Preparation

• Prep/Cook time: 30 minutes for prep and 10 minutes to cook.
• Difficulty: Easy
• Makes: 24 sliders
• 1Preheat oven to 375ºF.
• 2Prepare Cheese: In a medium bowl, combine cheese, smoked paprika, green onions, salt, cayenne and black pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• 3Mix and Form Patties: In another medium bowl, combine ground beef, salt and pepper. Stir in mayonnaise until incorporated. Divide mixture into 24 equal portions. Gently form into 2-inch patties. Using your thumb, make a small dimple in the middle of the patty. Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
• 4Cook Burgers: Heat a nonstick grill pan over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear burgers 2 minutes on one side only, then transfer them cooked side up to a sheet pan. Once all have been seared, transfer to the oven to finish cooking, about 4 minutes for medium rare. Drain off grease from the pan into a small metal bowl so patties are not cooking in oil.
• 5Spoon 1 heaping tbsp. cheese mixture onto burgers. Return to oven and cook 1-2 minutes more or until done to your liking. Transfer sliders to warmed rolls. Garnish with tomatoes or ketchup. Serve immediately.
• 6For kids:
  Eliminate the smoked paprika and green onions.
• 7For leftovers:
  Crumble up cooked sliders for beef tacos.
• 8Simple substitutions:
  Substitute 1/4 tsp. cayenne for smoked paprika or 1 tsp. chili powder or 1 chipotle in adobo (seeds removed and chopped finely).
• 9Healthier Options:
  Use ground turkey or chicken.