Mini sliders with caramelized onions are a delightful twist on the classic burger, perfect for any casual get-together or a cozy family dinner. These bite-sized beauties pack a punch of flavor with their savory patties, gooey cheese, and sweet onions. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed to impress your guests.
Ground beef is the heart of these sliders, providing the rich, juicy base flavor. Choose a mix with a bit of fat for the best taste and texture. Mini slider buns are soft and perfectly sized for little hands or appetizer plates. Onions, when caramelized, add a sweet, mellow depth that complements the beef. Butter and olive oil together help the onions achieve that perfect caramelization without burning. A touch of salt and black pepper seasons the meat just right. Cheese, whether it’s sharp cheddar or creamy Swiss, adds a melty, luscious layer. Worcestershire sauce gives the beef a savory, umami kick, and Dijon mustard offers a tangy contrast to the sweet onions.
These sliders shine when paired with crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh, tangy coleslaw. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside a mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette that echoes the Dijon mustard’s tang. A refreshing lemonade or iced tea complements the savory sliders beautifully.
Start by prepping your onions. In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, stirring occasionally. Be patient; it takes about 25-30 minutes for them to caramelize properly, turning sweet and golden brown.
While the onions are doing their thing, focus on the beef. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until just combined—overmixing can make the patties tough. Shape this mixture into 12 small patties, just a tad larger than your slider buns, as they’ll shrink a bit while cooking.
Heat up your grill or skillet to medium-high. Lay your patties on the heat, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes per side. Aim for a nice crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Just before you finish, place a slice of cheese on each patty to melt.
While the patties are resting, toast your slider buns. On the grill or in the oven, a quick 2-minute toast will do, just until they’re golden and slightly crispy.
Now for the assembly line! Spread a bit of Dijon mustard on the bottom half of each bun. Place the cheesy patty on top, followed by a generous spoonful of those sweet caramelized onions. Cap it with the top bun, and voilà, your sliders are ready to serve.
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