Summer is officially in full swing! The days are long, the nights are short, and we are soaking up every minute of our last full simmer in Michigan that we can.

This weekend was crazy busy for us with my husband officially graduating from residency and all the shenanigans that went along with it.

It didn’t really dawn on me until just recently that this was going to be our last full summer in Michigan. Most of our friends are leaving in just a few short weeks, moving to all over the country for their new jobs, while we are staying here for one more year for a fellowship.

It was then that I realized that this was our last summer… seeing and hearing that most of our friends are already packed up, or that their houses have sold, or they are leaving this Wednesday after their last lecture.

Next summer we’ll be packing and moving like all of our friends and (hopefully) heading to our forever home.

We started the weekend with a backyard BBQ/get together with some of his friends from residency and some of the attendings he works with. Most of our gatherings are super casual since everyone has kiddos, and we usually just fire up the grill, put out some chips and salsa or other apps, and make some burgers for the adults and hotdogs for the kids.

This weekend I decided to make a bunch of sliders… Spicy Mustard Cheeseburger Sliders, to be exact… for everyone to enjoy. With all the kiddos running around in the backyard and parents trying to keep an eye on them, portable food is always the way to go.

What are Spicy Mustard Cheeseburger Sliders?

Spicy Mustard Cheeseburger Sliders are mini burgers made with ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, breadcrumbs, and spicy brown mustard. They are grilled to perfection and topped with gruyere cheese and romaine lettuce, all sandwiched between slider buns. The spicy mustard adds a tangy kick to the juicy beef patties, making these sliders a standout dish.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Bold Flavor: The spicy brown mustard adds a unique and bold flavor to the sliders.

Juicy and Tender: The combination of ground beef, eggs, and breadcrumbs ensures that the patties are juicy and tender.

Perfect for Gatherings: These sliders are easy to make and perfect for parties, family dinners, or any gathering.

Customizable: You can add your favorite toppings to make these sliders your own.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef: The base of our sliders, providing a rich and juicy texture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a deep umami flavor that enhances the beef.
• Large Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring the patties hold their shape.
• Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Adds a subtle herb flavor and helps to keep the patties moist.
• Spicy Brown Mustard: Infuses the patties with a tangy and spicy kick, elevating the overall flavor.
• Minced Garlic: Adds a hint of aromatic flavor that complements the beef.
• Gruyere Cheese: Melts beautifully over the patties, adding a creamy and nutty flavor.
• Romaine Lettuce: Provides a fresh and crisp texture, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Slider Buns: The perfect size for these mini burgers, holding all the delicious components together.

Substitutions & Additions

• Ground Beef: Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, use black bean or chickpea patties.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce or tamari can be used as a gluten-free alternative, providing a similar umami flavor.
• Large Eggs: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) as a vegan binding agent.
• Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can be used for a different texture. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Spicy Brown Mustard: Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard can be used for a milder flavor. For an extra kick, try adding a bit of sriracha or hot sauce.
• Minced Garlic: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor.
• Gruyere Cheese: Swiss cheese, cheddar, or mozzarella can be used as alternatives, each bringing a unique flavor profile.
• Romaine Lettuce: Spinach or arugula can be used for a different texture and flavor. For added crunch, try adding pickles or coleslaw.
• Slider Buns: Whole wheat buns or lettuce wraps can be used for a healthier option. Brioche buns add a touch of sweetness to the sliders.

How to Make this Recipe

Prepare the Grill: Begin by heating the grill to medium-high and coat the grill grates with a little bit of olive oil.

Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, add ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, breadcrumbs, and spicy mustard. Mix well to incorporate.

Form the Patties: Form ground beef into 12 small slider-sized patties.

Grill the Patties: Place on grill and grill for 7-8 minutes per side or until the burgers are done to desired doneness.

Add the Cheese: Place cheese on top of each burger and grill for 2 more minutes until cheese is just melted.

Assemble the Sliders: Remove from heat and place on top of bottom burger bun, then top with lettuce, and any other toppings desired, and top of slider bun.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Grill Temperature: Make sure the grill is at medium-high heat to ensure even cooking.
• Mixing Ingredients: Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
• Cheese Melting: Add the cheese in the last 2 minutes of grilling to ensure it melts perfectly without burning.
• Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like tomatoes, pickles, or onions to customize your sliders.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Serve these sliders with a side of fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.

Beverages: Pair with a cold beer, iced tea, or a refreshing lemonade.

Presentation: Arrange the sliders on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving at parties.

Storage Suggestions

Refrigeration: Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the grill until warmed through.

Freezing: You can freeze the cooked patties for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can substitute gruyere cheese with cheddar, Swiss, or any other cheese you prefer.

Can I make these sliders ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to grill.

What other toppings can I add? You can add tomatoes, pickles, onions, or any other toppings you like.

Can I cook these sliders on a stovetop? Yes, you can cook the patties on a stovetop grill pan if you don’t have an outdoor grill.

How do I know when the patties are done? The internal temperature should reach 160°F for fully cooked beef patties.

The sliders were a huge hit and I cannot wait to make this recipe again. There are many more backyard BBQs to have this year and soak up all the summertime we can while we are here.