Lulu's Sliders Recipe

Combine thinly sliced red onion, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar and 1/4 tsp salt in a small bowl. Stir to dissolve sugar and submerge onions. Let sit at least 10 minutes (can be made up to 2 hours ahead) to quick-pickle while you prepare other components.

Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, smoked paprika, lemon juice and black pepper in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate until serving.

Mix

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, kosher salt and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined — avoid overworking to keep patties tender.

Shape

Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions (about 1.6 ounces / 45 g each). Roll each portion into a loose ball, then flatten to 2 1/2–3 inch wide patties about 1/4 inch thick. Make a slight thumb indentation in the center of each to prevent doming while cooking.

Cook

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil and let it shimmer. Working in batches if necessary, place patties on the hot surface without crowding. Cook about 2 minutes per side for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). If you prefer, press patties lightly with a spatula for a crisper edge. During the last 30 seconds of cooking, place half a slice of American cheese on each patty and cover with a lid or tent with foil to melt.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if warming multiple sliders at once. Split buns and brush cut sides lightly with melted unsalted butter; sprinkle sesame seeds on tops if using. Toast cut sides in a skillet or on a sheet in the oven for 3–4 minutes until lightly golden.

If you want to keep sliders warm and melt cheese together, arrange assembled sliders on a baking sheet, cover with foil and warm in the 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

Spread about 1 teaspoon of Lulu's Spread on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place one cheese-topped patty on each bottom bun. Top with a quick-pickled onion slice and a dill pickle slice. Add a small spoonful (about 1/2 tsp) more of sauce on the top bun if desired, then close the slider.

Optional: Lightly brush the top of each assembled slider with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley for color. Serve immediately while warm.