Italian Sliders...

It does not seem like I have been blogging for three years!

I really don't have a special blog post for my anniversary this year, as I've been extremely busy with my daughter's parent teacher organization and I caught a cold. Bummer.

Anyway, with the upcoming Super Bowl...... GO BRONCOS!!!...... there was absolutely no way I was going to leave you hanging.

I love sliders, and they just so happen to be a fabulous Super Bowl party food. They are perfect because you can make many different variations.

I decided to go with classic italian flavors: mozzarella, basil, and sun dried tomatoes. Simple, yet tasty.

These did not disappoint! Make them for your Super Bowl party. You'll definitely be glad you did...


Italian Sliders

For the Sun Dried Tomato Spread:

• 2/3 Cup Mayonnaise
• 1/2 Cup, plus 2 Tablespoons Sour Cream (Light Sour Cream works, as well)
• 1/4 Cup Sun Dried Tomatoes in Oil, Roughly Chopped
• Finely Ground Sea Salt, To Taste
• Coarsely Ground Black Pepper, To Taste

For the Sliders:

• 1 Pound 80% 10% Ground Beef
• 1/2 Pound Ground Pork
• 1-1/2 Teaspoons Finely Ground Sea Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon Coarsely Ground Black Pepper
• 1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 2 Teaspoons Fresh Basil, Roughly Minced
• Olive Oil, For Grilling 
• Fresh Mozzarella, Sliced
• Half and Half Blend of Lettuce, or a lettuce blend of your choice 
• Red Onion, Sliced (Optional)
• Slider Rolls/Buns

Combine all the sun dried tomato ingredients in a small food processor or blender. Pulse until blended. Adjust the seasonings to taste. Place into a container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Heat a stove top griddle, grill side up, on medium/low heat. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the beef, pork, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and basil. Mix, using your hands, just until combined. Do not over work the meat. Pat the meat into 2 to 3 inch rounds, about 1/2 to 1 inch thick. 

Brush the hot grill with olive oil, so the patties do not stick. Place the patties onto the grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until done. Place a slice of fresh mozzarella onto the cooked patty.

To assemble:

Take a roll/bun and separate. On the bottom, place some of the lettuce blend. Add the onion, if using. Top the lettuce with a cooked patty. Dollop about a tablespoon amount of the sun dried tomato spread onto the cooked patty. Finally, add the top piece of the roll/bun. Makes 8 to 10 sliders, depending upon how big you make them. Serve with potato chips or french fries. 

Enjoy!