These Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders are mini burgers bursting with flavor! Each slider has juicy beef, melted cheese, and sweet, sticky bacon jam that makes every bite heavenly.
Honestly, who can resist bacon? Plus, these little burgers are perfect for sharing… or not! I won’t judge if you keep them all to yourself! 😄
I love how easy they are to make, too! Just cook the beef, pile on the toppings, and serve. Perfect for game day or a cozy night in with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: Bacon is the star of the bacon jam, adding a rich, smoky flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works well, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor. I’ve tried both, and the regular bacon definitely wins for taste!
Onion: Yellow onions are best for caramelization; they become sweet and flavorful. If you’re short on time, you could use shallots for a milder taste or even green onions for a fresh touch.
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is ideal for juicy patties. If you want to reduce fat, lean ground beef is an option, but it may result in drier burgers. For a twist, try ground turkey or chicken, but watch the cooking time!
Slider Buns: Soft, fluffy slider buns are perfect here. I love using potato rolls for their sweetness! If you want to go low-carb, try using lettuce wraps instead.
How Do You Make Bacon Jam That’s Perfectly Sweet and Savory?
Making bacon jam is simpler than you might think! The goal is to balance the sweetness and the savory bacon flavors. Follow these simple steps:
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then remove it to keep it flavorful without burning.
- Caramelize the onions slowly! This brings out their natural sugars, adding sweetness without raw onion flavor.
- Add garlic towards the end of cooking onions for a nice punch without burning it.
- Simmer everything down for 15-20 minutes to let flavors meld into a thick, spreadable jam.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness with more or less brown sugar based on your taste preference. Enjoy it on burgers or as a dip!
Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bacon Jam:
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee (optional, for depth)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sliders:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 slider buns
- 12 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 12 small lettuce leaves
- Optional: mayonnaise or mustard for spread
Estimated Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll need an additional 15-20 minutes to let the bacon jam simmer, so plan for about 45-50 minutes total. It’s perfect for a fun meal with family or friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bacon Jam:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy. When the bacon is done, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pan and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat behind. Next, add the finely chopped onion to the pan. Lower the heat to medium-low, and cook the onion until it’s soft and caramelized, stirring occasionally for about 15-20 minutes.
Once the onion is golden and tender, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant. Stir in the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, brewed coffee (if you’re using it), cayenne pepper, the cooked bacon pieces, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until it thickens into a jam-like consistency. Then, set the bacon jam aside, or refrigerate it if you plan to use it later.
2. Prepare the Burger Patties:
While the bacon jam is simmering, divide the ground beef into 12 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a small, flat patty that’s slightly larger than the slider buns. Don’t forget to season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper for flavor!
3. Cook the Burger Patties:
Preheat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place the burger patties on the grill or skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes or until they’re nicely browned on one side. Flip the patties, add a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty, and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked based on your liking.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
If desired, lightly toast the slider buns. Optionally, you can spread mayonnaise or mustard on the bottom bun for extra flavor. Place a cheeseburger patty on each bottom bun, then spoon a generous amount of the bacon jam over the melted cheese. Top it off with a small lettuce leaf, then place the top bun on each slider.
5. Serve:
Arrange the sliders on a platter and serve warm. They’re great for parties, game days, or a simple family dinner. Enjoy the delightful mix of savory and sweet flavors in every bite!
These Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders are sure to impress your guests and keep everyone coming back for more. Enjoy!
Can I Make the Bacon Jam in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bacon jam a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the sliders, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat until heated through.
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken are great choices and make for lighter sliders. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option that still delivers on flavor!
Can I Freeze Leftover Sliders?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked sliders! Just wrap each slider tightly in foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.
What Should I Serve with These Sliders?
These sliders pair well with a variety of sides! Consider serving them with potato chips, a fresh salad, or classic coleslaw. They also go great with pickles and your favorite dipping sauces!