It is so spring here. ??? #florida #spring #gardening #feedfeed #instalike #blogger #momblogger

A post shared by Erica’s Recipes (@ericasrecipes) on Mar 11, 2018 at 12:40pm PDT

However, Mother Nature, as she often does, had other plans entirely. Just as my grilling dreams were solidifying, an unexpected cold snap swept through Florida. While certainly not comparable to the “Bomb Cyclone” that surprised our northern counterparts with snow and truly frigid temperatures, for us, it meant a drastic dip into the low 50s. And believe me, for a Floridian accustomed to much warmer weather, that is unequivocally COLD! Seriously, it truly is a shock to the system.

Consequently, outdoor grilling was immediately out of the question. To compound matters, I found myself battling a nasty cold, feeling what one might describe as “sick as a dog.” Between the unexpected chill in the air and my less-than-stellar health, firing up the barbecue was simply not going to happen. This forced a culinary pivot, a moment of quick thinking that ultimately led to a brilliant flash of inspiration: sliders! And instead of relying on the temperamental outdoors, my trusty oven would come to the rescue, proving to be an invaluable kitchen tool.

My original plan of grilling large, stuffed burgers quickly transformed into a brilliant and equally delicious alternative: broiling these cheesy, flavorful mini burgers. And I declared it good. In fact, they were more than just good – they were absolutely fantastic, proving that sometimes, a change in plans can lead to culinary magic. This indoor method provides a convenient way to enjoy the classic taste of BBQ sliders year-round, regardless of the weather outside.

Why Kaukauna® Cheese is the Ideal Choice for Stuffed Sliders

Kaukauna® offers an impressive array of cheese varieties, conveniently packaged in cups, logs, and balls, making them incredibly versatile for any occasion. This adaptability is a key reason I adore their products. You can effortlessly serve them straight up with crackers or fresh veggies for an elegant and easy appetizer spread, adding a touch of sophistication to your table. Or, as is my preference for more involved dishes, you can creatively incorporate them into delicious recipes. For instance, you might recall how incredibly tasty those stuffed jalapeños were when I used the Kaukauna® Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Ball last time – a true crowd-pleaser that vanished quickly!

For these particular Port Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Sliders, I specifically selected the Kaukauna® Port Wine spread. Its distinctly assertive, yet smooth and rich flavor profile creates a PERFECT complement to the robust taste of savory beef burgers. The deep, fruity notes of the port wine infuse the cheddar with an extraordinary complexity that truly elevates the overall flavor. To further enhance this incredible combination, we elevate the ante by introducing finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the cheesy filling. Their concentrated sweetness and slight tang provide a delightful counterpoint to the rich cheese and beef. (A little tip: the shredded sharp cheddar cheese in this recipe primarily acts as a binder, helping to hold the creamy Kaukauna® spread and the flavorful sun-dried tomatoes together securely within the burger, ensuring no delicious filling escapes during cooking.) With just these three core ingredients – Kaukauna® Port Wine Cheese, shredded cheddar, and sun-dried tomatoes – we achieve a deeply satisfying and complex flavor that truly packs a punch in every miniature burger.

Crafting Your Stuffed BBQ Sliders: A Simple Step-by-Step Process

With our exceptional and flavorful filling ready to go, the stage was perfectly set for assembling these culinary delights. The assembly process for these Port Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Sliders is surprisingly straightforward, even for a beginner cook, promising minimal fuss for maximum flavor. I began by using a spatula to accurately divide one pound of high-quality ground beef into eight equal portions. From each of these portions, I then carefully formed two very thin mini patties. The key here is creating thin patties, approximately 3 inches wide, which provides the ideal ratio of meat to cheese. A helpful trick is to press them directly onto a rimmed bake sheet – this makes shaping them evenly much easier and quicker. The idea here is to create a top and a bottom patty that will gently and completely encapsulate our flavorful cheese filling. We adopt this two-patty method because the Port Wine cheese spread is wonderfully creamy – and that very creaminess is precisely what makes these sliders so uniquely special and moist! By creating two thin patties, adding a generous dollop (about ½ tablespoon) of our irresistible filling to one, and then carefully pressing the other patty on top and sealing the edges, we ensure our creamy center remains perfectly contained and ready for cooking without any messy leaks.

Broiling Your Way to Perfection: No Grill? No Problem!

Now for the cooking, and this is where the oven broiler truly shines! The broiling method is incredibly efficient and yields perfectly cooked sliders with a beautiful, appetizing sear, effectively mimicking some of the best qualities of traditional grilling. Begin by carefully arranging your newly formed stuffed patties on a rimmed baking sheet. Ensure your oven rack is positioned about 2-1/2 to 3 inches below the broiler element for optimal cooking and even browning. Broil one side until nicely browned and cooked through, typically about 4 minutes. The intense, direct heat creates a delicious crust while keeping the inside juicy. Then, with a quick and careful flip, broil the other side for an additional 4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe level and the exterior is golden brown. And just like that, they’re done, cooked to perfection in less than 10 minutes! As my Army veteran friend would often say, “Too easy!” It’s a testament to how simple and quick these delicious Port Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Sliders come together, making them perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

Assembling and Serving Your Flavorful Stuffed BBQ Sliders

Once your Port Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Sliders are perfectly cooked and resting briefly, it’s time for the final and exciting assembly! While the burgers are cooking under the broiler, you can swiftly prepare all your accompaniments. This includes splitting open your favorite small slider buns – perhaps lightly toasting them for an extra layer of texture and warmth. Tear your fresh green leaf lettuce into slider-sized pieces, ensuring each bite gets a crisp crunch, and thinly slice your vibrant red onion. These fresh elements add a crucial crispness, a subtle bite, and a delightful coolness that beautifully balances the richness of the burger and the decadent cheese filling. Finally, once the burgers are hot and ready, it’s time to build each slider: place a juicy Port Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Slider on a bun, pile on your fresh lettuce and red onion, and don’t forget that crucial drizzle of your favorite barbecue sauce. The BBQ sauce acts as the perfect flavor binder, tying all the incredible tastes and textures together into one harmonious, unforgettable bite. You can also experiment with other toppings like pickles, tomatoes, or a touch of spicy mustard to customize your slider experience.

These mini burgers turned out incredibly juicy and absolutely bursting with FLAVOR. The easy-to-make Port Wine cheese filling truly shone through, acting like a STAR of the show with its creamy texture and complex notes, and the subtle tang and concentrated sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes complemented it perfectly. The combination of these rich, savory ingredients, expertly nestled in a cute little burger on a soft, fluffy bun with all the fresh fixings, was simply divine. They deliver a gourmet experience in a miniature package, making them ideal for any gathering, from casual backyard parties to more formal appetizer spreads, or even just a delightful weeknight treat that feels special.

So there you have it, folks! These Port Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Sliders are truly FUN FOOD to eat, offering an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite. They are also equally approachable and enjoyable to make, ensuring the preparation process is just as satisfying as the eating experience. Let’s all strive to be that effortlessly put-together host or hostess for our spring flings, summer barbecues, game day gatherings, or any casual get-together, shall we? Making entertaining look easy, and actually *having* it be easy, is entirely possible with high-quality, flavorful ingredients like Kaukauna® Cheese and brilliant, straightforward recipes like these delicious Port Cheddar Stuffed BBQ Sliders. Give them a try – your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you! Enjoy!