call sliders? ›

In the simplest terms, sliders are a diminutive version of hamburgers — a beef patty sandwiched between two buns and adorned with toppings and condiments. However, some say that a slider isn't a slider unless it contains cooked onions within the beef.

Who invented the slider? ›

Origin. When the slider first came to prominence in the first quarter of the 20th century, it was referred to as a "nickel curve." There is no consensus as to who invented the pitch; however, aptly named Hall of Famer Charles Albert "Chief" Bender is widely believed to be the first to bring the pitch to prominence.

Did White Castle invent sliders? ›

THE ORIGINAL SLIDER®

We invented the slider when we first took 100% beef and put it on top of grilled onions and a signature bun. Easy to heat, these satisfying Sliders are big in taste and in fun. Top them with dill pickles for a true White Castle experience. From our Castle to your freezer.

Why are slider burgers so popular? ›

Its small size made it easy to eat on the go, and its affordability meant that it was accessible to people from all walks of life. Fortunately for the cuisine in the U.S. and the country's heart health, the sliders we know today have become more of an art form.

What is the difference between a slider and a regular burger? ›

Sliders are smaller than burgers and often contain less meat, but they are also more portable and more uncomplicated to eat. Burgers can be messy but are more filling and typically have more nuanced flavors.

How many burger sliders per person? ›

3 sliders per serving is generally recognised as the norm, though any amount can be consumed.

What is a slider & Why is it called that? ›

“Sailors in the U.S. Navy would refer to mini burgers as “sliders” because of their extreme greasiness. In just one or two bites the burger would just slide right down!” (InterExchange, 2023).

When did sliders first come out? ›

Sliders is an American science fiction and fantasy television series created by Robert K. Weiss and Tracy Tormé. It was broadcast for five seasons between 1995 and 2000.

Did the sliders ever make it home? ›

They were home. In the sprawling fields of infinite reality, they managed to find their way back... if only for a moment, and they might have known it but for a few more seconds or a squeaky hinge. Because of that, we got four more seasons of reality-hopping adventure, and you can watch all of it right now on Peaco*ck.

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