Blackberry Basil Sliders are fun summer to fall transition burger that joins the flavor of fresh summer herbs and preserves with fall apples. Try them for Labor Day or your next tailgate!
Course ground Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
2tablespoonsextra virgin olive oildivided
Whole wheat slider buns
4ouncesaged white cheddar cheesethinly sliced
⅓cupblackberry preserves
16fresh basil leaveswashed
½a large honeycrisp applethinly sliced
Instructions
Divide the ground beef into 8 equal patties the size of your slider buns. Season both sides of the with the salt and pepper.
Burgers may be grilled or cooked in a skillet; I opted for the skillet since I don't have a grill.
Heat a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of the olive oil. Place the slider patties into the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side till desired degree of doneness is reached. I prefer my burger to be cooked medium-well, so I typically insert a thermometer into 3 patties stacked on top of one another. When the temperature reaches 150, add sliced cheese to the top of the patties, transfer to a plate and cover with foil (be careful not to press the foil on the cheese).
Wipe out your skillet and return the pan to medium heat. Add the second tablespoon of oil and swirl it around to coat. Add the buns, cut side down, and heat them for 1-2 minutes until they are toasted slightly.
To assemble the burgers, place 3-4 slices of apple on each of the bottom sides of the buns. Divide the blackberry preserves amongst the top buns.
Place a slider patty on top of the apple slices, then top the patty with 2 basil leaves. Finish by topping off the burger with the blackberry jam-covered top bun. Serve hot!