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Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders are the ultimate party appetizer for anyone who loves bold flavors and a little nostalgia all in a single bite. The sweet and savory bacon jam takes a classic cheeseburger and makes it irresistible as a slider perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
The first time I made these sliders for game night everyone hovered over the tray until they were gone and now they have become my most requested appetizer by family and friends.
Ingredients
- 80 20 ground chuck: ensures juicy flavorful patties look for fresh bright red meat with a clean smell
- Salt pepper and garlic: for seasoning each adds depth use fresh cracked pepper and good quality salt for best taste
- Bacon: thick cut preferred since it gives a meatier texture and richer taste
- White onion: brings sweetness and balances the richness pick a firm onion with no soft spots
- Fresh garlic: infuses bold flavor and aroma always use freshly minced for punchiest results
- Brown sugar: creates a luscious caramelized sweetness in the jam choose dark brown if you want a deeper molasses note
- Bourbon: adds deep smoky complexity your favorite sipping bourbon works best
- Apple cider vinegar: gives just the right tang use raw unfiltered vinegar for extra dimension
- Maple syrup: for sticky sweetness and a hint of woodsy flavor select real pure maple syrup
- American cheese: classic melty and creamy pick from the deli counter for best melt
- Slider buns: soft and slightly sweet potato or brioche buns hold up well
- Wagyu tallow or cooking spray: keeps patties from sticking and adds a subtle richness
Step by Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Chuck:
- Flatten the ground chuck evenly into a sheet pan about half an inch thick. Sprinkle salt pepper and garlic evenly over the surface. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour so flavors absorb and patties hold together.
- Make the Bacon Jam:
- In a large skillet cook chopped bacon over medium heat until it is brunty crisp but not burnt about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon transfer bacon to a paper towel. Discard half the bacon grease from the pan to avoid an overly greasy jam.
- Build the Jam Aromatics:
- Add diced onion to the skillet and cook over medium low heat until deeply golden and softened about 10 minutes. Toss in minced garlic and let it cook another four to five minutes stirring often for rich aroma. Return the cooked bacon to the pan and cook together for a minute or two so bacon and aromatics meld.
- Sweeten and Simmer:
- Sprinkle in brown sugar followed by bourbon apple cider vinegar and maple syrup. Stir well and lower heat to a gentle simmer. Let jam bubble away for ten to fifteen minutes stirring occasionally until thickened. Transfer to a jar and cool—you will see it thicken as it cools.
- Cook Burger Patties:
- Heat a griddle or cast iron pan to medium and coat with wagyu tallow or spray. Use a cookie cutter or glass to cut out even portions from your flattened ground chuck sheet. Place patties onto the hot surface and season the uncooked side. Cook four to six minutes until the bottom gets a good crust and flip.
- Melt the Cheese:
- After flipping the patties add a slice of American cheese to each. Cover with a lid or bowl for maximum melt and let cook two minutes so cheese gets glossy and oozy.
- Toast the Buns:
- Split slider buns and toast until just golden on the griddle. Toasted buns prevent sogginess and add irresistible texture.
- Assemble the Sliders:
- Spoon a generous amount of bacon jam onto the bottom bun place cheesy patty over top and cap with the top bun. Repeat until all sliders are stacked. Use a sharp knife to cut and serve warm.
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My favorite thing in this dish is always the sticky bacon jam. Every time I cook it the kitchen fills with that unmistakable sweet smoky smell and it takes me right back to holiday evenings crowded around a warm kitchen with my family.
Storage Tips
You can store cooked bacon jam in a jar in the fridge for up to seven days. The assembled sliders with cheese reheat well in a low oven just wrap them in foil to keep them soft. For best freshness only toast buns and assemble right before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to swap American cheese for sharp cheddar or gouda if you like a bolder flavor. Thick cut turkey bacon works in place of pork bacon if you want to lighten things up. Maple syrup can be swapped for honey but you will get a different flavor note.
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Serving Suggestions
These sliders shine on a party platter with a bowl of extra bacon jam on the side. Pair with homemade pickles potato chips or a crisp slaw to cut through the richness. For a dinner option bulk them up with melted cheese on both bun halves.
Cultural Context
Bacon jam is a Southern inspired creation merging barbecue flavors and sweet preserves. Turning it into a cheeseburger topping is a new classic twisting diner slider nostalgia into something inventive and totally craveable for modern game nights or family cookouts.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of ground beef works best?
An 80/20 ground chuck blend offers a perfect balance of flavor and juiciness for mini patties.
- → Can I make the bacon jam ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the bacon jam in advance and chill it. Gently reheat before assembling for best texture and flavor.
- → Any substitutes for bourbon in the bacon jam?
You can swap bourbon with extra apple cider vinegar or omit it if preferred. The flavor profile may shift slightly.
- → How do I keep slider buns from getting soggy?
Toasting the buns helps create a barrier, preventing moisture from soaking in once assembled.
- → What cheese types pair well with these sliders?
American cheese melts smoothly, but cheddar or Colby Jack also add great flavor and texture.