Cheeseburger Bacon Jam Sliders (Printable Version)
Mini cheeseburger sliders layered with smoky bacon jam and cheese, served on crisp toasted buns.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef mixture
01 -
2 pounds ground chuck (80/20 blend)
02 -
1 tablespoon garlic powder
03 -
1 tablespoon black pepper
04 -
1 tablespoon salt
→ Bacon jam
05 -
1 pound bacon, cut into small pieces
06 -
1 white onion, finely chopped
07 -
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
08 -
1/4 cup bourbon
09 -
1/2 cup maple syrup
10 -
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
11 -
1/2 cup brown sugar
→ Assembly
12 -
Wagyu tallow or non-stick spray
13 -
6 to 9 slices American cheese
14 -
Slider buns
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Shape the ground chuck into an even layer, then sprinkle garlic powder, black pepper, and salt across both sides. Chill the seasoned beef to allow it to firm up.
02 -
Cook bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat until deeply crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, reserving some rendered fat in the pan and discarding the excess.
03 -
Sauté chopped onion in the reserved bacon fat on medium heat for approximately 10 minutes until soft. Add finely chopped garlic and continue to cook for 4 to 5 minutes until aromatic.
04 -
Return the crisp bacon to the skillet. Stir for 1 minute. Add bourbon, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir to combine, then simmer over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often, until a glossy, sticky jam forms. Transfer the finished bacon jam to a jar.
05 -
Preheat a griddle to medium heat and coat the surface with wagyu tallow or non-stick spray. Portion the seasoned beef and press into small patties. Place the patties on the griddle, season the exposed side, and cook for 4 to 6 minutes. Flip, then after 2 minutes, top each patty with a slice of American cheese.
06 -
On the same griddle, toast both sides of the slider buns until the surfaces are crisp and golden brown.
07 -
Layer each toasted bun base with a cheesy beef patty and finish with a generous spoonful of bacon jam. Top with the remaining bun halves and serve immediately. Optional: slice sliders in half before serving.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Chill the seasoned beef before shaping patties to improve texture and ease of handling.
02 -
Reduce bacon jam to a sticky consistency to ensure it sits well atop each slider.