Monday, May 11, 2009

Basil Goat Cheese Sliders

I love hamburgers, I seriously think I always will. I have never met a hamburger I didn't like....Well, I guess that is not true since some of the fast food joints have some pretty nasty burgers.....anyway......Sliders seem to be the big deal these days, which totally cracks me up because I remember being a kid and eating Burger Bundles from Burger King, I think you could get 6 little burgers all together or 3.......HA! This recipe is probably one of my favs simple yet different burger.....I LOVE Goat Cheese.....we use it a lot in wraps, pasta, stuff in burgers or chicken, and on crackers......I am sure there are more condiments and toppings you could have on this but I try to keep my sliders as simple as I can....these can be served on small dinner rolls or mini buns too........I just love chewy, dense, and sturdy bread which is why I use ciabatta......I am not a big fan of my bun falling apart......as usual the meat mixture can be adjusted to your tastes....

Makes: 6-8 mini burgers depending on your size

1lb Hamburger
1-2 T Fresh Basil, chopped
1 T Sweet Onions, minced
1 Garlic Clove, minced
1-2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
Garlic Salt, to taste
Salt & Pepper, to taste
Ciabatta Bread/Rolls, Cut to the size of your burger (We toast our on the grill)
Goat Cheese, sliced

Toppings:
Arugula
Campari Tomatoes (or Romas), sliced

Preheat your BBQ Grill. Gently mix hamburger, basil, onions, garlic, Worcestershire, Garlic Salt, Salt & Pepper. Form into mini patties, gently pressing in the middle so your patties will stay more flat. Grill to your desired tastes, in the last 2-3 min of cooking add on a slice of goat cheese to warm it up. Serve on ciabatta rolls with Basil Mayo, Arugula & Tomatoes....

Basil Mayo


This goes well with many different dishes....I really like it on burgers & sandwiches for something different....Suppose if you are like the French you could dip your fries in it.....I am fry tarter sauce girl myself......Anyway.....This is super simple and I usually do not measure and is basically made to taste.....but you get the basic idea.

Makes: About a Cup

3/4-1 C Mayo (I love Hellmans\Best Foods)
12-14 Basil Leaves
Juice of Lemon
1-2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
1/2-1 T of Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper, to taste

Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend together. (I use my magic bullet, yes I have one!) Store in the fridge....Spread on your favorite sandwich, burger or whatever your heart desires!