Mini burgers answer the call of diners looking for a quick, fun bite that packs good burger flavour.
Chefs are taking the power of the burger and downsizing it into playful mini burgers. Capturing the colossal appeal of Canada's favourite sandwich, they're delivering it in a new and exciting way.
Mini burgers, or sliders, are popping up on bar menus, kids' menus and regular menus nationwide. The chefs we spoke to stress the casual, fun element that a mini burger brings to the menu.
Small burger, big profit
Mini burgers are featured on the bar menu and on the kids' menu at The Keg Steakhouse & Bar, with 78 units nationwide.
For the bar menu, the Keg Sliders feature three ground prime-rib patties on white buns. The first burger is topped with Swiss cheese, the second with a honey/BBQ sauce, and the third is slathered with a blue-cheese sauce.
Launched in 2006, the Keg Sliders rank #2 in bar-food sales. "The sliders are really popular," says Marko Gotowiec, director of foodservices for Keg Restaurants, Ltd. "It's a great share item, and really fosters that fun, interactive feeling that you want in your bar."
For the kids' menu, two sliders are offered, with a choice of fries, Caesar salad or seasonal vegetables, and are served with the honey/BBQ sauce.
At Canyon Creek Chop House, with seven units throughout Ontario, sliders were an LTO until April. But now, they're featured on the regular bar menu.
"We see the sliders as added value to our bar experience," says Graham Hayes, corporate executive chef at Canyon Creek. "The mini burgers deliver something light, but full of flavour and satisfaction, at the bar."
The Canyon Creek sliders are a blend of chuck and sirloin. The three 1.5-ounce patties are seasoned with a proprietary steak spice, and then grilled. First, they're topped with sautéed onions and grated Cheddar. Then, they're place between toasted white buns. A dipping sauce of Hawaiian Luau plum BBQ sauce complements the sliders.
"The barbecue sauce is sweet and smoky. We grate the cheese to lend a bit of height to the burger," says Hayes. "We were looking for something fun and delicious, and the sliders fit the bill."
Shoeless Joe's, with 37 units throughout Canada, offers Certified Sliders as a shared appetizer. "These mini burgers answer the trend for fun, interactive foods," says Scott Davidson, corporate chef for this sports-themed multi-unit.
Each order brings four mini burgers of Certified Angus Beef that have been seasoned and grilled, then topped with Monterey Jalapeño. A dipping sauce of chipotle-infused mayonnaise adds to the convivial feel of the appetizer.
Kraft products create impact
Turn to Kraft products to punch up your mini burger recipes. Offer these flavour enhancing condiments:
- A dollop of Kraft Mayo for a tangy flavour
- A touch of Kraft Bistro Sauce for robust flavour
- A slathering of Bull's-Eye barbecue sauce for bold, rich flavour