Introduction
Looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s loaded with flavor and fun to eat? Look no further than these delicious sliders topped with Cowboy Butter. The combination of savory ingredients and the buttery, herby spread makes these sliders a perfect choice for game day, parties, or a family gathering. Follow the easy steps to create a mouthwatering meal that everyone will enjoy!
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
*Cowboy Butter:*
– ½ cup salted butter, sliced into pats
– 1 tablespoon Honey Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives
– 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (curly or flat-leaf)
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
– 1 teaspoon minced garlic
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– ¼ teaspoon ground chipotle powder
*Sliders:*
– 12 King Hawaiian Rolls (keep connected)
– 1 pound ground beef (80/20 mix)
– ½ cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion
– 1 teaspoon minced garlic
– 2 tablespoons hamburger seasoning (e.g., McCormick’s)
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1½ cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 8 slices smoked bacon, cooked, crispy, and crumbled
– 1 cup French fried onions
– 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and sliced into 12 rings
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 sliders
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Cowboy Butter
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup of sliced salted butter. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in 1 tablespoon of honey Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped chives, 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley (curly or flat-leaf), 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper, ½ teaspoon of paprika, and ¼ teaspoon of ground chipotle powder until fully combined.
Step 3: Prepare Rolls
Carefully slice the 12 King Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping them connected. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Cook Beef Mixture
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef (80/20 mix), along with ½ cup of finely chopped sweet yellow onion and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess oil and stir in 2 tablespoons of hamburger seasoning and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Step 5: Assemble Sliders
Brush the bottom rolls with half of the prepared cowboy butter. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the buttered rolls. Next, sprinkle 1½ cups of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the beef. Add 8 slices of crispy, crumbled smoked bacon on top of the cheese, followed by 1 cup of French fried onions evenly distributed over the bacon. Place one sliced jalapeño ring on each slider. Finally, place the top half of the rolls over the assembled layers and brush the top rolls with the remaining cowboy butter.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
Step 7: Serve
Once baked, let the sliders rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve hot for the best flavor and experience.
Notes
Storage Tip
Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestion
These sliders pair excellently with chips, pickles, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Flavor Adjustments
Feel free to adjust the spices and toppings according to your taste preferences, such as adding more jalapeños for extra heat or using different cheese varieties.
Cook techniques
Melting Butter
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat to incorporate flavors easily into Cowboy Butter.
Whisking Ingredients
Whisk together the melted butter and other ingredients thoroughly for an even distribution of flavors.
Slicing Rolls
Slice King Hawaiian Rolls horizontally while keeping them connected to maintain structure.
Cooking Ground Beef
Cook ground beef with onions and garlic in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully browned, ensuring even cooking and draining excess oil for a less greasy mixture.
Assembling Sliders
Layer ingredients carefully, starting with cowboy butter on the rolls followed by beef, cheese, bacon, and jalapeños, for balanced flavors in every bite.
Baking with Foil
Cover the assembled sliders with aluminum foil during the first part of baking to keep moisture in, then remove it to achieve a golden brown finish.
Resting Before Serving
Let the sliders rest for a few minutes after baking to make slicing easier and to allow flavors to meld.
FAQ
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter and adjust the salt in the recipe to taste.
Can I make the Cowboy Butter in advance?
Yes, Cowboy Butter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
How do I store leftover sliders?
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the assembled sliders?
Yes, you can freeze assembled sliders before baking. Wrap them tightly and bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
What is a good alternative to jalapeños?
If you prefer less heat, you can use bell pepper slices or omit the jalapeños entirely.
Conclusion
The Cowboy Butter Sliders are a delightful combination of rich flavors and textures, making them perfect for any gathering or casual meal. The blend of seasoned beef, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and the unique Cowboy Butter enriches each bite, while the jalapeño provides a spicy kick. These sliders are not just a meal, but an experience that brings together friends and family around the table.
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Substitute cooked, shredded BBQ chicken for the ground beef and top with coleslaw and pickles for a tangy twist.
Pulled Pork Sliders
Use pulled pork in place of beef and add a layer of creamy coleslaw along with some BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
Veggie Sliders
Replace the ground beef with a mixture of black beans, finely chopped bell peppers, and quinoa to create a vegetarian-friendly option.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Mix shredded chicken with Buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles, then layer on the slider rolls for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Sliders
Incorporate additional cheeses like pepper jack or gouda and layer more jalapeños for an extra cheesy and spicy version.
Breakfast Sliders
Use scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked sausage or bacon with a hint of Cowboy Butter for a delicious breakfast option.
