“Touchdown!” with Mix ‘n Match Sirloin Sliders {#MyMarianos}

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With the Big Game around the corner and the final competitors decided, it’s time to start thinking about Game Day food! Our family takes football and the NFL pretty seriously – starting a family fantasy football league each new season. The year ends in a culmination of wins and losses. We throw an end-of-the-year party tied in with the big weekend and plan an afternoon of food, festivities, and fun. With bets over scores and running commercial commentary, it’s one of my favorite family events of the year and I immediately thought of heading to Mariano’s for all our edible treats!

This year, my brother challenged us to create recipes that upped the game without leaving us on the taste sidelines. With a variety of family tastebuds to appease, I opted to create a simple recipe that guests could then take to the next level by adding favorite toppings – sirloin sliders!

When shopping for your slider ingredients, think outside the box for toppings and buns. At Mariano’s, I could get lost in their bakery section. With various shapes, sizes, and flavors, dressing up your burgers is simple. I opted for a whole wheat dinner roll (perfect for my slider size) and a pretzel bun in regular burger size (my go-to favorite). Think outside the box and think focaccia, Asiago, sourdough loaves, and marbled rye. When in doubt, ask someone to make a recommendation. Doing so just might encourage you to try something new! Don’t forget to use your Mariano’s Rewards Card for even more savings and helpful recipes, tips and tricks.

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Now for the burger recipe!

Getting ready to mix-up those ingredients!

Toasting up those buns!

While the burgers are cooking, slice up your buns and gently brush with melted butter. Pop into a 350 degree oven until slightly toasted. I usually leave the oven on because once the burgers are finished, if I add cheese, I pop them into the warmed oven for just a few minutes to melt that cheese!

The Tex-Mex Slider

For this slider, sprinkle some shredded cheddar and let it melt. Then, top with some fresh salsa (which you may already have on hand for the Big Game) and garnish with a small slice of avocado.

The Game-Changing Burger

I’m a HUGE fan of pretzel bread. As in, I could eat it all.day.long. Using them for these burgers/sliders is the perfect way to make them taste even more delicious. Use the basic burger recipe above, but form into regular sized burgers (small sliders will work also still). Then, you just need two ingredients – Boursin cheese and pickled red onions.

The Boursin cheese is in the cheese section of Mariano’s. A plethora of options at my disposal, I opted for the spreadable cheese with delicious herbs.

For the quick pickled onions, I used 5 purple onion rings, enough white wine vinegar to cover, a tablespoon of sugar and a dash of garlic powder and celery powder. I let that sit for about 10 minutes, then cooked the onions until soft in a saute pan with a splash of olive oil.

Assembling the burger is easy – spread some cheese, top with some pickled onion and voila! The flavors are incredible!

I envision a fun tablescape completely with team colors and the makings of a “Burger Bar” with a variety of breads and toppings.  Do you have a go-to snack favorite that you love for the big game? What flavors do you love on your favorite burger?

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