Open Faced Caprese Sliders

Pairs well with:

Pinot Grigio

You won’t need a bouquet of flowers when you share our Pinot Grigio. This crisp wine with floral aromas is a wonderful way to make an entrance.

Ingredients:

6-8 small tomatoes, like Roma or Plum
2 lbs ground sirloin
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons grated parmesian cheese
1 bunch of fresh basil leaves ( at least 30-40 leaves)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
18 slices of mozzarella cheese (about 1 ounce each)
18 slices of baguette or skinny french bread
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
oil to brush on grill

Instructions:

Preheat grill to medium high heat or about 350 – 375 degrees.
Slice the tomatoes into thick slices (you’ll need 18 slices). Reserve center slices in bowl for later. Take end slices of tomato and chop into 1/4 – 1/2 inch pieces.
To Make Patties:
In bowl, mix chopped tomatoes, 2 lbs ground sirloin, 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons grated parmesian cheese.
Divide into 18 equal portions and lightly patty each to about 3/4 inch thickness. Cover patties and refrigerate until ready to grill.
To make topping:
Wash basil and trim stems from leaves. Put leaves in bowl with sliced tomatoes.
To prepare bread:
Mix 1/3 cup olive oil with 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic. Lightly brush both sides of bread with the garlic oil. Place slices on heated grill and grill about 1 minute on each side or until they are slightly crispy. Set aside.

To Cook burgers:
Brush oil on grill. Place burger patties on grill, cover and cook about 3 minutes on each side.
While the burgers cook:
Miix 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground pepper, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt. Drizzle over basil and tomato slices and toss to coat.
When the burgers are almost done, lay one tomato slice on each burger, top with slice of mozzarella cheese, close lid and cook for about 1 minute to melt cheese.
Place one cheese and tomato topped burger patty on each slice of bread. Top each with a couple of dressed basil leaves.
Makes 6 servings ( 3 sliders each)