These Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders are mini burgers filled with juicy beef and topped with a sweet and smoky bacon jam that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for parties or game day!
Honestly, who can resist a cheeseburger that comes with bacon jam? I love serving them with a side of crispy fries. You can’t go wrong with these tasty little bites! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: Quality matters! Use thick-cut bacon for a heartier texture. If you want a healthier option, turkey bacon works, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor.
Onion: Yellow onions provide the best sweetness for the jam, but if you have red or white onions, those can work too. Just keep in mind the flavor might change slightly.
Ground Beef: An 80/20 mix of beef is ideal for juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be used, though they will be less rich in flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a lot of flavor. If you prefer a milder cheese, use Monterey Jack or American cheese. For a bit of a twist, try pepper jack for some heat!
Slider Buns: While soft dinner rolls are traditional, you can opt for whole wheat or ciabatta for added texture. Gluten-free buns are also available for those with dietary restrictions.
How Do I Make Sure the Bacon Jam is Just Right?
Timing and patience are key to creating great bacon jam. Make sure you cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy to create a base full of flavor. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Cook the bacon on medium heat to prevent burning. Remove it once it’s crispy, leaving the fat in the skillet.
- Sauté the onions in the bacon fat until they’re translucent, enhancing their sweetness.
- Add garlic last as it cooks quickly. Stir until fragrant but don’t let it burn.
- Let the mixture simmer until it reaches a jam-like thickness. This can take about 15-20 minutes! If it gets too thick, add a splash of water.
Letting the jam cool before using it helps the flavors meld together even more.
How to Make Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bacon Jam:
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
For the Sliders:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
- 6-8 slices sharp cheddar cheese (cut in halves or thirds to fit sliders)
- Butter (for toasting buns)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus around 30 minutes for cooking and making the bacon jam. Overall, you’ll need around 45 minutes before you can enjoy these delicious sliders!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bacon Jam:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it is nice and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving that tasty bacon fat in the pan. Add the diced onion to the bacon fat and cook on medium-low heat for about 6-8 minutes, until it softens and becomes translucent. Now, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two until that amazing aroma fills your kitchen.
Add brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the mix, stirring well. Return the cooked bacon to the skillet, lower the heat, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until it thickens up to a jam-like consistency. Once done, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Patties:
Shape the ground beef into 12 small patties. Make them slightly larger than your slider buns since they will shrink when cooked. Season each patty generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Cook the Patties:
Heat up your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 3 minutes or until they’re cooked to your liking. In the last minute of cooking, place a piece of cheddar cheese on each patty so it can melt beautifully.
4. Toast the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, butter the insides of your slider buns. Toast them on the grill or in a skillet until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy.
5. Assemble the Sliders:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Place each cooked patty with melted cheese on the bottom half of a toasted slider bun. Top generously with the delicious bacon jam, and then cover with the top bun.
6. Serve:
Arrange your sliders on a platter and serve them warm. They’re great alongside crispy fries, pickles, or a fresh salad! Enjoy your tasty Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese in These Sliders?
Absolutely! If sharp cheddar isn’t your favorite, you can swap it out for Monterey Jack, American cheese, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice. Just keep in mind that the cheese should melt well!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave, or for a crispier option, warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Can I Make the Bacon Jam Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the bacon jam a day or two in advance! Just let it cool, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat on the stove or microwave when you’re ready to assemble your sliders.
How to Make These Sliders Healthier?
If you want to lighten up the recipe, consider using turkey or lean ground beef instead of regular beef. Additionally, swapping the slider buns for lettuce wraps can lower the carbs!
