Taste of Home Maple Sausage Sliders

If you are looking for something different to serve your guests, these sliders might just be it. The sausage is sweet with the maple, then you get the tang from the slaw. I used a Granny Smith apple in the slaw but you can use any apple you like. I also added 1 Tablespoon of pure maple syrup to the pork sausage mixture just to add a little more of that maple flavor. This recipe makes 1 1/2 dozen sliders.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups coleslaw mix
• 1 cup shredded peeled apple-I used Granny Smith
• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

FOR THE SLIDER

• 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 2 Tablespoons minced fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 pounds maple pork sausage
• 18 slider buns, split and lightly toasted if desired
• 1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup, optional

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl combine the coleslaw mix, apple, blue cheese, and red onion. In a small bowl whisk the oil, vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour over the coleslaw mix, toss to coat. Chill until serving.

In a large bowl combine the walnuts, onion, thyme, salt, and pepper. Crumble sausage over the mixture and mix well. Add the maple syrup if desired. Shape into 18 patties.

In a large skillet, cook patties in batches over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until internal temperature reads 160 degrees.

Top each bottom roll with a sausage patty add two tablespoons of the coleslaw on top and add the top bun.

Enjoy!