Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders (Print version)
Juicy cheeseburger sliders layered with cheddar, homemade bacon jam, and garlic butter rolls for a sweet, smoky party bite.
# Ingredients:
For the bacon jam
01 -
12 oz (340 g) thick-cut bacon, chopped
02 -
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
03 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1/3 cup (70 g) packed brown sugar
05 -
2 tablespoons maple syrup
06 -
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
07 -
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
08 -
2 tablespoons water, plus more as needed
09 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the beef filling
10 -
1 1/2 lb (680 g) 80/20 ground beef
11 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
12 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
13 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
14 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
15 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For assembly
16 -
12 connected slider rolls or dinner rolls, about 12 oz (340 g)
17 -
10 slices cheddar cheese, divided
18 -
3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter, melted
19 -
1 clove garlic, finely grated
20 -
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
21 -
1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional
22 -
Dill pickle slices, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and leave about 2 tablespoons of drippings in the skillet.
02 -
Add the onion to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, until soft and lightly golden. Stir in the garlic for 30 seconds, then add the bacon, brown sugar, maple syrup, vinegar, Dijon, water, and black pepper. Simmer for 8-12 minutes, until thick and glossy.
03 -
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a clean skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper for 7-9 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Cook to 160°F (71°C), then drain well and stir in Worcestershire sauce.
04 -
Slice the connected rolls horizontally without separating them. Place the bottom slab in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Add 5 slices of cheddar, the warm beef filling, the remaining cheddar, and an even layer of bacon jam.
05 -
Set the top slab of rolls in place. Stir the melted butter with grated garlic and parsley, then brush it over the rolls. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
06 -
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 12 minutes. Uncover and bake 5-7 minutes more, until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice into 12 sliders and serve with pickles.
# Good to know:
01 -
The bacon jam can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated.
02 -
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the beef reaches 160°F.
03 -
Best served warm, shortly after baking.