Almost White Castle Hamburgers – Whities – Take 2

🍔 Introduction to Almost White Castle Hamburgers (Whities) 🍔

Almost White Castle Hamburgers, commonly known as “Whities,” are a delightful and iconic variation of classic sliders inspired by the famous White Castle hamburgers. These mini-burgers have gained popularity for their small size, savory flavor, and the unique method used to prepare them.

📜 History 📜

The history of Whities can be traced back to the White Castle fast-food chain, which was founded in 1921 in Wichita, Kansas, by Walter Anderson and Billy Ingram. White Castle is renowned for popularizing the slider-style hamburger, characterized by its small, square-shaped patties with holes and steamed onions. Whities are essentially a homemade attempt to recreate the White Castle experience.

🥪 Components 🥪

To prepare Almost White Castle Hamburgers (Whities), you’ll need the following components:

1. Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef, ideally 80/20 or 85/15 meat-to-fat ratio.
2. Slider Buns: Small, square or rectangular slider buns work best.
3. Onions: Thinly sliced onions that will be caramelized.
4. Cheese (Optional): American cheese slices, typically placed atop the patties.
5. Pickles (Optional): Sliced dill pickles for added flavor.

👩‍🍳 Steps to Prepare Almost White Castle Hamburgers (Whities) 👨‍🍳

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making delicious Whities:

1. Prepare the Onions: Thinly slice the onions and cook them slowly in a skillet with a little oil until they become soft and caramelized. This process brings out their sweet flavor, a key element of the White Castle taste.

2. Shape the Patties: Divide the ground beef into small portions, usually around 2 ounces each. Form them into thin, square-shaped patties. To mimic the authentic White Castle look, use a wooden dowel or the back of a spatula to create small holes in each patty.

3. Cook the Patties: Heat a griddle or a flat-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Place the patties on the hot surface and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side. If you’re using cheese, add it to the patties just before flipping them.

4. Assemble the Whities: Split the slider buns and lightly toast them on the griddle. Place a patty on the bottom bun, followed by a generous spoonful of caramelized onions and pickles, if desired. Top with the other half of the bun.

5. Serve: Your Almost White Castle Hamburgers (Whities) are ready to be served hot and fresh. They’re often served in batches, just like the original White Castle style.

⏱️ Time Required ⏱️

The preparation time for Almost White Castle Hamburgers (Whities) can vary, but you can expect to spend around 30-45 minutes from start to finish. This includes prep time for onions, patty shaping, cooking, and assembling the burgers.

Now that you have all the details, it’s time to enjoy these delicious mini-burgers, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family! 🍔😋

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almost White Castle Hamburgers (Whities):

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, without cheese or pickles):

• Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories per burger.
• Total Fat: About 8-12 grams.
  • Saturated Fat: Around 3-5 grams.
• Cholesterol: Roughly 20-30 milligrams.
• Sodium: Varies depending on added salt, but typically around 200-300 milligrams.
• Total Carbohydrates: About 12-15 grams.
  • Dietary Fiber: Approximately 1 gram.
  • Sugars: Usually less than 1 gram.
• Protein: Around 7-10 grams.

Health Information:

1. Moderate Calories: These mini-burgers are relatively low in calories, making them a reasonable indulgence when consumed in moderation.

2. Protein Source: They provide a decent amount of protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and overall body function.

3. Moderate Fat Content: While they do contain some fat, it’s not excessively high. The choice of lean ground beef can help keep the fat content lower.

4. Sodium Awareness: Be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you add salt during preparation. Excessive sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure, so it’s a good idea to limit the salt used.

5. Customizable: You can control the ingredients, allowing for potential adjustments to suit dietary preferences or restrictions. For instance, opting for leaner meat or whole-grain buns can make these mini-burgers slightly healthier.

6. Portion Control: Their small size naturally encourages portion control, which can be beneficial for those watching their calorie intake.

Remember that the specific nutrition values can vary depending on the ingredients you use and the portion sizes. To make Whities even healthier, consider using leaner meat, whole-grain buns, and a smaller amount of cheese or healthier cheese alternatives. Additionally, load up on fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes to add nutrients and fiber to your burger.