BBQ Beef Sliders with Caramelised Onions.

 

We quite like sliders in this house.  Sliders are small sandwiches or burgers baked all together in one  sheet in the oven, and then cut apart into single servings after baking. I have done a few versions of them on here in the past, including Heavenly Ham and Cheese Hots,  Reuben Sliders, Salmon Melt Sliders (You could also use Tuna), and  Turkey Fajita Sliders to name a few. Love them all.  They make quick and simple suppers when served with some chips or salad on the side, and are also perfect for game nights, etc. with the family. (Think FHE here!)

 

Today I made BBQ Beef Sliders with Caramelised Onions.  You can use deli sliced beef in them, or you can use leftover sliced roast beef.  Either one would work well.  Todd has an easier time eating  meat which is thinner sliced, so for things like this I tend to use deli meat as it is sliced much thinner than I can do myself at home.

 

I buy my buns at Asda. You can get a bag with 24, unseparated, called a freezer pack for about £2, and they work perfectly.  They are also in a nice study bag so you can freeze the ones you don't need to use right away.

  

You begin by caramelising some onions.  What is is about the smell of caramelising onions that gets the taste buds to tingling?  There used to be a guy with a sandwich/burger van in downtown Chester by the town hall that was always frying onions.  I always felt super hungry when I would walk past his van.  It didn't matter if I was really hungry or not, just the smell made me hungry.

 

You layer the caramelised onions on the bottom half of the buns and then top with a bit of BBQ sauce. Today I used Bullseye because that is what I had, but you can use whatever kind you like.  On top of that  you layer on the meat.

 

I then put a layer of cheese.  I buy a four cheese blend at the shops and just sprinkle it all over the meat in a nice layer.  It has orange and white cheddar, mozzarella, Gouda  . . . a nice mix that makes for good melting.

 

The cut side of the top bun gets spread with a horseradish mayo, which as you know goes very well with beef.  Aside from the flavour it also helps to hold the cheese in place before it start to melt.

 

Finally you simply brush the top with a mix of melted butter, Worcestershire sauce and herbs.  This gilds the lily, and adds another layer of delightful flavours!

 

And they truly are delightful flavours  . . .  you get the sweetness from the caramelised onions, a smoky touch from the BBQ, the richness of the roast beef, that creamy melty ooze from the cheese, a touch of creamy heat from the horseradish mayo, and of course that buttery, herbed crispy bun at the top.  Everything just works together heavenly.  I served them with some vegetable chips, which had carrots, parsnip and beetroot, but they would be nice just with coleslaw or even a green salad or potato chips.  Its all up to you!

 

*BBQ Beef Sliders with Caramelised Onions*

Makes 12

Printable Recipe 

 

These are simple to make and oh so delicious. A real family and crowd pleaser. 

1 TBS flavourless oil

2 large onions, peeled and thinly sliced

130g BBQ sauce (1/2 cup)

73g mayonnaise (1/3 cup)

1 TBS creamed horseradish sauce

1 package of soft dinner rolls (12 count)

12 slices deli roast beef

120g grated 4 cheese blend (1 cup)

2 TBS butter, melted

1/2 TBS Worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp each garlic and onion powders

1 tsp dried parsley

 

To caramelise the onions, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium/high heat.  Add the onions, reduce to medium low and cook, stirring frequently until golden. 

Preheat oven to 190*C/375*F/ gas mark 5.  Have ready a 13 by 9 inch baking dish with sides.  Lightly butter. Set aside.  

 

Whisk together the mayonnaise and horseradish sauce.   

Slice the buns in half through the middle, keeping both halves in one sheet.  Place the bun bottom sheet into the prepared baking dish.  Cover with the caramelised onions.  Divide the BBQ sauce amongst each bun section, smoothing it over with the bottom of a spoon. Top with the sliced roast beef and sprinkle the cheese over top of the beef.  Spread the mayo/horseradish sauce on the inside of the top bun halves and place over all, sauce side down. Whisk together the butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and onion powders and dried parsley.  Brush over the tops of the buns.  Cover loosely with aluminium foil. 

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until heated through, the cheese has melted and the tops are golden brown, uncovering for the last 5 minutes of bake time.  Cut into individual sliders and serve with your favourite accompaniments. 

These really do make a lovely, quick and easy week night meal.  Your family are guaranteed to love them!  If you line your dish with foil, there is not clean up either . . .  well . . .  except for the pan you caramelised the onions in. A worthwhile enterprise.  Bon Appetit!