Alton Brown Makes Mini Man Burgers with Grilled Onions

Ingredients

• 1 Large Onion (Split, keep root end intact, thinly sliced on the stem side)
• 2 tsp Kosher Salt (For drawing moisture from the onion)
• 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
• 0.25 tsp Kosher Salt (for meat) (Season the beef)
• 1 lb Ground Chuck Beef (80/20) (Keep frozen until shaping; cold meat helps retain fat)
• 4 American Cheese Slices (One slice per slider, full‑fat)
• 8 Slider Buns (Soft mini buns, top and bottom)
• 0.25 cup Dill Pickles (Finely chopped for relish)
• 2 tbsp Yellow Mustard
• 1 sheet Parchment Paper (Liners for the sheet pan)
• 4 Paper Wrappers (For serving; insulative but vented)

Instructions

1. Slice and Salt the Onion

   Split the onion keeping the root end intact, slice thinly toward the stem side without cutting all the way through, then toss the sliced onion with 2 tsp kosher salt and let rest for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.

   Time: PT15M

2. Prepare Spice Mix

   In a small bowl combine 0.5 tsp garlic powder, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and 0.25 tsp kosher salt. Set aside for seasoning the meat later.

   Time: PT1M

3. Chop Pickles

   Finely chop the dill pickles to make a quick relish and set aside.

   Time: PT2M

4. Shape the Beef

   Lay a sheet of parchment on a half sheet pan. Place the frozen ground chuck on the parchment and shape it into a flat rectangle about the size of your griddle. Keep the meat cold until it hits the heat.

   Time: PT3M

5. Preheat Griddle

   Set the griddle over medium‑low heat and let it warm up.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: Medium‑low

6. Cook the Onions

   Spread half of the salted onions on the hot griddle, shaping them into a rectangle. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. No additional oil is needed.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Medium‑low

7. Reserve Onion Juice

   Transfer the cooked onions to a strainer, pressing gently to collect the released juice. Reserve the juice for later use.

   Time: PT1M

8. Cook the Beef

   Place the cold beef rectangle onto the griddle. Cook each side for about 5‑7 minutes, pressing lightly, until the interior reaches 160 °F (well‑done). Sprinkle the prepared spice mix over the meat while it cooks.

   Time: PT7M

   Temperature: Medium‑low

9. Melt the Cheese

   Lay an American cheese slice on top of the cooked beef and allow it to melt for about 1 minute, covering the pan if needed.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: Medium‑low

10. Steam the Buns

    Place the bottom halves of the slider buns on the griddle, cheese side down, then add the meat and onion mixture. Cover loosely with foil (or a lid) and lower the heat. Steam for 3‑5 minutes until the buns are soft but not soggy.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Low

11. Assemble the Sliders

    Remove the buns from the heat. On each bottom bun spread a thin layer of mustard, add a spoonful of the reserved onion juice, top with the beef‑cheese stack, a pinch of pickle relish, and finish with the top bun. Wrap each slider in a paper wrapper for serving.

    Time: PT3M

12. Serve

    Serve the sliders immediately while hot and juicy. Enjoy the messy, gooey goodness!

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

250

Protein

15 g

Carbohydrates

20 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

1 g