Sliders Stuffed with Cheese

  I got this recipe as my Food Network recipe of the day and knew my boyfriend would love it! I decided to make a few minor changes to the original Food Network recipe to better suit our taste buds. I omitted the chipotle peppers in order to cut back some of the heat. I also opted for extra sharp cheddar in place of the pepper jack, simply due to personal preference. Being huge cheese lovers I figured the cheesier the better so I added some extra shredded cheddar to the top as well. The ketchup and balsamic mixture is amazing. It adds a bit of sweetness and pairs perfectly with the caramelized onions. I recommend making extra sauce for dipping, you'll need it. I accompanied these deliciously, incredibly juicy sliders with my famous zesty potato wedges.  This recipe is a great way to jazz up your everyday burger and fries.  

  Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 4 ounces pepper jack cheese, cut into 12 equal pieces
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 12 slider-size potato buns, split and toasted

Directions

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the onions, spreading them into an even layer. Cook, without stirring, until the edges of the onions are beginning to brown, 5 minutes. Stir the onions and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and caramelized, another 20 minutes. Add the chipotles, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook until fragrant and well combined, 1 to 2 minutes, and remove from the heat.
Preheat the oven broiler. Divide the meat into 12 portions, about 2 ounces each. Form a patty around each piece of cheese and flatten to 2 1/2 to 3 inches in diameter. Put the wrapped patties on a foil-lined baking sheet and sprinkle all the patties with 3/4 teaspoon salt.
Broil until the cheese is melted and the burgers are still a bit pink inside, about 6 minutes. The burgers will be cooked to at least medium in order to melt the cheese but still stay juicy.
Mix the ketchup, balsamic and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Brush the burgers with some of the ketchup sauce and divide the rest among the bottom halves of the buns. Place a burger on each bottom bun, top with some of the spicy onions and finish with a top bun. Serve warm.