Seven Layer Sliders Recipe

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Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 Roma tomatoes, halved and seeds removed
• 1 large (1 1/2-inch) slice white onion
• 2 large jalapeno peppers, divided
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons taco seasoning, divided
• 1 (12-piece package) King's Hawaiian rolls
• 1 lb ground sirloin
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup guacamole
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 24 pickled jalapeno slices
• 12 black olives

Directions

Step 1: Gather all the ingredients and preheat an outdoor grill to high heat. Lightly oil the grate.

Step 2: Place tomatoes, onion, and 1 jalapeno on the hot grill. Cook undisturbed until grill marks form, about 2 minutes. Remove the tomatoes and jalapeno from the grill and set aside to cool. Flip the onion slice and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 3: Finely chop the grilled tomatoes and onion. If desired, remove the seeds from the jalapeno and finely chop it as well. Add all the chopped vegetables to a bowl. Stir in cilantro, lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and garlic powder. Set the grilled pico de gallo aside.

Step 4: Reduce the grill heat to medium-high. In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and 1 tablespoon taco seasoning. Mix well and set aside.

Step 5: In a separate bowl, combine ground sirloin with the remaining taco seasoning. Mix thoroughly and form the mixture into 2 rectangular patties.

Step 6: Slice the whole loaf of rolls in half and place each cut side down on the lightly oiled grill grate. Toast on the hot grill for about 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside on a cutting board.

Step 7: Place the burger patties on the grill. Cook for 4 minutes. Season the top side of the patties with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, flip, and continue cooking until the desired degree of doneness, about 3 more minutes. Top each patty with cheese and cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until the cheese melts.

Step 8: Remove the patties from the grill and place them on the bottom half of the toasted buns. Top each patty with a layer of guacamole, grilled pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and sliced jalapenos.

Step 9: Spread the desired amount of sour cream sauce on the cut side of the top bun. Reserve any leftover sauce for serving on the side.

Step 10: Place the sauced buns on top of the sliders. Cut the sandwich into 12 individual sliders. Slice the remaining jalapeno thinly and garnish each slider with an olive, a slice of jalapeno, and a toothpick.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	Total Fat	Saturated Fat	Cholesterol	Sodium	Total Carbohydrate	Dietary Fiber	Total Sugars	Protein	Vitamin C	Calcium	Iron	Potassium
310	14g	5g	64mg	421mg	30g	4g	8g	17g	7mg	110mg	3mg	459mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Seven Layer Sliders

Seven Layer Sliders are a modern take on the traditional American slider, blending classic burger flavors with a colorful, multi-layered presentation. The concept of sliders originated in the United States, particularly in the 1920s, as small, easily consumed burgers for quick meals. The seven-layer variation evolved as home cooks and chefs sought to combine a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients into a compact, bite-sized format. Each layerfrom the juicy grilled patty to the creamy guacamole and zesty pico de galloadds texture and flavor, making it more than just a miniature burger.

Regional Characteristics

Although sliders are a staple across the United States, Seven Layer Sliders carry a distinctly Californian and Tex-Mex influence. Ingredients like cilantro, jalapenos, and lime juice reflect the vibrant flavors typical of Southwestern cuisine. Hawaiian rolls, often used for the base, contribute a slightly sweet contrast, which is a signature of Hawaiian-American culinary fusion. This combination of sweet rolls, spicy toppings, and creamy sauces is especially popular in backyard barbecues and casual gatherings along the West Coast.

Distinguishing Features from Similar Dishes

Unlike standard sliders or traditional burgers, Seven Layer Sliders are defined by their meticulous layering of diverse ingredients. While most burgers focus on the patty, cheese, and basic condiments, these sliders incorporate multiple textures: crisp lettuce, grilled vegetables, creamy guacamole, and a tangy sour cream sauce. The visual appeal and the layered flavor profile set them apart from simpler mini burgers or fast-food sliders, offering a gourmet experience in a small package.

Common Serving Contexts

Seven Layer Sliders are most commonly served as appetizers at parties, family gatherings, and casual events. Their small size makes them ideal for sharing and sampling multiple flavors in one sitting. They are often featured at tailgate parties, potlucks, and outdoor barbecues, where their combination of color, texture, and taste can impress a crowd. Some upscale restaurants also offer them as a creative starter or a fun alternative to conventional finger foods.

Fun and Interesting Facts

• The seven layers often symbolize a balance of flavors: savory, sweet, spicy, tangy, creamy, fresh, and salty.
• Hawaiian rolls, originally from the 1950s, were popularized in slider recipes due to their soft texture and natural sweetness.
• The grilled pico de gallo topping adds a smoky depth, which enhances the overall flavor complexity of the slider.
• Although traditionally a burger-based dish, creative variations now include chicken, turkey, or plant-based patties, appealing to diverse dietary preferences.
• Seven Layer Sliders exemplify the American trend of miniaturized gourmet foods, where bite-sized portions deliver layered culinary experiences.

FAQ about Seven Layer Sliders Recipe