Chorizo Your Own Adventure Burgers

What’s Up, Hungry People

Sometimes eating can feel like an adventure – and when you have total control over every piece of your food that goes onto your plate, almost anything can happen. These burger sliders are inspired by “Choose Your Own Adventure” books where the final dish is totally up to you!

It all starts with a bun. With two choices of meat, the first task is to decide: beef or chorizo or BOTH? From there, each topping adds to the story – do you want something savory with a hint of sweetness, or something spicy that’s mellowed out at the end?

The idea is to let your guests assemble their sliders buffet style – it makes less work for you, the chef, and more fun for the eater. Plus, if the final ‘story’ has a bad ending, it’s all on the creator for not choosing the right steps!

Of course, all my burgers came out delicious, with each one having its own personal quirks – like a chorizo burger topped with sliced cherry tomatoes becoming a twist on a classic.

Adding arugula is another great way to incorporate a bit of snappy flavor with spicy pepper jack cheese. Or top a double burger with avocado to really mellow everything out.

No matter how you stack it, whether it’s towering over the rest or something bite-sized, it’s up to YOU to “chorizo” your own adventure!

Here’s What You Need

• Spicy ground chorizo – Adds a bold, spicy kick to your burgers.
• Salt – Brings out the natural flavors of the meats.
• Pepper – Adds a touch of heat and enhances overall flavor.
• Ground beef – Classic juicy and savory burger base.
• Slider buns – Perfectly sized to hold your mini burgers.
• Sliced tomatoes – Adds freshness and juiciness to each bite.
• Sliced cherry tomatoes – A smaller, sweeter tomato option for added variety.
• Sliced avocado – Creamy texture to balance the spice.
• Thinly sliced red onion – Adds a sharp, tangy crunch.
• Caramelized onions – Sweet, rich topping that adds depth.
• Arugula – Peppery greens that add a fresh, zesty bite.
• Iceberg lettuce – Crisp and cool for extra crunch.
• American cheese slices – Melts perfectly for a classic touch.
• Pepper jack cheese slices – Spicy cheese option for an extra kick.
• Colby jack cheese slices – Mild and creamy cheese choice.
• Bread & butter pickles, sliced – Sweet and tangy crunch for contrast.
• Carolina barbecue sauce – Tangy, slightly sweet sauce for flavor boost.
• Ketchup – Classic condiment that adds sweetness and tang.
• Mustard – Provides a sharp, tangy counterpoint.
• Mayonnaise – Creamy and smooth, balancing out other flavors.

Let’s Cook

If you’re opting for caramelized onions (and you should, they’re delicious), slice up a sweet onion real thin. Toss it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a tablespoon of butter. Let them cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and caramelized. This will take about 20-30 minutes, so you can prep your other toppings while they’re doing their thing.

Getting the Toppings Ready

Wash and chop up all your chosen toppings. Slice those tomatoes, avocados, and red onions. Get the arugula and iceberg lettuce ready. If you’re using multiple cheeses, have those slices handy too. Basically, make sure everything is set up buffet-style so your guests can assemble their own sliders.

Making the Chorizo Patties

In a small bowl, season the chorizo with salt and pepper, then mix it all together. Form the chorizo into small patties that are just a bit larger than your slider buns and about a half-inch thick. Set them aside for now.

Making the Beef Patties

Grab another bowl and season the ground beef with salt and pepper, mixing it well. Form these into patties slightly bigger than your slider buns too. Remember, they’ll shrink a bit while cooking.

Grilling the Patties

Fire up your outdoor grill or flattop grill. For the chorizo patties, cook them until they’re well-done and no longer pink in the center, about 3-4 minutes per side. For the beef patties, cook them to your preferred doneness. Medium rare? That’s about 2-3 minutes per side.

Assembling the Sliders

Now comes the fun part. Set out the slider buns, patties, and all your toppings. Let your guests build their own sliders. Whether they stack them high or keep it simple, the choice is theirs.

Pro Tips for Your Burger Adventure

• Caramelizing onions takes time: Low and slow is key. Be patient and stir occasionally for about 20-30 minutes to achieve the perfect caramelized texture.
• Season your patties well: Ensure the salt and pepper are evenly mixed into the meat. Proper seasoning is crucial for flavor.
• Grill heat matters: Preheat your grill to medium-high. Too hot and the burgers might burn; too cool and they won’t sear properly.
• Keep an eye on doneness: Chorizo should be well-done; cook beef burgers to your preferred doneness. Use a meat thermometer if needed.
• Cheese melting trick: Place a metal bowl over your burger for the last minute of cooking to melt the cheese quickly and evenly.
• Prep toppings ahead: Have all toppings sliced and ready before grilling. This keeps the assembly line smooth and enjoyable.
• Toasting buns adds texture: Lightly toast your buns on the grill for a nice crisp texture that holds up better to juicy toppings.

So there you have it, Hungry People. A burger experience that’s totally in your hands. Whether you’re going for spicy chorizo or classic beef, the choice is yours. Pile on the toppings, mix and match your cheeses, and add all the sauces your heart desires. This isn’t just another meal; it’s a mini burger adventure waiting for you to take the lead. Now get to grilling and enjoy creating your perfect sliders!

Chorizo Crab Cake Sliders

Cheesy Jalapeno Bacon Chicken Sliders

Zesty Shrimp Burgers with Homemade Horseradish Sauce