These Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders are bursting with flavor! Picture juicy beef patties topped with rich bacon jam, all nestled in soft slider buns. They’re perfect for snacks or game day!
I can’t resist these little bites of joy; the bacon jam adds a unique sweetness that pairs so well with the beef. Honestly, I make extra just to savor with my friends! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend. This mix has enough fat to keep the patties juicy, which is super important for sliders! If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could try 90/10, but be careful not to overcook them.
Slider Buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns make a good base. I love using Hawaiian rolls for their extra sweetness. You could substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free buns if needed, just make sure they’re sturdy!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This cheese gives a great flavor boost. If cheddar isn’t your thing, feel free to use Monterey Jack or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick!
Bacon Jam: The star of the show! If you need a vegetarian alternative, consider using mushroom or eggplant as a base for your jam, though the flavor will differ a bit. You can also buy ready-made bacon jam if you’re short on time!
How Do I Make Caramelized Onions for My Bacon Jam?
Caramelized onions add a rich sweetness to your bacon jam! To get them just right, here’s how to do it:
- Cook your diced onions in the rendered bacon fat to absorb that delicious flavor.
- Keep the heat low and stir occasionally—this process can take about 20 minutes. Patience is key here!
- You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown color. If they start sticking, a splash of water can help loosen them up.
Make sure to add in your garlic toward the end of the onion cooking time to prevent it from burning. This will give your bacon jam that extra depth of flavor!
Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders
Ingredients:
- For the Sliders:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juicy patties)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 slider buns (soft, slightly sweet)
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded
- 1 batch bacon jam (recipe below)
- For Bacon Jam:
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup coffee (brewed, strong)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This delightful recipe will take about 30 minutes for preparation and cooking, plus some time for the bacon jam to simmer. Altogether, you should plan for about 1 hour to have everything ready and served!
Instructions:
1. Make the Bacon Jam:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Once it’s cooked, remove the bacon bits with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet. Next, add the diced onion to the bacon fat and cook it over medium-low heat until caramelized, which should take about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Now add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then stir in the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, brewed coffee, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix it well and let it simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and turns jam-like in consistency – this will take about 30-40 minutes. Lastly, return the crispy bacon bits to the jam, mix well, season with salt and pepper to taste, and set aside.
2. Prepare the Patties:
While the jam is simmering, form the ground beef into 8 equal-sized small patties. Make sure the patties are slightly wider than your slider buns, and make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb to help prevent puffing during cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
3. Cook the Patties:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired doneness. In the last minute of cooking, place the cheddar cheese on top of each patty to melt.
4. Assemble Sliders:
Lightly toast the slider buns. On the bottom half of each bun, place a cheesy burger patty, and then spoon a generous amount of bacon jam on top of each patty. Finally, cap them with the top half of the buns.
5. Serve:
Arrange the sliders on a platter and serve them warm. You can optionally serve with ketchup, mustard, or pickles on the side if desired.
Enjoy these savory-sweet Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders as the perfect appetizer or party treat—everyone will love them!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is a fantastic choice, you can swap it for other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick. Just make sure the cheese melts well!
How Can I Store Leftover Bacon Jam?
Store any leftover bacon jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to use it again!
Can I Make the Bacon Jam in Advance?
Yes! Bacon jam can be made ahead of time. Prepare it up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before using it for your sliders.
What If I Don’t Have Slider Buns?
No worries! If slider buns are unavailable, you can use small dinner rolls or even cut larger burger buns into smaller portions. Just ensure that they hold up well with the juicy patties and bacon jam!
