Ah, Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders! These little bundles of joy come with all the flavor and comfort of a classic burger but served in a fun-sized package. I still remember the first time I whipped up a batch—friends gathered around, smiles on their faces, and the aroma of sizzling bacon and melting cheese wafting through the air. It was like magic, turning an ordinary night into a mini feast.
Why you’ll love this recipe
These sliders are a crowd-pleaser like no other! Imagine the savory scent of crispy bacon mingling with juicy beef, melted cheddar, and tart pickles, all hugged tightly in a soft slider bun. Do you know what makes this recipe even better? It’s all about the blend of flavors merging beautifully, creating a nostalgic bite that takes you back to summer cookouts and backyard parties. You’ll find yourself irresistibly drawn to these sliders whether you’re hosting a game-day gathering, a casual dinner with friends, or a cozy night in. Plus, they’re quick to prepare, making them perfect for those days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Gather these ingredients
Let’s dive into what you’ll need to bring these sliders to life!
-
Ground Beef: One pound of high-quality ground beef is where the magic begins. Look for an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
-
Bacon: Four slices, cooked and crumbled. Bacon adds that irresistible crunch and smoky flavor. You can swap it with turkey bacon if you prefer a lighter option.
-
Cheddar Cheese: A cup of shredded aged cheddar brings a sharpness that beautifully complements the richness of the beef. Feel free to experiment with pepper jack or mozzarella for a kick!
-
Onions: A quarter cup of diced onions. They add a faint sweetness and a little crunch. If you’re an onion lover, think about caramelizing them for a deeper flavor.
-
Pickles: A quarter cup of diced pickles provides that necessary tang. You could also use spicy jalapeños or even relish if that’s more to your taste.
-
Ketchup and Mustard: A quarter cup of ketchup and a tablespoon of mustard is a classic combo for an upbeat, zesty taste. You might try BBQ sauce for a smokier twist.
-
Salt and Pepper: Don’t forget the salt and pepper to taste; it’s what brings all these flavors together.
-
Slider Buns: Soft, pillowy slider buns to cradle all that goodness. You can use whole wheat buns for a healthier kick or mini brioche for some extra richness.
-
Oil or Non-Stick Spray: A little oil or non-stick spray will help prevent sticking during cooking.
Preparing Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders
Let’s get cooking, shall we? This part is where the sliders really come to life!
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for getting that perfect bake later on.
-
Mix it up: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, diced onions, diced pickles, ketchup, mustard, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Use your hands—it’s the best way to ensure everything is well-combined. Mix until just blended; too much mixing can toughen up the beef.
-
Form the patties: Shape the beef mixture into small, slider-sized patties. Think about how thick they will be; keep them about ½ inch thick so they cook evenly.
-
Cook the patties: Heat a splash of oil in a skillet over medium heat. When it’s shimmering, add the patties and cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should read 160°F for safe consumption.
-
Assemble your sliders: Place the warm patties on the slider buns and let the sliders sit for a moment to soak in juices.
-
Serve and enjoy: Serve these delightful sliders warm with your favorite toppings like lettuce, extra pickles, or even a dab of ranch dressing. You really can’t go wrong!
Best way to enjoy it
These sliders are best enjoyed warm, right out of the skillet, with an assortment of toppings laid out for everyone to customize. Pair them with crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or a refreshing salad to cut through the richness. They work beautifully with a side of coleslaw too, providing a nice crunch and tang. And let’s not forget a cold beverage—whether it’s craft beer for the adults or homemade lemonade for a touch of summer!
How to store and freeze
Now, if you’ve got any leftovers (and that’s a big if!), here are the best practices for storage. Let the sliders cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll last in the fridge for about three days. For long-term storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before popping them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months! When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw in the fridge, heat them back up in a skillet, or use the microwave for a quick 30 seconds to a minute, depending on your preference.
Pro chef tips
-
Chill before cooking: After forming your patties, let them chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps them hold together better while cooking.
-
Topping extravaganza: Don’t shy away from toppings! Fresh avocado, crispy lettuce, or even a spicy aioli can elevate your sliders to the next level.
-
Cooking temp: Always check your cook on a meat thermometer. It’s the best way to ensure they’re cooked perfectly without drying out.
-
Skillet saunter: If you’re fortunate enough to have a cast iron skillet, now is the time to use it! The heat retention will give you that gorgeous crust on the sliders.
Creative Twists
The world of sliders is your oyster! If you’re feeling adventurous, consider swapping the beef for ground turkey or even plant-based alternatives for a lighter twist. Why not mix in some finely chopped mushrooms or jalapeños into the patty mixture? You could also create a Hawaiian slider by adding a slice of grilled pineapple and teriyaki sauce. Or, try adding a dash of Sriracha for some extra kick. The sky’s the limit!
Ingredients list
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup diced pickles
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Slider buns
- Cooking oil or non-stick spray
Directions to follow
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Form the beef mixture into small patties.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Place the cooked patties on slider buns.
- Serve warm with additional toppings if desired.
Common questions
- What’s the prep time? About 15-20 minutes; the cooking will take another 10 minutes.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the patties and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- How can I adjust for dietary restrictions? You can easily swap out ground beef for turkey or plant-based protein, and use gluten-free buns if needed.
- What drinks pair well with these sliders? Craft beer, iced tea, or a zesty lemonade.
- How do I reheat leftovers? Use the microwave or skillet. Just keep an eye on them to prevent drying out.
These Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders are more than just snacks; they’re little bites of joy that bring everyone together. Whether you’re savoring them during a cookout or a cozy night at home, these sliders are guaranteed to delight. So, roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below! Everyone’s cooking journey is unique, and I’d love to hear how you make this dish your own!
Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders
Description
These Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders combine crispy bacon, juicy beef, and melted cheddar into a delightful small package, perfect for any gathering.Ingredients for Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
-
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).This step is crucial for getting that perfect bake later on. -
Mix ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper.Mix until just blended; over mixing can toughen the beef. -
Form patties
Shape the beef mixture into small, hamburger-sized patties, about ½ inch thick. -
Cook the patties
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.Internal temperature should reach 160°F for safety. -
Assemble sliders
Place the cooked patties on the slider buns and let them sit for a moment to soak in juices. -
Serve
Serve these delightful sliders warm with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 300kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 80mg27%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Potassium 300mg9%
- Total Carbohydrate 15g5%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 20g40%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 1 mg
- Calcium 150 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 5 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0 mg
- Niacin 3 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 15 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 200 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 20 mg
- Zinc 5 mg
- Selenium 20 mcg
- Copper 0 mg
- Manganese 0 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
