Small but mighty, these sliders bring together juicy ground chuck patties, smoky bacon jam made with bourbon, brown sugar, and maple syrup, plus sautéed onions and creamy melted cheese. The bacon jam is cooked low and slow until rich and spreadable, perfectly complementing the seasoned patties. Everything comes together on toasted slider buns, making every bite sweet, salty, and deeply satisfying. These sliders stand out as the star at any gathering, offering bold flavors with a hint of sweetness and satisfying richness in a convenient, shareable size.
These bacon jam cheeseburger sliders are an absolute crowd-pleaser for any party I bring them to. The rich salty jam caramelizes into the gooey cheese and juicy beef for a flavor bomb in every bite. Whether it is game day or a summer barbecue the tray always disappears in minutes.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Can be made ahead so great for hosting
- Combines sweet smoky bacon jam with melty cheese and beef
- Easy to scale up for a crowd or down for a family dinner
- Pantry and fridge staples are all you need
Whenever I make these my entire kitchen smells unbelievable and you know it is going to be a hit when everyone is sneaking a taste before they even make it to the table. My kids beg for the leftover bacon jam on toast for breakfast too.
Ingredients
- Eighty twenty ground chuck: This blend keeps the patties juicy The higher fat content makes for better sliders
- Salt pepper and granulated garlic: Each brings out the flavor of the beef and cuts through the richness Use freshly ground pepper for extra punch
- Thickcut bacon: Smokiness and fat build the base for your jam Choose bacon with plenty of marbling
- White onion: Sweet onion softens and flavors the jam Look for onions with tight skins and no soft spots
- Fresh garlic: A little goes a long way Adds depth and balances sweetness from the sugar Use firm tight cloves for best flavor
- Brown sugar: Brings caramelized notes to the jam Light or dark works
- Good quality bourbon: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity The alcohol cooks off so you only get flavor
- Apple cider vinegar: Brightens and balances all the fat Look for raw unfiltered vinegar if possible
- Pure maple syrup: For that sticky sweet finish Choose grade A for the richest maple taste
- American cheese: Melts perfectly and ties everything together Use deli slices for best melt
- Soft slider buns: Holds the fillings while still tender enough for onehand eating
- Wagyu tallow or neutral cooking spray: Helps patties cook evenly and adds a savory crisp edge Wagyu tallow is traditional but spray works too