Introduction
Sliders are a fantastic party food, perfect for gatherings, game days, or a casual family dinner. These delectable mini sandwiches are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The combination of lean ground beef, onions, garlic, and melted cheddar cheese, all nestled between soft slider buns, makes for an irresistible treat. This recipe is sure to please your guests and leave them coming back for more!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 1 pound lean ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ketchup
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 12 slider buns (such as Hawaiian rolls)
– 6 slices cheddar cheese
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Yield
12 sliders
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Sliders: Without separating the individual rolls, slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom half of the buns in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the cooked beef mixture over the bottom buns. Layer the cheddar cheese slices over the beef. Place the top half of the buns over the cheese to form the sliders.
4. Prepare the Topping: Brush the melted butter over the tops of the buns. Sprinkle the sesame seeds evenly over the buttered buns.
5. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the sliders cool slightly. Slice into individual sliders and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious sliders!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Sliders
Without separating the individual rolls, slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom half of the buns in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the cooked beef mixture over the bottom buns. Layer the cheddar cheese slices over the beef. Place the top half of the buns over the cheese to form the sliders.
4. Prepare the Topping
Brush the melted butter over the tops of the buns. Sprinkle the sesame seeds evenly over the buttered buns.
5. Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Serve
Remove from the oven and let the sliders cool slightly. Slice into individual sliders and serve warm.
Notes
1. Ground Beef
For a healthier option, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of lean ground beef.
2. Cheese Variations
Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with other varieties like Swiss or pepper jack for added flavor.
3. Buns
Hawaiian rolls provide a sweet taste, but any slider buns can be used according to your preference.
4. Serving Size
This recipe makes 12 sliders, suitable for gatherings or as a main dish with sides.
5. Storage
Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of fat over relatively high heat. In this recipe, the onion is sautéed until translucent, and then garlic is added for flavor. This technique enhances the aroma and taste of the dish.
Browning
Browning ground beef is essential for developing a rich flavor. Cook the beef until it is evenly browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. This process caramelizes the natural sugars in the meat and improves the overall taste of the sliders.
Mixing Flavors
Incorporating various condiments like Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and ketchup into the beef mixture allows for a complex flavor profile. Stirring these ingredients into the meat ensures even distribution of the flavors.
Layering
Layering the cooked beef and cheese between the slider buns creates a cohesive dish. Ensure that each layer is evenly spread so that every slider has a good balance of flavors.
Brushing with Butter
Brushing the tops of the buns with melted butter adds richness and helps to achieve a golden, crispy crust when baked. This finishing touch enhances the texture and flavor of the sliders.
Baking
Baking in a covered dish ensures even cooking and melting of the cheese. The initial cover with foil traps steam, keeping the sliders moist, while the last few minutes of uncovered baking creates a desirable crunchy topping.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar cheese with other types like Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor.
How do I store leftover sliders?
Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or microwave before serving.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and assemble the sliders a few hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake them.
What can I serve with sliders?
Sliders pair well with a variety of sides such as potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple salad.
Is there a vegetarian option for these sliders?
Yes, you can replace the ground beef with vegetarian alternatives, such as plant-based ground meat or a mixture of sautéed vegetables and legumes.
Conclusion
These delicious sliders are the perfect combination of flavors and textures, making them a great choice for parties, game days, or a fun family dinner. With juicy beef, melty cheese, and a buttery sesame seed topping, these sliders are sure to impress. They are easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
More recipes suggestions and combinations
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Use shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with barbecue sauce instead of ground beef, and top with coleslaw for a tangy crunch.
Spicy Beef Sliders
Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese to the ground beef mixture for an extra kick and spice.
Mushroom and Swiss Sliders
Replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms and top with Swiss cheese for a vegetarian option that’s still hearty and satisfying.
Italian Meatball Sliders
Use cooked meatballs in marinara sauce as the filling and top with provolone cheese for an Italian twist.
Tex-Mex Sliders
Incorporate taco seasoning into the beef mixture and add guacamole or salsa as toppings for a Mexican flavor fusion.
