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Sliders have gained immense popularity as a go-to party food and casual meal option. Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for sharing, while their versatility allows for an endless array of flavor combinations. Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue, a game day gathering, or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, sliders can be the star of your culinary spread. Among the myriad of combinations available, Grilled Cherry Sliders stand out as a delightful twist that marries savory and sweet in a harmonious way.

Grilled Cherry Sliders

Elevate your next gathering with Grilled Cherry Sliders, a delicious twist on a classic favorite. These bite-sized delights feature a homemade cherry BBQ sauce that beautifully blends the sweetness of cherries with tangy barbecue flavors. Perfect for any occasion, learn how to create juicy slider patties using your choice of ground meat and festive toppings like goat cheese and fresh greens. These sliders are not only flavorful but also an exceptional way to impress your guests!
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Ingredients
  

For the Cherry BBQ Sauce:

2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries

1/2 cup ketchup

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sliders:

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)

1 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning (or your favorite burger seasoning)

8 slider buns

1 cup arugula or baby spinach

1 cup crumbled goat cheese (or your preferred cheese)

Olive oil (for grilling)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Cherry BBQ Sauce:

    - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.

      - Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries break down and the sauce thickens.

        - Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let cool.

          Make the Slider Patties:

            - In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with Montreal steak seasoning. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

              - Form the mixture into 8 equal patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing while cooking.

                Grill the Patties:

                  - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.

                    - Grill the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness (160°F for medium). In the last minute of cooking, brush on a generous amount of the cherry BBQ sauce.

                      Toast the Buns:

                        - While the patties are grilling, place the slider buns on the grill for about 1 minute until they are lightly toasted.

                          Assemble the Sliders:

                            - Spread a layer of cherry BBQ sauce on the bottom half of each toasted slider bun.

                              - Place a grilled patty on top of the sauce, followed by a handful of arugula or spinach, and then crumble goat cheese on top.

                                - Drizzle a little more cherry BBQ sauce over the cheese before placing the top half of the bun on each slider.

                                  Serve:

                                    - Arrange the sliders on a platter and serve immediately, garnished with extra cherries or a sprinkle of herbs if desired.

                                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 8 servings