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Sliders have taken the culinary world by storm, transforming from mere appetizers into a beloved staple for gatherings, parties, and casual dinners alike. These small, handheld sandwiches are not only easy to prepare but also offer a delightful way to serve a variety of flavors and fillings. Their versatility makes them a favorite among food enthusiasts; they can be customized to suit any palate or occasion. Among the myriad of slider recipes, the Mini Cheddar Cornbread Sliders stand out as a deliciously inventive twist that marries the heartiness of cornbread with savory fillings.

Mini Cheddar Cornbread Sliders

Discover the magic of Mini Cheddar Cornbread Sliders, the perfect handheld treat for any occasion! These delightful sliders combine the comforting taste of cornbread with savory fillings, offering endless customization options for all tastes. Easy to prepare, they can be made ahead of time, making them ideal for parties or casual family dinners. Add your favorite toppings and sauces for a mouthwatering experience that will impress both kids and adults alike!

Ingredients
  

For the Mini Cornbread:

1 cup cornmeal

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar)

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

For the Filling:

1 pound ground turkey or ground beef

1/2 cup onion, diced

1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (any color you prefer)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup BBQ sauce (optional)

For Serving:

Dill pickles, for garnish

Sliced jalapeños, for spice (optional)

Additional BBQ sauce, for dipping (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or a baking dish to prevent sticking.

    Make the Cornbread Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, beaten eggs, and melted butter until well incorporated. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Finally, gently fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

      Bake the Cornbread: Using a spoon or scoop, fill each cup of the mini muffin tin with the cornbread batter, making sure they are about three-quarters full. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cornbread muffins to cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the tin.

        Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or beef, diced onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 7-10 minutes, or until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender. Season the mixture with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. If desired, stir in the BBQ sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.

          Assemble the Sliders: Slice each cornbread muffin in half horizontally. On the bottom half, place a generous spoonful of the savory meat mixture. You can add dill pickles or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick, then top with the other half of the muffin.

            Serve: Arrange the assembled sliders on a serving platter. They are ready to be enjoyed! Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 40 minutes | Makes 12 sliders