Caprese Polenta Sliders

Make your next dinner party a success by kicking off the night with these appetizers; topping mini Ground Beef sliders with fresh mozzarella cheese, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil and balsamic syrup.

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 pounds Ground Beef (93% lean or leaner)
• 2/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 package (16 to 18 ounces) refrigerated prepared polenta, cut into 8 slices
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 package (8 ounces) fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 8 slices
• 2 medium tomatoes, cut into 4 slices each
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil

Instructions

1. Bring vinegar to a boil in 2-quart saucepan. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 9 to 10 minutes or until reduced to 1/3 cup. Set aside.

   Cook's Tip: Prepared balsamic syrup or glaze may be substituted for balsamic reduction.

2. Meanwhile lightly shape Ground Beef into eight 1/2-inch thick patties.

3. Brush polenta slices with oil. Place patties in center of grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill burger patties, uncovered, 11 to 12 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 9 to 10 minutes), until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160°F, turning burgers occasionally and basting with 2 tablespoons reduced vinegar after turning. Arrange polenta around patties; grill 11 to 12 minutes (for gas, grill 9 to 10 minutes) or until heated through, turning once. Season burgers with salt and pepper, as desired.

   Cook's Tip: If prepared polenta is not available, the following may be used: Combine 3 cups water, 1 tablespoon butter and 1/2 teaspoon salt in large saucepan; bring to a boil. Gradually whisk in 1 cup cornmeal. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook 15 minutes, stirring often. (Mixture will be very thick.) Remove from heat; cool slightly. Spoon polenta on aluminum foil-line baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and pat into 12 x 6 x 1/2-inch rectangle. Refrigerate 1 hour or as long as overnight. Cut chilled polenta into eight 3-inch circles using a cookie or biscuit cutter. Proceed as directed above.

   
   

   Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed Ground Beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

4. For each serving, layer 1 each polenta slice, burger patty, mozzarella slice and tomato slice. Drizzle with remaining vinegar and sprinkle with basil, as desired.

• Test Kitchen Tips Keeping the lid closed lets the grill cook like an oven, with the heat reflecting off interior surfaces and cooking the food from all sides.