Football Fiesta: Taco Sliders!

The countdown to Superbowl weekend continues! In preparation for Sunday, I've got one final suggestion before kick-off.

Burgers. They're an American classic, right? Ketchup, mustard, pickles, onions and good ole American cheese all put together on a bun - YUM! These days, though, it has become quite popular to spice them up, cool them down, and fix them any which way you like - anything goes. In this case, that also goes for size!

I've already given you a guacamole dip (which, by the way, works as a really tasty topping to this next recipe!) and suggested some margaritas, so what better way to finish off this football fiesta than a tex-mex take on a classic? These miniature versions will melt in your mouth - and fit right in the palm of your hand. One of the reasons I love this recipe is that the flavor of the burgers is mild enough that it blends well with any topping...so there are millions of delicious combinations that you and your guests can enjoy! Set up a long table, fire up the grill (or, if you're like me, your grill pan) and put out all the fixings you can imagine. Your "Slider Bar" will be the hit of the party!

Taco Sliders

1 lb ground beef

1 package (1 1/4 oz) taco seasoning mix

Kraft Singles, Pepperjack flavor (or any flavor you'd like!), cut into 4 squares

Slider buns*

Any toppings you'd like!**

Mix ground beef and taco seasoning mix in a small bowl. Shape into 16 patties, about 2 inches wide each. Heat grill pan on medium high and, once hot, grill patties 4 minutes on each side. Place cheese on top of sliders and grill another 2 minutes. Remove sliders from grill and serve!

*If your grocer does not carry buns specifically for sliders, you can also use small dinner rolls. A loaf of Ciabatta bread is also a great alternative.

**When I made these, I used guacamole dip (see my last post for the recipe), sliced jalapenos, pico de gallo, salsa, sour cream and lettuce as toppings. However, my husband also used his favorite BBQ sauce, pickles, chopped onion, ketchup and mustard (not all on the same burger, thank goodness!) and found that these tasted really great, too!

If you'd rather make these sliders into burgers, follow the basic recipe above. Shape ground beef into 4 patties and grill 6 to 8 minutes on each side. Enjoy!

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend! If you end up using any of my recipes, drop back in and let me know how it went! May the best team win...:)

Cheers!