Something I have wanted to try for ages are those little miniature burgers that are all the rage right now. They have kitchen-doo-dads that help you shape the perfect sized slider, and they even specifically manufacture the tiny buns that go with them. Not only that, you can get away with eating more than one, which gives you the opportunity to dress them any way you like and try new combinations as well!

METHOD

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chuck, sirloin, garlic, onion, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper and mix gently but thoroughly to combine. Using a 2-ounce ice cream scoop, divide the mixture into 12 scant 2-ounce balls of meat. Using your hands, shape to form small patties about 3 inches wide and 3/8-inch thick.
   
2. Place on a plate and cover with plastic wrap. Allow to sit, refrigerated, at least 1 hour and up to overnight for flavors to mingle.
   
3. When you are ready to cook the burgers, preheat a grill to high and lightly butter the cut sides of the buns with the melted butter. Wrap the buns in aluminum foil and place on the coolest part of the grill to warm while you grill the burgers.
   
4. Grill the burgers about 2 minutes per side for medium. Transfer to the warmed buns and garnish with pieces of the crispy bacon. Serve the sliders hot.
   

Notes:
When forming the patties hide a chunk of cheese, or some other tasty tidbit in the middle of your slider. Pickles, peppers, and blue cheese are just a few of the little surprises you can hide in those burgers.

   

You can dress these little wonders up any way you like. Theme the toppings by country or flavour group, for example have guacamole, roasted peppers and cilantro for a Mexican flare, and spiced yogurt, cucumber and mint for a more Asian feel. But don’t forget the traditional toppings like ketchup, lettuce and tomatoes.

What combinations, themes and flavours did you dream up? I can’t wait to hear about your Slider-Adventure!

Happy Grilling!