Classic Diner Style Sliders Food

CLASSIC BEEF SLIDERS

Steps:

• Prepare a grill or grill pan for medium-high heat.
• Divide the ground beef into 12 portions (about 2 ounces each). Pat each into a 1/2-inch-thick patty and make an indentation in the center with your thumb so the patties keep their shape while cooking. Sprinkle with salt and a few grinds of pepper.
• Brush the grill grates or grill pan with oil. Grill the patties, turning once, until nicely browned but still a bit pink inside, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Top each patty with a piece of cheese and grill until melted, about 1 minute.
• Arrange the sweet rolls cut-side up on a cutting board or large serving platter. Spread some ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard on each roll bottom. Top with a piece of lettuce and a burger patty. Put a pickle on each patty and sandwich with the remaining roll tops.

WHITE CASTLE-STYLE SLIDERS

Steps:

• Put the onion in a medium bowl and cover with 1/2 cup water. Set aside 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, puree the beef with 2 teaspoons water, the onion powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a food processor until smooth. Draw a 6-by-12-inch rectangle on a piece of parchment paper; flip over the paper so the pencil side is down (you should still be able to see the rectangle). Press the beef into the rectangle; cover with another piece of parchment and press until the beef is very thin and fills the rectangle completely. Uncover and score the beef into eight 3-inch-square patties. Poke 5 holes into each patty with a chopstick (one in the center and one near each corner). Slide the beef on the parchment onto a baking sheet, loosely cover with plastic wrap and freeze until firm, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Trim the edges of the rectangle to make it even; cut patties along the scored lines. Heat an extra-large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and liquid; bring to a boil. Stir in the butter and arrange the patties over the onion. Cook until the meat is no longer pink around the edges, 3 to 4 minutes. Put a bun bottom upside down on each patty. To steam the bun tops, rest each across 2 bun bottoms (like a bridge). Continue cooking until the patties are completely cooked through, about 2 more minutes, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons water if the skillet is too dry or if the onion starts browning.
• Remove the bun tops from the skillet. Slide a spatula under each patty, picking up the onions and bun bottoms along with the meat; flip over onto a plate. Top each with a pickle and a bun top.

CLASSIC DINER-STYLE SLIDERS

Steps:

• Portion ground beef into 12 balls weighing 2 ounces each (about the size of a golf ball).
• Cut rolls horizontally to keep tops and bottoms intact, respectively. Spread each cut side with butter. Preheat griddle surface to medium high. Toast buns until golden; set aside.
• Add canola oil and diced onion to hot griddle. Spread to an even layer; sear 3 minutes. Place beef balls over cooked onions and with a solid metal spatula, smash balls into patties. Season with salt and pepper. After 1 to 2 minutes burgers should have a good sear on the first side. Flip burgers and arrange closely in 3 rows of 4 (to match bun set dimensions). Place cheese slices evenly on top of the group of patties.
• Spread mayo, mustard and pickles across bottom buns. Top with slider patties, making sure to scoop up any onions with burgers. Don't worry if it's not pretty-just do your best to keep patties whole. Top with shredded lettuce and top buns. Serve together for folks to grab their own or cut into individual sliders.