Best ever sliders with caper mayo

Happy Wednesday friends. The holidays may be quieter this year but I am still so busy! I received our holiday cards (see picture of the SB family at the beach last fall). Here is a holiday planning secret. I always order a regular Christmas card and a New Year’s card. That way I can send New Year’s cards to friends or contacts who may have sent us a card that was unexpected (or oops if I forgot someone!). It makes it look intentional versus sending a Christmas card after Christmas which always bothers my Type A personality. In all of the holiday busyness, I also realized that I had not yet shared Mr. SB’s recipe for his best ever sliders and amazing caper mayo from our Christmas tree cutting tailgate! Read on for the recipes, details, and here is the full tailgate post too.

Tips on making great sliders

It is not easy to get Mr. SB to reveal his secrets but I promise these are the most delicious sliders, and it was worth my cajoling (OK nagging) to get him to share his recipe. Here are a few of his tips too on making the best ever sliders with caper mayo.

First, try to buy locally sourced grass fed beef. We have a share with Walden Local which delivers monthly. This is not a sponsored post. From my experience with being a customer for over two years, I can assure you that their products are sustainable, grass fed (for the beef…they also offer seafood) and most importantly delicious. You do not have to worry about antibiotics or hormones in the meat as all of their meat comes from local farms that are strictly vetted. I also like knowing that the livestock is humanely raised. Ideally you will want 80% lean for the best sliders. Grass fed beef can be on the very lean side but what we buy from Walden Local has always made delicious sliders and burgers. If this sort of beef is not available, then simply buy the best quality you can at 80% lean.

Prepare the sliders ahead of time

Second, the sliders actually taste better if you prepare them a few hours in advance and refrigerate. The time allows for the spices to meld with the other ingredients. This is ideal for tailgating as you will want to have your burgers already mixed and formed into sliders.

Mr. SB always has a meat thermometer to test the right internal temperature. Frankly he prefers his meat on the rare side (that is very French) but with hamburgers I insist on well cooked as there is a risk of contamination. Check out the USDA’s link for what they recommend for safe cooking.

Toppings suggestions for sliders

He grills on his portable Coleman grill and once the sliders are done we always have an assortment of toppings – baby lettuce, ripe red tomato slices, thin onion for everyone to choose what they prefer. As for buns, we like ones that are firm enough that they are not impossible to eat when outside at a tailgate. Whole Foods always has a great selection in our area. Then of course, Mr. SB insists that the best topping is the caper mayo (and I have to agree…do not even suggest BBQ sauce as I did!). As the sliders are small, feel free to eat more than one. There is no point bringing home leftovers after a tailgate!

Best sliders recipe

Best Ever Beef Slider Recipe

Juicy sliders with crisp toppings and a generous dose of caper mayo make the perfect bite sized meal
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Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Game Day, Grilling, Tailgate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Cost: 7

Equipment

  • Grill

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground chuck 80% lean, preferably grass-fed. We like Walden Local if available.
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp freshly chopped thyme If not fresh you can use 1/2 tsp of dried thyme or dried Italian herbs if you like
  • 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
  • 1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
  • Slider buns

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients except slider buns. Mix with your hands and form into 1 1/2 inch to 2 inch mini burgers. Cook to a safe temperature. Top with lettuce, tomato, onion slices, cheese or however you like your burgers.
Caper mayonnaise recipe

Mr. SB’s Caper Mayonnaise

Creamy mayonnaise combined with briny capers, tart lemon and some good kosher salt. You will want to pair this perfect mayo with your favorite burger, sandwich or seafood or eat it as a dip with chips or veggies. It is that good.
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Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, French
Keyword: Condiment, Dip, Sauce
Servings: 8
Cost: 4

Equipment

  • Food processor

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup capers drained
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons avocado or canola oil
  • Kosher salt

Instructions

  • In a food processor, pulse the capers with the mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of water until combined. With the machine on, slowly drizzle in the avocado oil until a thick sauce forms.
  • Season with salt and scrape into a medium bowl. Serve with your favorite burger, sandwich, seafood or as a dip. The caper mayonnaise can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Is there anything better than delicious bite sized sliders with creamy mayo at your tailgate?

The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip in the Slow Cooker

Buffalo dip is everyone’s favorite dip for any tailgate or gathering. It is also great as an après ski appetizer as it is hearty and warm which is always welcome after a day on the slopes. I have tested so many Buffalo chicken dip recipes. I have perfected this one as it is the easiest and most delicious. Buffalo Chicken Dip in the slow cooker is full of tender, shredded chicken, creamy cheese and of course a bit of heat from buffalo hot sauce.

Why is this the best recipe for buffalo chicken dip?

This version is super easy to make as it uses the slow cooker to cook the chicken and to make the rest of the dip. So only one pan to clean up. The dip also tastes better warm so you can serve it right from the slow cooker. I have a mini slow cooker that I also use which makes it easier to serve on my appetizer spread. You can also make the dip ahead of time and refrigerate it. Then simply reheat it on the stove or put it back in your slow cooker. I have also frozen it and it is delicious that way too.

Serve it with some fresh tortilla chips, celery sticks and maybe some carrots too for dipping. You won’t have leftovers.

Best buffalo chicken dip in the slow cooker

Best Buffalo Chicken Dip in Slow Cooker

This Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is a favorite at our tailgates and even holiday gatherings. Made with tender shredded chicken, creamy ranch dressing, tangy blue cheese, cream cheese, Buffalo hot sauce, and loads of cheese, This easy and delicious Buffalo Chicken Dip is then slow cooked until golden, bubbly, and perfect for dipping.
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Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Appetizer, Dip, Game Day, Tailgate
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Cost: $7

Equipment

  • Slow cooker

Ingredients

  • 1 8 oz block of cream cheese Cut it into smaller pieces so it will melt easily
  • 1 bottle creamy Ranch dressing I use Nature's Promise organic or Hidden Valley Ranch would work too
  • 2 cups Sharp cheddar Mild cheddar or even whole milk mozzarella works too
  • 2 Boneless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup Hot sauce Frank's buffalo sauce is usually the brand I use
  • 1/4 cup Blue cheese dressing This can be optional. We love blue cheese so I always add it.
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder

Instructions

  • Put chicken breasts in slow cooker and cook on high for two hours. I always check on the chicken breasts as they are cooking. If they are not cooked through you may need to increase the time. I use a thermometer to check temperature. If cooking breasts from frozen meat you will need to increase the cooking time.
  • When chicken is cooked through take it out and shred with two forks. You will want a nice texture to it – not too big pieces as this will be a dip so sometimes I even chop it a bit after shredding it.
  • Pour out any juices that may have accumulated in your slow cooker. I usually wipe with a paper towel too. Then add your cream cheese and turn the slow cooker back on low. As it starts to melt, add in your ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing if you are using, hot sauce, garlic powder and cheese. Stir and cook on low for another 20 minutes or so.
  • When the mixture is bubbling on the outside, add back in your shredded chicken. Cook on low for about 45 minutes.
  • Stir and taste. If you like it hotter, add more hot sauce in small increments (I keep tasting at this point). If it is too hot, you can add more dressing.
  • Top with chopped green onion or parsley if you like. Sometimes I sprinkle on blue cheese crumbles too at this point. The dip can be served from the slow cooker directly (it is best warm) or reheated in the microwave. We always serve with tortilla chips, celery and carrot slices.

Christmas Tree Cutting Tailgate Menu

It is really starting to look like Christmas in Connecticut. That means it is time for my favorite holiday tradition, a Christmas tree hunting adventure! For years the Sunday’s Bread family has been donning warm winter clothes and sturdy boots to take a hayride into the fields of the Connecticut countryside to cut down a fresh tree.

On our first trip to the farm we noticed families from around CT and NY enjoying delicious tailgate spreads. Given that we are all-in foodies around here we just had to do the same. Read on for our favorite Christmas Tree Cutting tailgate menu, some tips and more about this wonderful tradition. As you can see, GG, was all-in with her favorite tartan scarf.

Christmas tree cutting tailgate menu
GG sporting a tartan scarf before the Christmas tree cutting

Christmas tree cutting tips

We started cutting down a fresh tree twelve years ago. The girls were so young. While now the hayride is optional back then we had to take it as they could not walk that far. So first tip – check the weather and it is likely you will need to wear warm clothes and boots. If the day is going to be cold, you may even want some hand and toe warmers.

The atmosphere is very festive. Where we go they even have oxen (see picture). They also have a cute Christmas market where you can buy ornaments, wreaths and of course trees. We prefer the adventure of walking through the fields to find one. Your own cut tree is as fresh as you can get so they last easily through the holidays. I guess you can tell that I am a fresh tree gal. There has never been a question of fresh versus artificial at the SB house. I love the smell of fresh pine, and the way the white lights glow against the needles.

Oxen at Christmas tree cutting tailgate
Each of the oxen weighs 600 pounds!

As much as I love a fresh tree, there are a few items you may want to bring with you (even if you buy one from the market or local home store). While our tree farm does provide some cord to tie the tree to the roof, we always install our ski rack and bring our own set of cords for tying it securely. As I love the Christmas market and often buy a wreath or other items, I usually bring a plastic bag for the trunk so that the needles do not get everywhere.

Once you find your tree, perhaps the most important tip is to stay next to it. Our girls usually disagree about which tree is coming home with us so that means one of us has to stay with the trees under consideration. Mr SB then uses one of the farm’s saws (they give you those), and we all help securely get it down. At our farm, you are given a tag and part of the tag stays with the tree. You move the tree to the side and then they will pick it up and put it on their wagon to bring it to the parking area.

Christmas tree cutting tailgate menu

A note on Christmas tree decorating

Growing up in Rhode Island, we always had a beautiful tree. As I adore Christmas and all of the preparations I often decorated it. I was the most enthusiastic one especially after my sisters had left for college. You could say I am bit of an expert at this point. Now, I love taking out the antique ornaments. Some ornaments are from my grandparents – at least 100 years old at this point. We have also collected ornaments from around the world. We have brought back ornaments from our tours of the National Parks, Mexico, France, South America and pretty much everywhere we have traveled.

What do I do with the girls’ home made ornaments?

As for the home made ornaments from Sunday School or school – well, it all goes on the tree. I love the memories. I know in the blogging world, the trend is a super coordinated, perfect tree – that is just not me. It does not bring me joy. So, up goes the cardboard cutout with a little photo of my college girl when she was five. I add some beautiful gold ribbon as a garland along with candy canes and gingerbread cookies. At least in our eyes the tree is very beautiful and full of Christmas spirit, memories and meaning.

Christmas tree cutting tailgate tips

Back to the tree cutting, we usually go with other families. As the farms can be crowded, we caravan so we can park next to each other. We all bring our favorite menu items. So here is the menu – it may be a bit eclectic but delicious all of the same and travels easily. Oh, and Mr. SB loves to bring his portable grill.

I am including his recipe too. The caper mayonnaise is to die for, and that leftover Thanksgiving turkey is delectable when dipped in it (shh don’t tell). I also love the mayo slathered on some sourdough bread piled high with turkey for the best sandwich ever. It would even make a delicious dip for crudite or some plain ol potato chips.

Christmas tree cutting tailgate menu

OK our tailgate philosophy is pretty simple. Delicious, easy food that can be consumed ideally with your fingers (finger food:). I love to make it cute with a tartan tablecloth, festive ice bucket decorated with candy canes (a galvanized steel bucket that I picked up at Michaels a few years ago) and matching tartan plates/cups. All easy and no fuss.

Christmas tree cutting tailgate menu
An easy Christmas tree cutting tailgate…plenty of yummy food and drink!

The best ever sliders with caper mayonnaise

Mimi’s buffalo chicken dip with tortilla chips

Vegetarian wraps

Red cabbage and carrot slaw with an apple cider vinaigrette

Bagels and cream cheese

Chocolate cookies with peppermint kisses

Assorted Christmas cookies including gingerbread men/women and Christmas trees

Mimosas

Bloody Marys

Hot chocolate

Soft drinks

We brought the buffalo dip in an insulated cooler and then reheated it on the grill. Mr. SB prepared the meat at home so it was ready to go on site. We used a folding table versus our tailgate as it was just easier to lay out the spread.

Mr. SB grilling the best-ever sliders on his portable grill

After a hearty tailgate we ventured out into the farm. We found our tree and even decorated it that evening (GG was tired!). We had some leftover turkey from Thanksgiving so I made my Turkey Tetrazzini and we chilled out while watching the Christmas Chronicles. Is there a better day than that? Would love to hear your Christmas and holiday traditions. Check back as I will be sharing how to decorate your mantle with natural greens and more!

Christmas tree cutting tailgate menu and tips
GG sleeping after a long day of tree hunting…our tree decorated