Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
I remember the first time I tried quince paste. My abuela, always the culinary adventurer, brought some back from a trip to Spain. Initially, I was skeptical. It looked…different. But one bite, and I was hooked. That slightly tart, honeyed flavor just sang to me. And, like all good food memories, it stuck with me. These sliders? They're my attempt to bottle that experience, to share a little bit of that magic.
These aren't your run-of-the-mill BBQ sliders, folks. We're taking things up a notch. Forget that gloopy, corn syrup-laden BBQ sauce. We're crafting a sweet and savory masterpiece, using quince paste as the secret ingredient. The quince paste adds a unique depth of flavor that you just don't get with regular BBQ sauce. Trust me, it's a game changer. Plus, that salty, nutty tang of Manchego? Perfection. This isn't just a slider; it's an experience. And a pretty darn delicious one, if I do say so myself. Oh! Almost forgot, lets talk beef. I always, always, ALWAYS, like to use a good quality ground beef.
What makes these sliders extra special is how unexpectedly well the flavors combine. The sweetness of the quince paste, the smokiness of the BBQ, the richness of the beef, and the nutty saltiness of the Manchego – they create this beautiful harmony on your palate. It’s the kind of dish that has people saying, “Wow, what is that?” And that, my friends, is exactly what I aim for in the kitchen: a little bit of surprise, a whole lot of flavor, and a memory worth sharing. This recipie has been passed down for generations, I hope you like it as much as my family does.
Quince Paste BBQ Beef Sliders with Manchego Cheese
Elevate your slider game with these Quince Paste BBQ Beef Sliders! Sweet and savory beef patties paired with the unique flavor of quince paste BBQ sauce and creamy Manchego cheese for an unforgettable bite.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
First, prep the quince paste BBQ sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the quince paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and apple cider vinegar.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the quince paste has fully melted and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir more frequently towards the end to prevent sticking. Pro Tip: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick!
While the sauce simmers, prepare the beef patties: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely diced onion, egg, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the patties tough. I actually use my hands, don't be afraid to get a little messy.
Divide the beef mixture into equal portions (about 2-3 ounces each) and shape them into slider-sized patties. Aim for a slightly thinner patty, as they will plump up during cooking. Optional: Press a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from bulging as they cook.
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brush with oil to prevent sticking. This is key, nobody likes a stuck burger.
Cook the beef patties for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness. Adjust cooking time depending on your desired level of doneness. For well-done patties, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes per side.
During the last minute of cooking, brush the patties generously with the quince paste BBQ sauce. This will allow the sauce to caramelize slightly and infuse the patties with flavor. I love the sizzle sound!
While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the slider buns. This adds a nice texture contrast and prevents the buns from getting soggy.
To assemble the sliders, place a beef patty on the bottom bun. Top with a slice of Manchego cheese and a spoonful of extra quince paste BBQ sauce, if desired.
Cover with the top bun and serve immediately. These sliders are best enjoyed hot and fresh!
Don't forget to share, but only if you want to.
📝 Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce.
If you can't find Manchego cheese, you can substitute with a similar semi-hard cheese like aged cheddar or Monterey Jack.
Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as sweet potato fries or coleslaw.