Bacon and Cheddar Sliders

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons minced shallots
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 12 ounces ground sirloin
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• Cooking spray
• 2 ounces 2% reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1/2 cup)
• 8 whole-wheat slider buns
• 3 tablespoons canola mayonnaise
• 4 cornichon or other small dill pickles, each cut lengthwise into 4 slices
• 4 small lettuce leaves, each torn in half
• 1 small ripe tomato, cut into 8 slices
• 3 slices cooked bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

Preparation

1. 1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2. Gently combine first 3 ingredients and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl, being careful not to overmix. Divide beef mixture into 8 equal portions; gently shape each portion into a 1/4-inch-thick patty, taking care not to pack mixture down.
3. 3. Arrange patties on grill rack coated with cooking spray; cook 2 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness. Top each patty with about 1 tablespoon cheese during last minute of cooking. Lightly coat cut sides of buns with cooking spray. Place buns, cut sides down, on grill rack. Grill for 1 minute or until toasted. Spread about 1 teaspoon mayonnaise on bottom half of each bun; top with 1 patty. Top each slider with 2 pickle slices, 1/2 lettuce leaf, and 1 tomato slice; sprinkle evenly with remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Arrange bacon pieces evenly over tomato. Top with bun tops.