Wolfgang Puck's Cheeseburger Sliders

In 2019, celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck marked his 25th year cooking for Hollywood's biggest names at the Governors Ball following the Academy Awards. His mantra for how to throw a great party: 'You have to be fast, and the recipes have to be simple.' Puck's cheeseburger sliders are just one of his many winners.

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

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ⅛ teaspoon white sugar
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 small head iceberg lettuce, shredded
• ½ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 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

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

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

Step 3

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 4

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 5

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