These Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders are tiny burgers packed with flavor! The sweet and salty bacon jam takes them to the next level, making every bite super tasty.
Making sliders is a fun way to share burgers with friends. Plus, they’re easy to whip up for a party or movie night. Trust me, you’ll be the star of the snack table! 🍔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: Thick-cut bacon adds great texture and flavor to the jam. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon can work too, though it won’t be as rich.
Onion: Yellow onions are best for sweetness when caramelized. If you’re out, white onions can substitute, but they may have a sharper taste.
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect, giving a juicy burger. For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken, but they might need extra seasoning.
Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. If you prefer something milder, swap in mozzarella or provolone. Dairy-free cheese can also work if that’s your preference!
How Do You Make Bacon Jam That’s Perfectly Thick and Flavorful?
The secret to a great bacon jam is patience! Cooking the bacon until crisp gives it a nice crunch, and caramelizing the onions creates a deep, sweet flavor. Here’s how to nail it:
- Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat, allowing it to render its fat.
- Once crispy, remove bacon and use the fat for the onions—this adds amazing flavor.
- Cook onions on low until they carmelize nicely; it usually takes about 12-15 minutes. Don’t rush this.
- After adding the other ingredients, let it simmer on low. Stir often to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to mingle for a good 20-30 minutes.
This way, you’ll end up with a rich and delicious bacon jam that elevates your sliders to the next level!
Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bacon Jam:
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider buns (soft dinner rolls)
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 slices sharp cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- Butter (for toasting buns)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and about 30-40 minutes to cook the bacon jam, along with the sliders. So, you’re looking at a total of about an hour to create these delicious snacks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bacon Jam:
First, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Cook the chopped bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to move the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess fat, leaving the drippings in the skillet. Now, add the finely diced onion to the same skillet and cook it over medium heat for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it caramelizes and softens. After that, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Next, stir in the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, brewed coffee, black pepper, and the red pepper flakes if you decided to use them. Finally, return the crispy bacon to the skillet and let everything simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove it from heat and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Sliders:
While your jam is cooling down, preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Shape the ground beef into 12 small slider patties, making them a little larger than the buns since they shrink while cooking. Season both sides of the patties with salt and black pepper. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they reach the level of doneness you like. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and let it melt beautifully.
3. Toast the Slider Buns:
Next, spread a little butter on the cut side of each slider bun. Toast them on a hot skillet or grill until they are golden brown and deliciously crunchy.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Once the patties and buns are ready, it’s time to assemble! Place a cheesy beef patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Generously spoon some of that flavorful bacon jam over the top of the cheese-covered patties. Finally, place the top half of the buns over the jam.
5. Serve:
Place your assembled sliders on a platter and serve them immediately while they’re warm and melty. Enjoy the heavenly flavors of bacon and cheese!
These Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders are perfect for gatherings or as a fun family dinner. They’re savory, slightly sweet, and undeniably delicious!
Can I Make the Bacon Jam in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bacon jam a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef?
If you want a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well. Just be mindful to add extra seasoning since these meats can be less flavorful than beef. You can also try plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian alternative!
How Do I Store Leftover Sliders?
Leftover sliders can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven or microwave until warmed through. You might want to add a little more bacon jam before serving to keep them extra delicious!
Can I Freeze the Bacon Jam?
Yes! Bacon jam freezes quite well. Just let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container or gallon-sized bag. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using it again!
