We had a big, long weekend family BBQ last night and there was a special request for some of our infamous sliders. As we had a pretty full menu of ribs and chicken on the go, we decided to put out some sliders as apps. We put together some of the Cabernet variety and while most folks go with Guinness, we chose to mix it up a bit by using Newcastle Brown Ale. Of course these little bad boys were served on some of our special rolls. On top was a sliver of crisp bacon and Vidalia onions sauteed in Newcastle Brown.
Meat mixture
2 lbs medium ground beef
1 egg
1/2 cup bread crumbs
ground sea salt
ground black pepper
1 pint can Newcastle Brown Ale
1 cup finely diced Vidalia or other sweet onion
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
3 or 4 strips of bacon
Method
In a small pot, combine 1/2 of the can of ale and a 1/2 cup of diced onions. Bring to a boil and simmer until liquid is reduced by half. Allow to cool.
Meanwhile. in a large bowl, combine beef, egg, bread crumbs, seasoning and 1/2 cup of diced onions. Fold in cooled ale and onion reduction. Form small patties, about 2 ounces each. Use up all of the meat, you can freeze whatever patties you don’t use, separated by squares of wax paper, to be cooked another day!
Preheat grill to high. If you have one, this is a perfect time to use your BBQ’s side burner. In a non stick pan, saute sliced onions in remaining ale. Put your slider patties on the hot grill, cooking for about 3 minutes with the lid open. Flip and cook the other side for another 3 minutes or so depending on how you like your burger cooked.
While sliders are cooking, lay bacon strips across the grill and cook until crispy. Alternatively, you could cook bacon beforehand in a pan and keep it aside for when you are ready.
Service
I prefer to make my own rolls, but there are several varieties of slider rolls available on the market now. If you use our roll recipe, make 24 rolls instead of 12 from the same amount of dough. Adjust the baking time accordingly downwards.
Cut your rolls in half, place a patty on the lower half. Place a small piece of bacon on and then top with a dollop of the ale caramelized onions.
Serve and enjoy!
