Spicy Cheeseburger Sliders

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 9 small whole wheat hamburger buns (split, divided)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• ½ teaspoon ground chipotle chili powder
• 2 slices pepper-jack cheese (cut in quarters)
• Toppings
  • Barbecue sauce, lettuce, tomato slices, pickles (optional)

Directions

Tear one hamburger bun into pieces. Place in food processor or blender container. Cover; pulse on and off, to form fine crumbs.

Combine bread crumbs, beef, garlic and chili powder in medium bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into eight ½ inch thick mini patties.

Place patties on grill over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 8-9 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 9-10 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160° F, turning occasionally. Evenly top with cheese during last minute of grilling.

Place burgers on bottoms of remaining eight buns. Top with desired toppings. Close sandwiches.