Description
Miniature Mediterranean marvels, Italian Sliders bring explosive flavor to classic party bites. Compact yet packed with robust herbs, melted cheese, and zesty marinara, these sliders will transport you straight to a bustling Italian street corner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 4 slices provolone cheese
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Bread and Additional Components:
- 8 mini slider buns
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- 4 thin slices of pepperoni (optional)
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground beef with chopped basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, gently blending ingredients to maintain meat’s tenderness.
- Divide the seasoned meat mixture into 8 uniform, compact patties, creating a slight indentation in the center to prevent bulging during cooking.
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring surface is evenly heated to around 375°F for optimal searing.
- Brush patties lightly with olive oil and place them onto the hot cooking surface, cooking for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- During the final minute of cooking, layer a slice of provolone cheese atop each patty, allowing it to melt softly and envelop the meat.
- While patties are resting, lightly toast slider buns on the same skillet, creating a golden-brown, crisp exterior.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom half of each bun, creating a rich, tangy base.
- Carefully position the cheese-covered patties onto the sauced bun bottoms, optionally adding a slice of pepperoni for extra zest.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the patties, enhancing the overall Italian-inspired flavor profile.
- Crown each slider with the top bun, pressing gently to meld the flavors, and serve immediately while warm and aromatic.
Notes
- Meat Moisture Magic: Mix ground beef gently to keep the patties tender and prevent tough, compact sliders that can become dry and chewy.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to ensure patties reach exactly 160°F for safe consumption without overcooking, maintaining juicy texture.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap traditional slider buns with lettuce wraps or gluten-free rolls to accommodate dietary restrictions while preserving authentic Italian flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace beef with plant-based ground “meat” or grilled portobello mushrooms, keeping the Italian seasoning blend for robust taste experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg