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Instructions
Step 1: Make the Hearty Potato Soup
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir them into the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the potatoes to absorb the flavors.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Mash the Potatoes (Optional): For a smoother soup, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes in the pot. You can leave some chunks for texture, or mash it all for a creamier consistency.
- Add the Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring frequently, until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Season: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to taste. Once it’s well-seasoned, remove it from the heat and cover to keep warm.
Step 2: Make the Cheeseburger Sliders
- Prepare the Beef Patties: In a bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine. Be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the sliders tender.
- Form the Sliders: Divide the beef mixture into 12 equal portions and shape them into small patties that are slightly smaller than the size of your slider buns. This will help them fit perfectly inside the buns.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat and cook the sliders for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. If you’re using cheese, add a half slice of cheddar cheese to each patty during the last minute of cooking to melt the cheese.
- Prepare the Buns: While the sliders are cooking, cut the slider buns in half. Brush the inside of the buns with melted butter and toast them lightly on a separate pan or under the broiler until golden brown.
- Assemble the Sliders: Once the sliders are cooked and the buns are toasted, place each patty on a bottom bun and top with ketchup, mustard, and pickles, if desired. Add the top bun to complete the slider.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the Soup: Ladle the creamy potato soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
- Serve the Sliders: Arrange the cheeseburger sliders on a plate, ready to be enjoyed alongside the soup.
- Pair and Enjoy: Dip your sliders into the potato soup for an indulgent experience or enjoy them separately. Either way, this combo is bound to satisfy your cravings.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Salad: For a lighter touch, serve a side salad of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the soup and sliders.
- Fried Pickles: Add some crispy fried pickles on the side for a fun, crunchy snack that pairs perfectly with both the soup and sliders.
- Roasted Vegetables: For a healthier side dish, roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or cauliflower would be a great addition to this comforting meal.
Why This Recipe Works
- Rich and Hearty: The creamy potato soup provides the perfect balance of comfort and flavor, with tender potatoes and rich cheese that make it a satisfying base for the meal.
- Savory Sliders: The juicy cheeseburger sliders, topped with melted cheddar and served on toasted buns, are the perfect complement to the rich soup, adding a savory, satisfying protein to the meal.
- Kid-Friendly: This combo is ideal for families, as both the soup and sliders are familiar, flavorful dishes that kids will love.
- Dipping Perfection: The mini cheeseburgers are the ideal size for dipping into the creamy soup, creating a fun and interactive eating experience.
Tips for Success
- Customize the Soup: Feel free to add additional vegetables such as carrots, celery, or leeks to your potato soup for more flavor and texture.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to mix things up by using a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for extra heat.
- Make-Ahead: Both the soup and sliders can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the soup in advance and reheat it when needed. The sliders can be cooked and stored in the fridge for up to a day, then reheated before serving.
The Bottom Line
Hearty Potato Soup with Cheeseburger Sliders is the ultimate comfort food combo that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a cozy gathering, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table. The creamy, rich soup pairs perfectly with the savory sliders, and the combination of textures and flavors makes for an unforgettable meal. It’s simple, satisfying, and downright delicious—everything you want in a cozy, comforting dish!
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