The Best Birria Sliders

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Birria

1. Make the Sauce:

• In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the dried guajillo and ancho peppers for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
• Transfer the toasted peppers to a blender, add the quartered onion, minced garlic, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.

1. Cook the Meat:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
• Pour the blended sauce over the seared meat, ensuring it’s well-coated. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shredded. Alternatively, you can use a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.

1. Shred the Meat:

• Once cooked, remove the beef from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks. Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir it into the remaining sauce.

Step 2: Assemble the Sliders

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. Prepare the Buns:

• Slice the slider buns in half and arrange the bottom halves in a baking dish.

1. Layer the Filling:

• Spoon generous amounts of the birria mixture onto each bun, followed by a handful of shredded cheese.

1. Top with Buns:

• Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese.

1. Bake the Sliders:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are slightly toasted.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish:

• Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and diced onions.

1. Serve:

• Serve the birria sliders with lime wedges on the side, allowing everyone to squeeze fresh lime juice over their sliders for added flavor. You can also offer pickled jalapeños or avocado slices for those who enjoy a little extra kick!

Tips for the Best Birria Sliders

• Make it Ahead: The birria can be prepared in advance, making this dish perfect for meal prep or entertaining. Just reheat before assembling the sliders.
• Customize Your Sliders: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Add sliced jalapeños, avocado, or even a drizzle of crema for a gourmet touch.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair your sliders with a side of consommé (the broth from cooking the birria) for dipping. It adds an extra layer of flavor and authenticity!

Conclusion

The Best Birria Sliders are a delightful twist on a beloved classic, bringing the rich flavors of birria into a fun and shareable format. Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy dinner at home, these sliders are sure to be a hit with everyone. With a combination of tender beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, each bite is a burst of flavor that will leave you wanting more. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to impress with this scrumptious dish!