By Chef Jessica Hallam: photo by Leanna Kotter
Happy February everyone! Did January fly by for any of you? I hope your New Year goals are still going strong. This month I am excited to share a fun appetizer for the big game! These sliders are juicy, cheesy, topped with bacon, and did I mention they’re on homemade buns? Today I served them piled with classic toppings, but feel free to substitute your favorites. They tend to disappear quickly, so grab yours while it’s hot!
Homemade Buns
1 ¼ c. hot water
1/3 c. canola oil
¼ c. sugar
2 ½ tbsp. instant yeast
1 egg
1tsp. salt
3-3 ½ c. flour, plus more for dusting
Hamburger patties
1lb. hamburger ground beef
3tbsp. heavy cream
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
¼ tsp. granulated garlic
¼ tsp. onion powder
Optional: a dash of Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce
Suggested toppings:
Lettuce
Tomato
Pickle
Caramelized onions
Mayo, mustard
Directions: For the buns
1. Combine the water, oil, sugar, yeast, salt, egg and two cups of the flour in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment. Mix on high for 2 minutes. Add one cup of flour and mix on low for 3-5 minutes. If the dough remains sticky slowly add more flour ¼ c. at a time until it pulls away from the edges of the bowl but remains sticky at the bottom. Once finished mixing, top bowl with a towel or piece of plastic. Let raise 15 minutes in a warm place.
2. Remove dough from bowl and roll into small rolls. You want to make sure they are rolled tightly to ensure they rise properly. Place on a baking sheet topped with parchment. Let raise 15 more minutes. Then bake at 400 degrees for 4-6 minutes until tops are slightly browned
Directions: For the meat mixture
1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Using your hands mix together to evenly incorporate all ingredients. Divide into 8 small patties. I used a digital scale and made each patty two ounces.
2. Using a cast iron skillet, cook the patties 3-4 minutes on both sides. With only a few minutes left in cooking, top with cheese and let melt. Make sure the internal temperature of the meat is 165 degrees. Using a thermometer will prevent your meat from being dry.
3. To assemble sliders, toast the buns, and top with patty and cheese. Add toppings and desired fixings.
*This recipe makes about 8 patties but you will have remaining buns.