I'm just gonna put it out there. I'm one of the few people who doesn't give a shit about football. And even though this sport doesn't make me excited in any manner whatsoever, I fucking LOVE the Super Bowl. I always spend the upcoming week dreaming about creamy dips, loaded nachos, warm crock pots full of bubbling goodness, and wrinkly hot dogs covered in ketchup, mustard, and relish. I'm getting giddy just thinking about it.
Last year, my party consisted of a smorgasbord of dips, a million different types of chips, and ice cold Sixpoint beers. This year, I'm switching my game up and making my party extra fancy and Brooklyn-themed. Instead of making all of the food beforehand, I'm letting my guests demonstrate their creative by setting up the ultimate DIY slider bar. This way, my guests will have the ability to be creative and make their own mini concoctions. Below, you'll see my tips on how to make the ultimate burger spread and if you have any questions, feel free to comment below and I'll answer them before the big food game day!
Meats
Since this is the only thing you'll really be making yourself, it's your time to shine! Hit up The Meat Hook or Marlow & Daughters and grab some ground beef, chicken, pork, and/or fresh fish and grill them up into tiny little patties. The protein will shrink up as it grills so it's important to make your patties about a half inch wider than the buns, and super thin. I would recommend using a little bit of Maldon sea salt and Stuart & Co's spice rub for beef and pork burgers. It's the perfect all purpose seasoning and it really brings out that nice umami flavor.
Vessels
This is how you transport the patties into hungry mouths. Be creative here! Small English muffins, tiny yeast rolls, mini bagels, buttery biscuits, or butter lettuce (for people who are watching their carbs…chumps) are all super fun and tasty ideas that make your guests feel like they have endless slider opportunities. And everyone wants endless slider opportunities. Duh.
Condiments
Here's where we come in! Dude, we've got sooo much good stuff to make your spread even more dank. I'll name a few of my favorites - Empire Mayonnaise's black garlic - holy shit. Empire Mayo's bacon - it'll change your life. Empire Mayo's smoked paprika - add an over-easy quail egg and a little bit of this and you'll probably win the best sandwich award. Then there's First Field Ketchup that uses local Jersey tomatoes. And of course, Brooklyn's own Tin Mustard - the tiny mustard seeds burst in your mouth like caviar!
Cheeses
Just like any cheese plate, variety is key, so go with cheeses that come from different animals and have different textures. I suggest having some sliced manchego, a cheddar-blue such as Wisconsin's Red Rock, fresh lemony chevre, and if you want to get real American, some Kraft Singles.
Toppings
The opportunities are endless. Seriously. I'll spout out a few but do your thing when it comes to this category. Shit, you could even clean out your fridge this way. McClure's pickles and relish, caramelized onions, avocado, Nueske's bacon, sliced tomato, arugula, chutney, basil, cilantro, apple, pineapple, grilled peaches, jam, peanut butter…yeah peanut butter! And potato chips, you've got to have McClure's spicy pickle chips or else your party will suck.
Drinks
There's only one drink that I'm going to be serving this weekend and that's McClure's Bloody Mary's. I'm totally obsessed with the mix and I always use Absolut Peppar vodka and an over the top garnish with McClure's pickles, Brooklyn Brine chipotle carrots, celery stalks and if you're brave… top it with one of the sliders - just like this [one].