Mini Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders
Highlighted under: Easy Plates
I absolutely love making Mini Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders for gatherings or game days. They are bite-sized delights packed with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger. With crispy bacon, juicy beef, and melting cheese, these sliders are sure to impress everyone. Plus, they come together in a snap, making them perfect for last-minute cravings. Every time I prepare these sliders, I can’t resist serving them with a side of tangy pickles, which elevate the entire experience. Let’s dive into the recipe!
When I first experimented with Mini Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders, I was amazed at how simple they were yet so satisfying. I used pre-made slider buns and nabbed some high-quality ground beef to create perfect little patties. By adding crispy bacon and American cheese, I achieved that classic diner flavor right at home.
As an added tip, I recommend toasting the bun tops slightly before assembling. This adds a delightful crunch and keeps them from getting soggy while you pile on the toppings. Get creative with your toppings too; you can customize these sliders in countless ways!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Juicy, flavorful burgers packed into a perfect bite
- Crispy bacon adds a savory crunch to every slider
- Easily customizable to suit everyone’s taste
Mastering the Perfect Patty
Achieving the ideal burger patty is a crucial step for exceptional sliders. Start with high-quality ground beef that has a fat content of about 20% for the best flavor and juiciness. When mixing in salt and pepper, do so gently; overworking the meat can lead to tough patties. Form the patties just larger than the buns to account for shrinkage during cooking, aiming for about 2 to 2.5 inches in diameter. Make a slight indent in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up as they cook.
Cooking the patties at medium heat allows the Maillard reaction to enhance flavors while preventing them from drying out. When cooking, avoid pressing down on the patties with a spatula, as this releases valuable juices that keep them moist. You’ll know they're ready to flip when you see browned edges and the patty releases easily from the grill or skillet. For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
Bacon & Cheese: Key Flavor Enhancements
Crispy bacon enhances each slider, adding not only flavor but texture. Use thick-cut bacon for optimal crispness; cook it until it’s well-crispy so it will hold its crunch even when layered within the sliders. Once crumbled, sprinkle it generously on each patty, ensuring that every bite is packed with that savory goodness. If you're looking for alternatives, turkey bacon or pancetta can also work, although they will provide different flavor profiles.
When it comes to cheese, American cheese is a great choice for its melting qualities. As it melts beautifully over the hot patties, it creates that gooey texture we all love. If you want to try something bolder, cheddar or pepper jack could elevate the flavor, introducing sharpness or a bit of heat. Just keep in mind that each cheese has a different melting point, so watch closely in the last minute of cooking to achieve the perfect melt.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious Mini Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 slider buns
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 6 slices of American cheese
- Pickles, for serving
- Mustard or ketchup, as desired
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped before assembling the sliders.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Mini Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders!
Prepare the patties
In a bowl, mix the ground beef with salt and pepper. Form the mixture into 12 equal-sized patties.
Cook the patties
Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, adding a slice of cheese on top in the last minute to melt.
Assemble the sliders
On each slider bun, place a cooked patty, a small amount of crumbled bacon, and any sauce you prefer. Add pickles on top and cover with the bun.
Serve
Serve the sliders warm, and enjoy them with your favorite sides!
These sliders are best served immediately while the cheese is still melty.
Pro Tips
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add toppings like sautéed onions or jalapeños for an extra kick!
Serving Suggestions
Mini Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders are delectable on their own, but pairing them with complementary sides can elevate your snack experience. Sweet potato fries or classic oven-baked fries provide a nice contrast in texture and flavor. For a fresher take, consider a side salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette that can cut through the richness of the sliders. Serve with a selection of dipping sauces, like chipotle mayo or spicy ketchup, to offer guests varied flavor options.
If you're hosting a gathering, consider creating a slider bar with different toppings, such as sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, or various cheeses, allowing guests to customize their bites. This interactive aspect not only keeps the meal fun but also caters to different dietary preferences. You could also provide gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps for those with dietary restrictions.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These sliders are easy to prepare ahead of time, making them perfect for parties or meal prep. You can form the patties and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just be sure to keep them covered to maintain freshness. If you have extras, the cooked sliders can be refrigerated for around 3-4 days. For the best texture, reheat them in a skillet over low heat; this helps revive their juiciness.
If you want to make a larger batch, doubling the recipe is straightforward! Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed; larger quantities may require slightly longer times on the grill or in the skillet. You can also freeze uncooked patties separated by parchment paper in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking for the best results.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make sliders in advance?
Yes! You can form the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
→ What can I pair with these sliders?
These sliders pair perfectly with fries, onion rings, or a simple salad.
→ Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a great lean alternative, just remember to season well.
→ How can I keep sliders warm for a party?
You can keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve.
Mini Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders
I absolutely love making Mini Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders for gatherings or game days. They are bite-sized delights packed with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger. With crispy bacon, juicy beef, and melting cheese, these sliders are sure to impress everyone. Plus, they come together in a snap, making them perfect for last-minute cravings. Every time I prepare these sliders, I can’t resist serving them with a side of tangy pickles, which elevate the entire experience. Let’s dive into the recipe!
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 slider buns
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 6 slices of American cheese
- Pickles, for serving
- Mustard or ketchup, as desired
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How-To Steps
In a bowl, mix the ground beef with salt and pepper. Form the mixture into 12 equal-sized patties.
Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, adding a slice of cheese on top in the last minute to melt.
On each slider bun, place a cooked patty, a small amount of crumbled bacon, and any sauce you prefer. Add pickles on top and cover with the bun.
Serve the sliders warm, and enjoy them with your favorite sides!
Extra Tips
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add toppings like sautéed onions or jalapeños for an extra kick!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 620mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 12g