Little Big Mac Bites Recipe

Name: Little Big Mac Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1pound ground sirloin; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided; ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon sweet relish; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 teaspoons vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar; 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion; 24 dill pickle slices; sesame seeds, to taste

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 12 servings. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted for different yields, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

1 pound ground sirloin
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon sweet relish
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup minced white onion
24 dill pickle slices
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, or to taste

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan with cooking spray.

Step 2: Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground sirloin and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, stirring often until it is evenly browned, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Sprinkle the meat with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1 more minute, then remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, mustard, relish, onion powder, paprika, vinegar, sugar, and the remaining salt and pepper until fully combined. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve.

Step 5: Place about 1 tablespoon of shredded Cheddar cheese into the bottom of each muffin cup, pressing it against the sides if possible.

Step 6: Evenly distribute the cooked meat mixture among the muffin cups, then top with minced onion.

Step 7: Add a slice of dill pickle to each cup and then top with the remaining shredded cheese. Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds over the tops.

Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese begins to brown around the edges.

Step 9: Let the bites set in the pan for 3-5 minutes, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.

Step 10: Optionally, sprinkle with additional sesame seeds and serve with the Big Mac dipping sauce prepared earlier.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 341
Fat: 28g (36% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 9g (47% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 69mg (23% Daily Value)
Sodium: 560mg (24% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 4g (1% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (2% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 2g
Protein: 18g (36% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 1mg (1% Daily Value)
Calcium: 228mg (18% Daily Value)
Iron: 2mg (9% Daily Value)
Potassium: 241mg (5% Daily Value)

The Story Behind Little Big Mac Bites

Little Big Mac Bites are a playful, bite-sized twist on the classic Big Mac, one of America's most iconic fast food creations. The original Big Mac was invented in 1967 by Jim Delligatti, a McDonalds franchise owner in Pennsylvania, who sought to create a larger, more satisfying burger that would stand out on the menu. Over time, the Big Mac became synonymous with American fast food culture, inspiring numerous adaptations. The Little Big Mac Bites take the essence of the famous burgerjuicy beef, tangy sauce, crisp pickles, and melty cheeseand condense it into a convenient, appetizer-style portion that retains all the signature flavors in a fun, handheld format.

Regional Variations and Influences

Although Little Big Mac Bites are rooted in American cuisine, they have seen variations in different regions. In the southern United States, for example, the addition of spicy pickles or pepper jack cheese adds a regional kick. In coastal areas, some versions incorporate locally sourced cheeses or gourmet buns to elevate the appetizer for special events. These regional twists highlight the adaptability of the concept while keeping the core ingredientsground beef, cheddar cheese, pickles, and special sauceintact. Internationally, similar mini burger bites are often infused with local spices or sauces, reflecting global culinary trends while paying homage to the American original.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Little Big Mac Bites distinguish themselves from other mini burgers or sliders primarily through their faithful replication of the Big Macs flavor profile. Unlike standard sliders, which may feature a single patty or generic toppings, these bites layer multiple flavors, including the distinctive special sauce, onions, pickles, and sesame-topped cheese. The baking process, which crisps the cheese around the edges, also sets them apart from pan-fried sliders, creating a unique texture that mimics the satisfying combination of a grilled burger and a cheesy snack. They are designed to deliver the Big Mac experience in one compact, bite-sized piece.

Where They Are Served

Little Big Mac Bites are most commonly found at parties, casual gatherings, and sports events, where finger foods are preferred. They are also popular as appetizers in diners or American-style restaurants looking to offer a nostalgic nod to McDonalds classic flavors. Their portable, easy-to-eat form makes them ideal for buffet tables, cocktail hours, and game-day spreads, offering both visual appeal and crowd-pleasing taste. Additionally, they have become trendy items for home cooking enthusiasts who enjoy recreating fast food favorites in bite-sized, homemade versions.

Fun Facts About Little Big Mac Bites

The special sauce used in Little Big Mac Bites is a homemade version of the original Big Mac sauce, combining mayonnaise, mustard, relish, and spices.
The concept of miniaturizing the Big Mac into a bite-sized appetizer is part of a broader trend of finger food innovations that gained popularity in the 21st century.
These bites are often served with additional dipping sauces to enhance the flavor, demonstrating how appetizers can creatively reinterpret classic dishes.
Despite their small size, each bite provides a concentrated Big Mac experience, allowing for multiple servings without the heaviness of a full burger.
They are also visually appealing, with golden-browned cheese edges and sesame seeds that mimic the iconic Big Mac bun, making them Instagram-worthy.

AI Audio version of the recipe is available!

You can listen to this recipe in AI audio format. Simply click the play button below to listen to the content in a format that suits you best. It’s a great way to absorb information on the go!

FAQ about Little Big Mac Bites Recipe

Leftover Little Big Mac Bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.

Yes, you can freeze Little Big Mac Bites. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave them for 30-45 seconds.

Yes, you can prepare these Little Big Mac Bites ahead of time. You can assemble them, refrigerate them for up to 12 hours before baking, or bake them in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Yes, you can substitute the Cheddar cheese with other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Swiss. Keep in mind that different cheeses may affect the texture and flavor of the bites, but they will still taste great.

The dipping sauce adds extra flavor and enhances the 'Big Mac' experience, but it’s optional. The Little Big Mac Bites are delicious on their own, even without the sauce. However, for the full effect, it’s recommended to serve with the sauce.

Yes, you can omit the Worcestershire sauce if needed. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can try using soy sauce or a bit of balsamic vinegar to add a similar depth of flavor.

To prevent the cheese from sticking, be sure to lightly grease the muffin pan with cooking spray or oil. You can also use silicone muffin pans, which tend to make it easier to remove the bites.

Yes, you can adjust the spice level in the dipping sauce. To make it spicier, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce. For a milder sauce, reduce or omit the paprika and onion powder.

For extra crispiness, make sure to bake the Little Big Mac Bites until the cheese is golden and slightly browned around the edges. You can also broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking to achieve a crispier texture.

Yes, you can omit the pickles if you prefer. The pickles add a tangy crunch, but if you're not a fan, you can replace them with other ingredients like sliced jalapeños, roasted red peppers, or even leave them out entirely.

Comments

Patrick Garcia

02/22/2024 05:53:40 PM

These were a bit time-consuming to assemble, but the end result was delicious. Here are my thoughts: -Don't fret about the ingredients piling up in the mini muffin pans, as they will melt together during cooking, creating a crispy cheese 'skirt'. -Make sure to include ample pickle for the best flavor. -While they are enhanced with the dipping sauce, they are still enjoyable on their own. -To ease removal from the pans, let them come to room temperature or chill in the refrigerator. Reheating in the microwave is quick and easy.