Mini Big Mac Cheeseburgers

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Special Sauce

  1. Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Whisk until well blended.
  2. Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper as desired. Adjust sweetness or acidity with more relish or vinegar if needed.
  3. Chill: Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This can be done ahead of time for convenience.

Step 2: Make the Beef Patties

  1. Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
  2. Form the Patties: Use a small ice cream scoop or your hands to shape the beef into 24 equal mini patties. Each should be slightly larger than the slider buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.
  3. Chill the Patties: Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 15 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Patties

  1. Heat the Skillet or Grill Pan: Preheat your skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook the Patties: Add the patties to the hot skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side or until browned and cooked through. A meat thermometer should read 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
  3. Add Cheese: During the last minute of cooking, place a half-slice of American cheese on each patty. Cover the skillet to help the cheese melt.
  4. Remove Patties: Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat.

Step 4: Assemble the Mini Big Mac Cheeseburgers

  1. Prepare the Buns: Slice the slider buns horizontally and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet. Optionally, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  2. Toast the Buns: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and toast the buns for 3-4 minutes or until slightly crispy.
  3. Spread the Special Sauce: Generously spread the special sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
  4. Layer the Ingredients: Place a layer of shredded lettuce on the sauce, followed by a cheesy beef patty, dill pickle slices, chopped onions, and another bun bottom.
  5. Repeat Layers: Add another layer of sauce, lettuce, a second beef patty, and finish with the top bun.
  6. Secure with Toothpicks: Use decorative toothpicks to hold the layers together, making it easier to serve and enjoy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the Mini Big Mac Cheeseburgers on a platter and serve immediately. They pair wonderfully with fries, onion rings, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Perfect Mini Big Mac Cheeseburgers

Crafting the perfect Mini Big Mac Cheeseburgers involves a few key tips and tricks:

  1. Choose the Right Beef: Opt for an 80/20 blend of ground beef for the juiciest and most flavorful patties.
  2. Don’t Overwork the Meat: Gently mix the beef mixture to avoid dense patties. Handle the meat as little as possible.
  3. Chill the Patties: Refrigerating the patties before cooking helps them maintain their shape and prevent excessive shrinking.
  4. Toast the Buns: Lightly toasting the slider buns adds texture and prevents them from becoming soggy when layered with ingredients.
  5. Balance the Flavors: Taste the special sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more sweetness, acidity, or spice as desired.
  6. Customize the Toppings: Feel free to experiment with toppings such as bacon, avocado, or caramelized onions for added flair.

Creative Variations and Flavor Ideas

Mini Big Mac Cheeseburgers are incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some creative variations to consider:

Vegetarian Mini Big Macs

  • Substitute the Beef: Replace the ground beef with plant-based patties or black bean burgers for a delicious vegetarian option.
  • Vegan Cheese and Sauce: Use vegan cheese slices and a plant-based sauce for a fully vegan version of the mini burgers.

Spicy Big Mac Sliders

  • Add Heat: Incorporate sliced jalapeños, spicy pickles, or a dash of hot sauce into the special sauce for a fiery twist.
  • Pepper Jack Cheese: Use pepper jack cheese instead of American cheese for an extra kick.

Big Mac Sliders with Bacon

  • Add Bacon: Include crispy bacon slices in the layers for a smoky, savory addition that complements the classic Big Mac flavors.
  • BBQ Sauce: Swap the special sauce for a tangy BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor profile.

Big Mac Salad Bites

  • Lettuce Wraps: Skip the buns and serve the mini burgers in lettuce wraps for a low-carb, gluten-free option.
  • Salad Style: Serve the patties over a bed of mixed greens with sauce drizzle for a deconstructed Big Mac salad.

Serving Suggestions

Mini Big Mac Cheeseburgers are versatile enough to be served in various settings and pair beautifully with a range of sides and beverages. Here are some serving suggestions to complete your meal:

Sides

  • French Fries: Classic fries or sweet potato fries make an excellent side for these mini burgers.
  • Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings provide a satisfying crunch that complements the sliders.
  • Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad offers a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the burgers.
  • Coleslaw: Serve a tangy coleslaw for a light and refreshing side dish.

Beverages

  • Milkshakes: Pair the burgers with classic milkshakes like vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry for a diner-style experience.
  • Iced Tea: A glass of sweetened or unsweetened iced tea makes a refreshing beverage choice.
  • Soda or Lemonade: Traditional sodas or lemonade add a touch of nostalgia to the meal.

Desserts

  • Mini Apple Pies: Serve mini apple pies or turnovers for a sweet ending that matches the theme.
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic cookies provide a simple yet satisfying dessert option.
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