Cheeseburger Bacon Jam Sliders

Cheeseburger bacon jam sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for game day parties and family cookouts alike. Nothing beats the combination of melty cheese over juicy beef patties bumped up with the smoky sweet flavor of homemade bacon jam. Even picky eaters dive right in when these come out hot off the griddle.

I first started whipping these up for backyard parties when I wanted something with familiar flavors but with just a little chef’s twist. Over time friends would ask for that special bacon jam at every gathering and now it is a signature move whenever sliders are on the menu.

Ingredients

• Ground chuck 80 20 blend: delivers juiciness without falling apart Find the freshest meat for best flavor
• Garlic powder: infuses savory flavor to both patties and jam Quality powder saves prep time and adds consistency
• Black pepper: gives brightness to the beef freshly ground if possible for punch
• Salt: necessary for proper seasoning and moisture balance Go for kosher or sea salt for even flavor
• Bacon thick cut: holds up best in the jam and brings smoky richness Choose one with balanced meat and fat
• Fresh garlic: deepens savory notes in the jam Look for firm unblemished cloves
• Bourbon: introduces warm caramel notes to the jam Any decent bourbon will do avoid the cheapest varieties
• Maple syrup: lends a subtle sweetness Grade A dark color brings robust flavor
• Apple cider vinegar: balances the sweetness for a tangy pop Use raw unfiltered for best taste
• Brown sugar: rounds out the jam with molasses notes Dark brown preferred for signature depth
• White onion: brings mellow bite to the jam and a little texture Firm heavy onions with no soft spots are ideal
• Wagyu tallow or non stick spray: helps get a crisp crust and keeps the meat from sticking Tallow gives added flavor
• Slider buns: buttery and light structure Choose slightly sweet or potato buns for extra treat
• American cheese: classic melty texture and mild flavor Good deli slices melt best

Instructions

Prepare the Beef:

Spread out the ground chuck on a tray or parchment Slather with half the garlic powder black pepper and salt on one side then flip and season the other side Press gently but do not overwork the meat for tender sliders Cover and chill at least 20 minutes to firm up the patties before cooking

Cook the Bacon Jam:

Start by frying bacon over medium heat in a large skillet Give it time to get evenly crispy about 10 to 15 minutes Stir occasionally so it cooks evenly Remove bacon and set aside Leave about two tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan pour off the extra

Cook the Aromatics:

Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with bacon grease Cook onions over medium heat for about 10 minutes They should look soft golden and nearly translucent Add the chopped garlic and stir for another four to five minutes Let all the sweet flavors develop fully

Simmer the Jam Liquids:

Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and combine with onions and garlic Stir well for about a minute Pour in maple syrup bourbon apple cider vinegar and brown sugar Bring to a gentle bubble Keep the heat low and simmer the mixture for about 15 minutes Stir occasionally until everything thickens and takes on a sticky consistency Scoop the finished bacon jam into a jar or heat proof bowl let it cool a bit before using

Griddle the Patties:

Heat your griddle or heavy skillet on medium Spray lightly with non stick or swipe with wagyu tallow for extra crust Take your chilled beef and divide into slider size patties Cook each patty for four to six minutes on one side until a brown crust forms Flip the patties and season the cooked side with extra salt and pepper After about two minutes lay slices of American cheese over each one Let cheese melt a further minute before removing from heat

Toast Buns:

On the same hot surface place the slider buns cut side down Toast both sides lightly just until golden You want them crisp but still soft enough to bite

Assemble the Sliders:

Place a cheesy patty on each bottom bun Spoon over a generous amount of bacon jam Top with the other half of the bun Serve immediately while everything is hot and gooey If you prefer slice each slider in half for easy sharing

The bacon jam is my favorite part and I sometimes double it just so we have leftovers to use on grilled cheese or breakfast toast. My kids still talk about the time we made extra sliders for their birthday sleepover and everyone lined up for seconds even the grownups.

Storage Tips

Bacon jam keeps in an airtight jar in the fridge for seven days Just reheat gently before spooning on sliders. Patties can be formed a day ahead and chilled covered. If you have extra assembled sliders wrap tightly in foil and reheat in a toaster oven for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Smoked cheddar or pepper jack both melt well and offer a spicy twist. If you do not want bourbon just leave it out and add two tablespoons extra vinegar plus a bit of smoked paprika for depth.

Serving Suggestions

Sliders are a hit with waffle fries or crispy onions on the side. Try fresh pickles or shredded lettuce to add a crisp crunch. For a party platter serve with a platter of roasted fingerling potatoes and extra bacon jam for dipping.

Cultural and Historical Context

Bacon jam has southern origins as a spread or relish for biscuits and roasted meats The idea of topping burgers and sliders caught on in gastropubs in the past decade making this comfort food feel a bit more gourmet. American cheese adds nostalgia reminding us of classic diner cheeseburgers.

Seasonal Adaptations

Serve with grilled corn on the cob in the summer months Top with sharp apple slices and arugula in the fall Try cranberry bacon jam for a winter holiday party

Sliders are always a hit with guests and the bacon jam makes them a truly memorable treat. You might just find these become the most-requested appetizer at every get together.

FAQs about Recipes

→ How do I make the bacon jam topping?

Bacon is fried until crisp, then cooked with onion, garlic, maple syrup, vinegar, bourbon, and brown sugar for a sticky, flavorful jam.

→ What type of ground beef works best?

An 80/20 ground chuck blend ensures juicy, flavorful patties with just the right amount of fat for tenderness.

→ Can I substitute the cheese?

American cheese melts smoothly, but cheddar, pepper jack, or your favorite melting cheese will also work well.

→ How do I toast slider buns properly?

Toast buns on a griddle with a little tallow or oil until both sides turn golden and lightly crisp for best texture.

→ Is it possible to make bacon jam in advance?

Yes, prepare bacon jam ahead and refrigerate in a sealed jar. Warm slightly before using to top sliders.