Get ready to meet your new favorite appetizer. These Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders pack all the flavor of a gourmet burger into one irresistible, bite-sized package. Combining savory ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and a sweet and smoky bacon jam, all nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re planning for game day, a family get-together, or just a fun weeknight dinner, these sliders are the perfect solution. They are simple to assemble and deliver a truly unforgettable flavor explosion.
Why You’ll Love These Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s big on flavor and low on fuss, you’ve found it. These sliders are a culinary touchdown, bringing together textures and tastes that everyone will love. The sweet and savory bacon jam cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese, creating a perfectly balanced bite every single time.
- Perfect for Parties: This recipe is designed for sharing and can easily be doubled or tripled for a large crowd.
- Quick & Easy: With simple steps and minimal prep, you can have these sliders ready in under an hour.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of homemade (or store-bought!) bacon jam with classic cheeseburger elements is simply divine.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap cheeses, add pickles, or even a slice of jalapeño for an extra kick! For a different take, check out these other party-perfect sliders.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create its signature flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to grab from the store.
For the Cheeseburger Sliders
- Ground Beef: 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20 is ideal for flavor)
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: 12-pack, kept connected
- Cheddar Cheese: 8 slices, or your favorite melting cheese
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon, for topping
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
For the Bacon Jam (Optional, but Recommended!)
- Bacon: 1 lb, chopped
- Yellow Onion: 1 large, thinly sliced
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, packed
- Balsamic Vinegar: 1/4 cup
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Black Coffee: 1/2 cup, brewed
Don’t have time to make the jam? No problem! A high-quality store-bought bacon jam works perfectly in this recipe.
How to Make Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders your guests have ever tasted. We’ll start with the jam first.
Step 1: Make the Bacon Jam
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet. Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and coffee. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked bacon back to the skillet. Let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and thickened into a jam-like consistency. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Burger Patties
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Gently mix to combine, but be careful not to overwork the meat. Form the beef into a single large, flat patty that’s roughly the same size and shape as the slab of Hawaiian rolls. This makes cutting the sliders much easier later on.
Step 3: Cook the Slider Patty
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the large beef patty for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely browned. Drain any excess grease. Once cooked, place the patty on a cutting board and cut it into 12 equal squares.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Sliders
Slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without separating them. Place the bottom half in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the 12 small burger patties on top of the rolls. Spoon a generous amount of bacon jam over each patty, followed by a slice of cheddar cheese. Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and a pinch of garlic powder. Brush this mixture over the tops of the rolls and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tops are golden brown. Serve immediately!
Expert Tips for the Best Sliders
Want to take your sliders from great to gourmet? Follow these simple tips for perfect results.
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: Gently mix the seasonings into the ground beef to keep the patties tender and juicy.
- Toast the Buns: For an extra layer of texture, you can briefly toast the inside of the buns before assembling.
- High-Quality Cheese: Using a good quality block of cheddar and slicing it yourself will result in a better melt than pre-sliced cheese.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the sliders rest for a minute or two after they come out of the oven. This allows the cheese to set and makes them easier to serve. For another great slider idea, try these BLT chicken sliders.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
These Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders are a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can prepare the bacon jam up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The beef patty can also be cooked a day ahead. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the sliders and bake.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps keep the buns from getting soggy. Looking for a hearty main course? Try our delicious crockpot beef tips.
What to Serve with Your Sliders
These sliders are a meal in themselves, but they also pair wonderfully with classic sides. Consider serving them with a side of crispy french fries, tater tots, a fresh garden salad, or a creamy coleslaw. They’re the perfect centerpiece for a fun and casual meal.
FAQs for Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders
Absolutely! The bacon jam can be made up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Its flavor often gets even better after a day or two.
Yes, while Hawaiian sweet rolls are recommended for their sweetness and texture, you can substitute them with any other type of slider buns or small dinner rolls.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The best way to reheat them is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep the buns from becoming soggy.
A good sharp cheddar provides a classic cheeseburger flavor and melts beautifully. However, you can also use American, Provolone, or Swiss cheese with great results.
These sliders pair perfectly with classic sides like french fries, onion rings, a simple coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
The Perfect Bite-Sized Burger
There you have it – the ultimate recipe for Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders! This recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and cheesy, making it a guaranteed hit for any occasion. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for a party. Give this recipe a try and watch them disappear! We’d love to see your creations, so be sure to share them on Pinterest!
Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe
Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders: The Ultimate Party Food
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and coffee. Bring to a simmer, add the bacon back, and cook on low for 20-25 minutes until thickened.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Form the beef into a single large patty about the size of the slab of rolls.
- In a large skillet, cook the beef patty for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease. Cut the patty into 12 smaller squares.
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the burger patties, bacon jam, and cheddar cheese. Place the top half of the rolls on. Brush with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and tops are golden.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding a slice of dill pickle or jalapeño to each slider before baking.
