Pimento Cheese Sliders

I hate to admit it, but I got this recipe from Rachel Ray's magazine.  Don't worry, I'm sure she had nothing to do with it in real life!  And, the magazine just started coming for free, probably because I subscribed to the Food Network magazine and they got my name off a mailing list - I swear, I would never pay for that housefrau's mag!  Regardless, it's a yummy recipe, and it's also adorable, so how could I resist?  I've adjusted it a bit, as always.

Directions:

16 slices white bread
1 1/2 pounds ground beef sirloin
1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp olive oil

Cheese Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded sharp yellow cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons pimentos, well-drained and chopped
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Several drops hot sauce

Garnish:

Toothpicks
8 slices pickles (sweet or dill, up to you)

Directions:
Pre-heat the oven to 350°F. Cut the bread into 3-inch rounds with a cookie cutter or trim into slider-size squares. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake until lightly toasted and golden, 8-10 minutes.

Note - you can also use a toaster for this.  I toasted mine first, then cut them out with the cookie cutter while still hot.

Combine the meat with the garlic, onion, salt and pepper. Mix and form eight burgers and drizzle with oil.  Heat your grill (or indoor grill pan) to medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side for medium rare.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cream and simmer to thicken for about 3 minutes, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Melt in the cheese and stir in the pimientos, mustard and hot sauce.  Taste and add additional seasoning, if necessary.

Divide the patties among eight toast slices and top with the cheese sauce and another slice of toast. Garnish with the pickles and secure with toothpicks.  How cute!