Mini Man Burgers are perfect for gatherings or a simple meal, offering a savory burst of flavors packed into bite-sized goodness. The smoky flavor from the grill, paired with the melted cheese and classic condiments, creates a mini burger that everyone will enjoy.
These burgers are not only delicious but customizable too! You can switch up the condiments to suit your taste, and the mini size makes them easy to serve as appetizers or finger foods. Whether you are having a BBQ or a family dinner, Mini Man Burgers are sure to be a hit.
Full Recipe:
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1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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12 small dinner rolls, split
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6 slices American cheese, cut into quarters
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1/2 cup ketchup
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1/4 cup mustard
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1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
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12 pickle chips
Directions:
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Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
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Form the beef mixture into 12 small patties, slightly larger than the size of your rolls to account for shrinkage while cooking.
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Grill the patties for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
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While the patties are grilling, toast the split dinner rolls on the grill for about 1 minute until golden brown.
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Once the patties are cooked, place a piece of cheese on top of each patty during the last minute of grilling to melt.
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Assemble the mini burgers by placing a cooked patty on the bottom half of each roll. Top with a slice of onion, a pickle chip, and a drizzle of ketchup and mustard.
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Place the top half of the roll on each burger to complete the mini burgers.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 12 mini burgers
Mini Man Burgers: A Delicious Bite-Sized Delight
Mini Man Burgers are a creative take on the classic burger, perfect for those who want to enjoy all the juicy goodness of a regular burger but in a more manageable, bite-sized format. These mini burgers are not only incredibly delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. This recipe, crafted by renowned chef Alton Brown, offers a blend of simple ingredients that come together in just under 20 minutes. It’s a quick solution for busy weeknights or even a crowd-pleasing dish for a party.
The Perfect Burger in a Bite-Sized Package
What makes Mini Man Burgers stand out is their simplicity and versatility. By using a few essential ingredients—ground chuck, seasoning, buns, and condiments—Alton Brown creates a burger that’s bursting with flavor in each bite. The secret to the Mini Man Burgers’ success lies in their straightforward preparation, which allows even novice cooks to pull off this recipe with ease. The flavor profile is enhanced by the seasoning mix of onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The beef is thinly rolled to ensure it cooks evenly and quickly, making it perfect for when you need to feed a group with minimal fuss.
One of the best things about this recipe is its ability to be customized. Whether you want to add extra condiments like ketchup, mustard, or pickles, or even switch up the cheese, the recipe can be adjusted to suit your tastes. The beauty of mini burgers lies in their ability to be served as appetizers, snacks, or a full meal.
The Charm of Mini Burgers
Mini Man Burgers have a nostalgic, comforting quality, reminiscent of classic diner-style sliders. Their compact size makes them ideal for a casual family meal or even a fun snack at a party. These mini-sized burgers are not only a hit with kids but adults alike, offering a quick and flavorful option for anyone in the mood for a satisfying meal without the fuss of a larger burger.
Mini burgers also allow you to experiment with various fillings and toppings. While Alton Brown sticks with classic condiments like mayonnaise and cheese, you could easily swap in other flavors. Try adding a spicy sriracha mayo or a tangy BBQ sauce for a zesty twist. You could also experiment with different cheese varieties, such as cheddar, Swiss, or even something more exotic like blue cheese. The possibilities are endless, and part of the fun of making Mini Man Burgers is coming up with your own unique spin on them.
A Meal for Every Occasion
Mini Man Burgers are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a backyard BBQ, a casual family dinner, or a game day gathering. Their size makes them incredibly versatile for any event, as they can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or the main event. For those hosting a party or picnic, these burgers are easy to prepare in advance and can be made in large batches to serve a crowd. You can even prepare them in a buffet-style setting, allowing guests to assemble their burgers with their favorite toppings.
Additionally, the ease of making these mini burgers makes them a great recipe for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time but still want something flavorful and satisfying. They require just a few minutes on the griddle, so you can whip them up in no time. Pair them with some crispy fries or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
The Health Factor
While burgers are often seen as indulgent, Mini Man Burgers can be made into a more balanced option with a few adjustments. First, use lean ground beef, like 90% lean ground chuck, to reduce the fat content while maintaining flavor. For a healthier alternative, consider swapping the beef for ground turkey or chicken. Additionally, you can swap the mayonnaise for a lighter condiment, such as Greek yogurt or avocado, to give the burgers a creamy texture without the extra calories.
For a more wholesome touch, serve the burgers with whole-grain buns or even lettuce wraps instead of traditional white rolls. You can also include a variety of toppings, such as fresh vegetables, to increase the nutritional value of the meal.
Tips for Cooking Perfect Mini Man Burgers
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Don’t Overwork the Meat: When mixing the ground beef with seasonings, it’s important not to overwork the meat. Overmixing can result in tough burgers. Simply combine the ingredients gently to ensure a tender texture.
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Grill at the Right Temperature: Preheat your griddle or grill to the right temperature. Too hot, and the burgers will cook too quickly on the outside, leaving them raw in the middle. Too low, and they may end up dry.
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Customize Your Seasoning: The seasoning mix is simple, but you can experiment with additional spices to suit your taste. Try adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or chili powder for a little heat.
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Monitor Cooking Time: Since these burgers are small, they cook quickly. Be sure to keep an eye on them while cooking to avoid overcooking. The perfect mini burger should be juicy and tender.
Conclusion
Mini Man Burgers are the ultimate comfort food, offering a fun and flavorful alternative to regular-sized burgers. With a few simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, these bite-sized burgers are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Their versatility makes them perfect for customizing to suit any taste, and their small size makes them a great option for parties or casual dinners. Whether you’re serving them as appetizers or making them the main event, Mini Man Burgers are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
By following Alton Brown’s simple and effective recipe, you can create a delicious, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of savory beef, melted cheese, and classic condiments creates a burger that’s impossible to resist. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and condiments, and enjoy this deliciously fun take on a classic American dish.