Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders

Bacon jam cheeseburger sliders deliver crowd-pleasing comfort in a perfectly portable package juicy beef patties get blanketed in melty cheese and topped with smoky sweet bacon jam all nestled on butter-toasted slider buns These are my answer for game day gatherings or whenever my friends are craving something a little extra

The first time I made these sliders was for my brother’s birthday bash The bacon jam stole the show and now it is the one appetizer I never skip for parties

Ingredients

• Ground chuck: at eighty twenty ratio for juicy patties buy fresh for best results
• Salt, pepper, and granulated garlic: each bring out the beefy flavor use coarse kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper if you can
• Bacon: for rich smoky goodness opt for thick-cut with plenty of marbling
• White onion: diced small for sweetness and texture look for a firm heavy onion
• Garlic cloves: add sharpness and depth fresh makes a difference
• Brown sugar: to caramelize the jam light or dark works here
• Bourbon: deepens the jam’s savoriness use any decent sipping bourbon
• Apple cider vinegar: brings brightness and balance with tang
• Maple syrup: adds warmth and a hint of autumn buy real maple for best taste
• American cheese: melts perfectly for iconic creaminess you can do half and half with cheddar if you like
• Slider buns: soft and slightly sweet try potato or brioche
• Wagyu tallow or cooking spray: prevents sticking and enhances the beef’s richness use tallow if you want ultimate flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Beef:

Flatten the ground chuck in a pan to about one inch thick Even out the edges so it cooks uniformly Sprinkle the top with salt pepper and garlic Cover and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes to let the seasoning meld and the beef to firm up

Make the Bacon Jam:

Cook chopped bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat Stir often until rendered and crispy about ten to twelve minutes Remove the bacon and set aside Discard half the bacon grease carefully from the pan

Build the Jam Base:

Add diced onion to the same skillet and sauté over medium low heat Stir often and cook for ten minutes until soft and golden Then gently stir in minced garlic and cook four to five minutes more until everything smells sweet and fragrant

Combine and Caramelize:

Return the crisped bacon to the pan stirring it into the onions and garlic Let them mingle for about two minutes to blend the flavors Add brown sugar bourbon apple cider vinegar and maple syrup Bring this mix to a gentle simmer watching closely so it does not scorch Simmer for ten to fifteen minutes stirring occasionally until thickened to a jammy texture and glossy Transfer hot bacon jam to a clean jar and cool slightly

Cook and Cheese the Patties:

Preheat your griddle or large skillet on medium heat and spray with wagyu tallow or cooking spray Cut the chilled beef into square portions for sliders Place on the griddle seasoned side down and cook for four to six minutes Press gently to encourage browning Season the backside then flip After two minutes lay cheese slices over each patty Cover briefly with a lid or bowl to help the cheese melt

Toast and Assemble:

Wipe or spray the griddle and lay your slider buns cut side down Toast until golden and crisp I love stacking the bottom bun with cheesy patty a heaping spoon of bacon jam then the bun top If you want neat presentation use a serrated knife to halve the sliders before serving

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Bacon is always the ingredient my family fights for Most weekends we make an extra jar of bacon jam for breakfast and there are never leftovers My mom usually sneaks the last spoonful

Storage Tips

Bacon jam will last up to a week in the fridge in a sealed jar Warm gently before serving to make it spoonable again Cooked patties can also be stored in an airtight container for two days Reheat over low before assembling fresh

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap cheddar or pepper jack for the American cheese if you like a sharper bite Turkey bacon works for a lighter flavor You can use honey in place of maple syrup if needed

Serving Suggestions

Serve sliders hot and fresh off the griddle with crunchy pickles or slaw on the side For parties layer them on a platter with toothpicks and let guests dig in They also make an epic weekend brunch option

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A Little History

Sliders first became famous in diners as handy late night eats The addition of homemade bacon jam is a modern twist Bacon jam itself grew popular in American gastropubs during the early two thousands for its sweet smoky spreadable richness

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of ground beef works best for these sliders?

Using 80/20 ground chuck provides the ideal balance of flavor and juiciness for sliders. Leaner options tend to dry out during cooking.

→ Can I make the bacon jam ahead of time?

Yes, bacon jam can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before assembling sliders.

→ Is it necessary to use bourbon in the bacon jam?

Bourbon adds depth and warmth to the jam, but it can be omitted or substituted with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.

→ How do I prevent the slider patties from shrinking?

Flatten the patties slightly larger than the buns before chilling. This helps keep their size consistent after cooking.

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of American?

Absolutely. While American cheese melts well, cheddar or Swiss can also be used for a different flavor profile.

→ What’s the best way to toast the buns?

Lightly butter the buns and toast them on the griddle or in a skillet until golden for added flavor and structure.