Mini Man Burgers – Alton Brown
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 mini burgers
Description:
This delightful recipe, inspired by Alton Brown’s famous Good Eats series, brings the fun and flavor of mini burgers straight to your kitchen. Perfect for a quick, family-friendly meal, these Mini Man Burgers are customizable, allowing you to get creative with the toppings and condiments. My kids absolutely love these little bite-sized burgers! We usually serve them with soft potato rolls, making them an extra special treat. They’re simple enough for a beginner cook and ideal for a quick lunch or snack. Enjoy the process of making and eating these tasty little bites!
Ingredients
For the Burger Patties:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Fresh ground black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Mayonnaise | 1 tbsp |
For the Burger Assembly:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground chuck (or beef) | 1 lb |
| Potato rolls (or burger buns) | 8 |
Nutritional Information (Per Mini Burger)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 10.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 40.1 mg |
| Sodium | 167.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 1.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.1 g |
| Sugars | 0.2 g |
| Protein | 9.9 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven and Griddle:
Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). Also, preheat a griddle or large skillet to a medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature of around 350°F (175°C). This ensures that both the buns and patties cook perfectly at the same time. -
Prepare the Seasoning Mix:
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, fresh ground black pepper, and kosher salt. Set the seasoning mix aside for later. -
Shape the Burger Patties:
Line a jelly roll pan or baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the ground chuck (or beef) in the center of the pan. Cover the meat with a large sheet of plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin, gently roll the meat out to an even, thin layer that covers the entire surface of the pan. The thinner the meat, the faster it will cook! -
Season the Meat:
Remove the plastic wrap and sprinkle the meat evenly with the seasoning mixture you prepared earlier. You want to ensure that the meat is well-seasoned for maximum flavor. -
Fold and Cut the Patties:
Carefully fold the meat in half, using the parchment paper to help you. This will help you achieve the signature mini burger patty shape. With a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the meat into 8 equal-sized squares. These will form your mini burgers. -
Prepare the Buns:
While you’re cooking the burgers, take the potato rolls (or any soft burger buns you prefer) and wrap them in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped buns in the preheated oven for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing them to warm through and become soft. -
Cook the Mini Burgers:
Place the seasoned burger patties on the preheated griddle or skillet. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the burgers are nicely browned and cooked through. You can adjust the heat if necessary, but be sure not to overcook these little burgers. -
Assemble the Burgers:
Once the mini burgers are cooked, remove them from the griddle. Take the buns out of the oven, and spread a small amount of mayonnaise (or your preferred condiment) on the top and bottom of each bun. Place one burger patty on the bottom half of each bun. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Add any additional condiments or toppings you like, such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, or cheese. Top each mini burger with the other half of the bun. Serve immediately, and enjoy these delicious little bites with your family!
Additional Tips:
- Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with your seasoning mix. Add a dash of cayenne pepper for heat or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness.
- Vary the Condiments: Besides mayonnaise, try other spreads such as mustard, ketchup, or even a creamy ranch dressing to make these burgers your own.
- Healthy Twist: For a healthier version, swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt, or try whole wheat buns for added fiber.
- Creative Toppings: These mini burgers are the perfect base for creativity. Consider topping them with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even a slice of your favorite cheese.
SEO-Optimized Keywords:
Mini burgers, Alton Brown mini burgers, easy burger recipe, kids-friendly burgers, potato roll burgers, mini patty recipe, quick lunch recipes, family-friendly meals, oven-cooked burgers, easy snack recipes, lactose-free burgers, beginner cook recipes
These Mini Man Burgers are an ideal choice when you want to whip up something quick yet flavorful, making them a great option for busy weekdays, lunchboxes, or even weekend snacks. Whether you make them as a fun meal for kids or as a tasty bite-sized snack for your next gathering, these burgers never disappoint. Enjoy making them as much as you enjoy eating them!
