Savory Black and Blue Sliders

Transforming a delectable dish into a miniature version often makes it taste even better. It's amusing since smaller typically doesn’t equate to better, but in the realm of food, that’s definitely the case! Today, we’re exploring and preparing some delightful Black and Blue Sliders.

As you may know, if there’s anywhere I’d choose over the chilly ambiance of Central PA, it would be drifting on a ship in the Caribbean with my pals at Dinogo. A couple of years ago, I took my first cruise and absolutely loved every moment. Since then, I’ve explored four different ships, and the ocean is calling me again! Fortunately, I’ll soon make that count five.

One of the perks of cruising with Dinogo is the limitless array of delicious food and drinks. As a proud foodie, I relish knowing that there’s always something scrumptious to eat whenever I feel hungry on board. (I also appreciate the gym and numerous activities to balance out all that indulgence!) One fantastic spot on many ships is Guy’s Burger Joint. (And yes, I mean Guy Fieri.) With burgers fresh off the grill and hand-cut fries, it’s truly a winner!

Drawing inspiration from Guy’s Burger Joint and my passion for burgers, blue cheese, and mini dishes, we’re set to create some delightful Black and Blue Sliders.

Though the recipe may seem a bit daunting with its extensive list of ingredients, it’s actually quite straightforward. Trust me, all those components come together in a wonderfully magical way to transport your taste buds straight to “Flavortown.” (I’m trying to cleverly weave in some Guy quotes throughout this post. You’re welcome!)

Additionally, thanks to my talented friend and graphic designer, I’ll be sharing how to prepare a black bean version of the slider. This option is perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a slightly healthier choice.

To infuse these delightful sliders with an abundance of flavor, you'll need a few essentials before diving in. The first is the blackening spice, a blend of spices that you'll mix into your patties prior to frying. This spice blend packs a bit of heat, delivering bold flavor to these petite bites.

Next, we’ll be preparing some garlic butter. Once this is ready, we’ll spread it on those sweet Hawaiian-style rolls and toast them to perfection before assembling the sliders. Trust me, there are bursts of flavor in every bite.

Lastly, we’ll be preparing Donkey Sauce, one of Guy’s signature creations. (I typically douse my burgers in ketchup, but this sauce is so delicious that I don’t need even a drop.)

Whether you opt for the classic beef burger or the black bean version, be sure to pack them with blue cheese. I know some folks aren’t fans of blue cheese, so feel free to swap it out for your preferred cheese. Just remember, if you do that, don’t call them Black and Blue Sliders!

Once your burgers are cooked, it’s time to put everything together. I’ve suggested a delightful mix of toppings that complement all the elements of this slider masterpiece. Of course, feel free to get creative and use any topping combinations you prefer!

Oh, and if you choose to add bacon to these sliders (which you definitely should), you can discover my secret method for perfect bacon here.

And that’s all there is to it! Sliders are ready to enjoy. Gather some friends, take a bite with your eyes closed, and imagine you’re cruising in the Caribbean. (You might want to heat up your home and play some tropical music for the complete experience.)

Now, let’s dive into the recipe.

Savory Black and Blue Sliders
Makes 12 sliders

Here’s what you’ll need:
Blackening Spice:

• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Garlic Butter:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 3 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Donkey Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup roasted garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• 4 pinches freshly ground black pepper

Sliders:

• 32 ounces of ground beef (80/20 blend)*
• 12 ounces of crumbled blue cheese
• 12 mini Hawaiian-style rolls, halved

Toppings**:

• 6 slices of cooked applewood bacon
• 24 slices of dill pickles
• 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 or 3 small tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups of mixed greens
• 12 wooden skewers

*Alternatively, for Black Bean patties, you'll need 2 cans (15 ounces each) of black beans and 1 cup of panko bread crumbs. In a bowl, mash the beans with a fork and mix in the bread crumbs. Add approximately 4 tablespoons of water to bind the mixture. Assemble the sliders the same way, replacing the ground beef with this black bean mixture.

**Optional. Feel free to top these burgers however you prefer. However, these ingredients create a wonderfully tasty combination.

Start by preparing the blackening spice. In a small bowl, combine the black pepper, onion powder, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, chili powder, and kosher salt. Mix well and set aside.

Next, prepare the garlic butter. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and garlic. Allow the butter to melt and cook the garlic for about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the parsley, and mix thoroughly. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Now, let’s make the Donkey Sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, roasted garlic, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble the sliders.

To form the patties for the sliders, divide the ground beef (or black bean mixture) into 24 equal balls. Using your hands, shape the balls into 2-inch round patties. Top half of the patties with 6 ounces of blue cheese. Place another patty on top, seal the edges, and reshape into a patty. The finished patty should be about 3 inches in diameter. Repeat until you have 12 patties, and then season both sides with the prepared blackening spice.

Grill or pan-fry the patties until they are thoroughly cooked. Just before taking them off the heat, evenly distribute the remaining 6 ounces of blue cheese over each patty. Remove from heat as soon as the cheese starts to melt.

Next, brush the garlic butter onto the cut sides of the rolls. Toast them on the grill (or in a pan) until they turn golden brown.

Finally, it’s time to assemble the sliders. Spread a little Donkey Sauce on both toasted sides of each roll. Place a patty on top, then layer it with bacon, dill pickles, onions, tomatoes, and mixed greens. Cap it with the bun and secure it with a wooden skewer.
Serve immediately.

“Holy sliders, Batman!” Don’t they look scrumptious!? They absolutely are!

I assure you this recipe isn’t as daunting as it looks. Additionally, you'll have leftover blackening spices and Donkey Sauce for more sliders next week or to use in other dishes. It’s a win-win situation.

Now, go ahead and make some sliders! And while you're at it, be sure to visit the Dinogo website to explore their other fantastic dining options on board. What sounds most tempting to you?