Name: Smoky BBQ Cowboy Sliders with Crispy Onions and Tangy Pickles Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor); 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand); 6 slider buns; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ tsp cayenne pepper; Vegetable oil for frying; Sliced pickles for topping (dill or bread & butter, as preferred); Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

6 slider buns

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ tsp cayenne pepper

Vegetable oil for frying

Sliced pickles for topping (dill or bread & butter, as preferred)

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Step 2: Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape them into slider patties. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.

Step 3: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the slider patties for about 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip them and brush each patty generously with BBQ sauce. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the burgers are cooked through.

Step 4: During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a portion of shredded cheddar cheese. Cover with a lid to melt the cheese.

Step 5: While the patties are cooking, prepare the crispy onions. Soak the sliced onions in buttermilk for about 15 minutes.

Step 6: In a separate bowl, combine the flour and cayenne pepper. Dredge the soaked onions in the flour mixture until well coated.

Step 7: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated onions in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels, seasoning with salt immediately.

Step 8: To assemble the sliders, place a cheese-topped patty on the bottom half of each slider bun. Top with crispy onions and a few pickle slices. Place the top half of the bun on each slider.

Step 9: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Tips & Variations

Use ground beef with at least 20% fat to keep the sliders juicy and flavorful.

Try different BBQ sauce flavors like spicy chipotle or sweet honey for a twist.

Swap cheddar for pepper jack or smoked gouda to change the cheese profile.

Make the crispy onions ahead and keep them warm in a low oven to save time on serving day.

Vegetarian option: substitute beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative and follow the same cooking steps.

Storage

Store any leftover slider patties and crispy onions separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat patties gently in a skillet or microwave and refresh crispy onions in a hot oven for a few minutes to regain crunch. Assemble sliders just before serving to keep buns from getting soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties and crispy onions ahead and store them separately in the fridge. Reheat and assemble just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What type of pickles work best for these sliders?

Dill pickles add a classic tangy crunch, while bread & butter pickles provide a sweeter contrast. Use whichever you prefer or a mix of both to suit your taste.