Wolfgang Puck's Cheeseburger Sliders

Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck continues to cook these tasty winning cheeseburger sliders yearly for Hollywood's superstars following the Academy Awards.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 5 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 282 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 small head iceberg lettuce, shredded
• 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
• 6 cherry tomatoes, sliced
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon capers, drained and chopped
• 3 small slices (0.5 oz) Cheddar cheese, quartered
• 12 mini brioche buns, split
• 3 cornichons (tart pickled gherkin cucumbers), sliced
• 0.5 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 0.125 teaspoon white sugar
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high (400 to 450 degrees F (200 to 230 degrees C)).

Step 2

Place beef in a large bowl. Add 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Mix by hand until just combined. Make 12 meatballs by rolling beef mixture between your palms; transfer to a baking sheet. Flatten tops slightly. Drizzle with oil and season both sides with remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

Step 3

Arrange patties on oiled grates; grill, uncovered, for 3 minutes. Flip, then top each with 1 piece cheese. Grill, uncovered, until cheese is melted and beef is cooked through, about 2 minutes. Meanwhile, put buns, cut-sides down, on grate; grill until toasted, about 1 minute.

Step 4

Stir together mayonnaise, red onion, ketchup, vinegar, capers, parsley, thyme, and sugar in a small bowl until combined. Set aside.

Step 5

Top bun bottoms with a small spoonful of reserved sauce. Add a patty, shredded lettuce, tomato slices, cornichon slices, and bun tops.