Pasadena Star News/December 6, 2005

Mini Cheeseburgers

Servings Preparation Time Cooking Time Calories Saturated Fat Fat Sodium Carbohydrates Protein Cholesterol
24 each


INGREDIENTS:
BUNS: 2 (11-ounce) packages refrigerated crusty French bread dough 1 large egg yolk plus 1 tablespoon water, lightly beaten, for egg wash 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
BURGERS: 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil, for pan searing 2 tablespoons steak sauce 2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
1-1/2 tablespoons steak seasoning 1-1/2 pounds ground beef sirloin 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 4 equal squares
Special Sauce (recipe follows) 4 small plum tomatoes, thinly sliced green leaf lettuce, torn to fit burgers



1 Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. For buns, cut each package of bread dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball about the size of a gold ball. The elasticity of the dough makes it a bit of a struggle to keep it round. Place dough rounds on prepared pan and brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake in center of a preheated 350-degree oven 22 to 24 minutes, until golden brown.
2 For burgers, heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Whisk together egg yolks, steak sauce and seasoningin a medium bowl and add ground sirloin.
3 Gently combine with your fingertips, being careful not to overwork meat. Using about 2 tablespoons meat mixture for each, carefully roll into meatballs and press between your palms to flatten into a small patty. Pan sear in hot oil until cooked through to desired doneness, about 3 minutes on each side. Place a piece of cheese on each patty and tent loosely with a piece of foil to melt cheese.
4 To assemble burgers, cut each bun in half crosswise and place a teaspoon-size dollop of Special Sauce on bottom of each. Top with a hamburger patty, tomato slice, a piece of lettuce and bun top. Skewer each mini cheeseburger with a fuffled toothpick to hold together. Serve immediately.
5 SPECIAL SAUCE: Combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup ketchup and kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

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