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Flavorful Mini Slider Bar with 3 Easy Signature Sauces Perfect for Parties

flavorful mini slider bar - featured image

A quick and easy mini slider bar featuring juicy beef patties, soft buns, and three signature sauces—chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, and herb pesto—perfect for parties and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 12 mini slider buns, soft and slightly sweet (potato buns recommended)
  • Butter, for toasting buns
  • Optional toppings: sliced cheddar cheese, dill pickle slices, shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, tomato slices
  • For Chipotle Mayo: ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (finely chopped), 1 tsp adobo sauce, 1 tsp lime juice, pinch of salt
  • For Garlic Aioli: ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste
  • For Herb Pesto: 1 cup fresh basil leaves (packed), ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup pine nuts or walnuts (toasted), 1 garlic clove, ⅓ cup olive oil, salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix gently without overworking. Divide into 12 equal portions (about 1.3 oz each) and shape into small, slightly flattened patties. Set aside. (10 minutes)
  2. Make the Sauces: Mix ingredients for each sauce separately: Chipotle Mayo, Garlic Aioli, and Herb Pesto. Chill sauces while cooking patties. (15 minutes)
  3. Cook the Patties: Heat skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil or butter. Cook patties 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Add cheese slices in last 30 seconds if desired and cover to melt. (10-12 minutes)
  4. Toast the Buns: Butter the insides of slider buns and toast in skillet or under broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp. (5 minutes)
  5. Assemble the Sliders: Spread chosen sauce on bun bottoms. Layer patties, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and onion as desired. Top with bun tops. Encourage customization. (10 minutes)

Notes

Do not over-handle the meat to keep patties tender. Use a hot pan for a good sear. Toast buns with butter to prevent sogginess. Sauces can be made a day ahead to deepen flavor. Customize toppings and sauces to taste. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Vegetarian options include grilled portobello mushrooms or black bean patties.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini sliders, slider bar, party food, beef sliders, chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, herb pesto, easy sliders, appetizer, casual meal