Are you a fan of those iconic, small, and oh-so-delicious White Castle burgers? You don't have to make a pilgrimage to the nearest White Castle restaurant to satisfy your cravings. You can recreate the magic of these sliders right in your own kitchen with this quick and easy White Castle Burger recipe at home. Let's dive into how you can make these miniature masterpieces in no time.
Ingredients Needed for White Castle Burgers
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet of Onion Soup Mix
- 1 small white onion
- Salt and pepper
- 8 slices of American cheese
- 16 small, soft dinner rolls
- Dill pickle slices
- Mustard
- Ketchup
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Patty Mixture
Begin by mixing the ground beef with half a packet of onion soup mix. This adds a unique flavor reminiscent of the original sliders.
🍔 Note: Only use half the packet to keep the flavor balanced. Too much can overpower the beef.
Step 2: Prepare the Onions
Chop your white onion into fine pieces. You’ll use these both in the patty mixture and on top of the burgers for that authentic White Castle experience.
Step 3: Forming the Patties
- Divide the beef mixture into 8 even portions.
- Press each portion into a square or rectangle that’s about 3.5 inches wide. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about getting that classic White Castle shape.
Step 4: Cooking the Patties
Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the beef squares on the pan, making sure they don’t overlap. Sprinkle some onions on top of each patty. Then, press another piece of parchment or foil onto the patties to steam-cook them. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
🔥 Note: The parchment paper method helps to retain moisture and gives the burger its unique texture.
Step 5: Assembly
- Lightly toast the dinner rolls.
- Place a beef patty on the bottom half of each roll.
- Add a slice of American cheese on top of the patty, then another burger if you’re doing the “double-double” style.
- Add pickles, a dab of mustard, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a bit of ketchup.
- Top with the other half of the roll.
Tips for Perfect White Castle Burgers
- Quality of Meat: Use 80⁄20 ground beef for the best flavor and moisture.
- Slider Size: Make sure your patties are small to fit perfectly on your dinner rolls.
- Onion Usage: Be generous with onions; they add to the authenticity.
- Condiments: Use quality mustard and pickles for the classic taste.
Serving and Enjoyment
Serve your homemade White Castle sliders hot, with a side of your favorite fries or onion rings. Remember, these burgers are best enjoyed fresh off the griddle. Invite friends or family over to share these delightful sliders for a fun, fast-food-inspired evening at home.
To sum up, making White Castle burgers at home is an easy and rewarding experience. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the unique taste of these sliders anytime, without the need to visit a White Castle restaurant. Experiment with the toppings, try different rolls, or even turn it into a slider party for a memorable meal with loved ones.
Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
+
Yes, you can prepare the beef patties in advance and freeze them. Simply cook them directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.
What can I substitute for American cheese?
+
If American cheese isn’t available, you can use Swiss or another mild, melting cheese like Provolone or even a mild Cheddar.
How can I make these burgers gluten-free?
+
Use gluten-free buns or try lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Also, ensure the onion soup mix and other condiments are free of gluten.
What if I can’t find dinner rolls?
+
You can use any small, soft bun or even slice regular hamburger buns into smaller portions to fit your sliders.
How do I keep the burgers moist?
+
The key is the steaming technique using parchment paper or foil, which helps to lock in the moisture. Additionally, avoid overcooking the patties.
