These Chopped Italian Sliders are a tasty treat! Imagine juicy ground beef mixed with zesty Italian seasonings, all served on soft, fluffy buns. Yum!
Perfect for parties or a fun dinner at home, everyone loves grabbing one and taking a big bite. I can’t resist adding extra cheese on mine—it makes it even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer using an 80/20 blend for its balance of fat and flavor, which keeps the sliders juicy. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. Just keep in mind they may need extra seasoning to enhance the flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty kick. If you don’t have it, feel free to substitute with Pecorino Romano, or even a mild cheddar if that’s what you have on hand. They all add a different flavor but will still be tasty!
Italian-style Breadcrumbs: This is essential for binding the patties. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. You can also make your own by processing stale bread, which is a great way to avoid waste!
Cheese: I love provolone, but mozzarella is a classic choice too. You could also use sliced cheddar or even a vegan version if you’re looking for plant-based options.
How Do You Cook Perfect Sliders Without Drying Them Out?
One key to juicy sliders is avoiding overmixing the meat mixture; you want to combine just enough for everything to stick together. Here’s how to cook them perfectly:
- Heat your skillet to medium to avoid burning the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
- Cook the patties for about 4 minutes per side. If you press down on them too much, they will dry out. Just let them sit and get that nice sear!
- For that melted cheese effect, add the marinara sauce and cheese in the last minute. Covering them helps melt the cheese evenly.
Your patience during cooking will lead to the best flavor and texture. Remember, sliders are meant to be fun and tasty, so enjoy the process!
Chopped Italian Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup prepared marinara or chunky Italian tomato sauce
- 6 slider buns (soft, small sandwich rolls)
- 6 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)
- Olive oil or melted butter for brushing buns
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook, with a total time of around 35 minutes before you can dig in! It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough for a party. Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this will help keep your sliders juicy and tender!
2. Forming the Patties:
Take the mixed meat and form it into 6 equal-sized patties. They should be roughly the same diameter as your slider buns. This ensures everything fits together nicely!
3. Cooking the Patties:
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat and lightly oil the pan to prevent sticking. Once hot, place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes per side. Aim for a nice brown color on the outside, and ensure they are cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to check that they reach 160°F for safety.
4. Adding the Sauce and Cheese:
In the last minute of cooking, spoon some marinara sauce over each patty and top with a slice of provolone cheese. Cover the pan briefly with a lid to help the cheese melt perfectly!
5. Preparing the Buns:
While the patties are finishing, slice the slider buns in half horizontally. If you like, lightly toast them in another skillet or toaster for added texture. Brush the tops with a little olive oil or melted butter for a nice shine and flavor.
6. Assembling the Sliders:
Now it’s time to put your sliders together! Place each cheesy patty with sauce on the bottom half of a slider bun. If you’re using fresh basil leaves, add a couple on top for extra flavor and color.
7. Finishing Touches:
Cover with the tops of the buns and serve them warm. You can cut them in half if you’d like for easy eating!
These Italian sliders are perfect for sharing and are sure to satisfy everyone’s hunger. Enjoy each delightful bite and feel free to customize the toppings to your taste!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative. Just be mindful that it may need a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor, as it is milder than beef. You might also want to add a splash of olive oil to keep the sliders moist.
How Can I Make These Sliders Spicy?
If you love a bit of heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. You can also top the sliders with a spicy marinara sauce or serve with hot pepper sauce on the side!
Can I Prepare the Patties in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the patties a day ahead of time! Just make your patties, cover them with plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge. When ready to cook, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sliders?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave or warm them gently in a skillet. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to keep them from drying out!
