Introduction to Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders
Hey there, my fellow cooking enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to wow your family and friends, let me introduce you to Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders. Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy burger patties topped with a dollop of sweet and savory bacon jam. Sounds dreamy, right? This recipe is not only a quick solution for a busy weeknight dinner but also the perfect dish to impress your loved ones at casual gatherings. Trust me, these sliders will quickly become your go-to recipe for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders
These Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders are like a warm hug on a plate. Not only are they incredibly easy to whip up, but they also deliver a flavor explosion that your taste buds will adore. The combination of melty cheese, rich bacon jam, and seasoned beef simply dances in your mouth. And let’s not forget the joy of serving sliders at your next get-together—they’ll be the highlight of any meal!
Ingredients for Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards crafting your delightful Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Chuck: This beef cut is perfect for sliders, giving you a juicy and flavorful patty. I recommend going for a blend that’s around 80/20 for that perfect balance of meat and fat.
- Salt: A must for enhancing flavor. Use it to season the patties for that extra oomph.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground works best. It adds a bit of a kick to the seasoning.
- Garlic Powder: This is where the magic happens! It infuses each bite with richness and depth.
- Bacon: The star of your bacon jam! A good quality bacon adds a savory, crispy element that takes everything to the next level.
- White Onion: Diced finely, they cook down beautifully and add sweetness to your bacon jam.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic complements the onion and bacon, elevating the dish with its aromatic flavor.
- Brown Sugar: This will balance the flavors. It caramelizes beautifully in the jam, enhancing that sweet-and-savory vibe.
- Bourbon: A splash adds a depth of flavor to the bacon jam. If you prefer to skip the alcohol, feel free to use more apple cider vinegar instead.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This brightens the jam and cuts through the richness of the bacon.
- Maple Syrup: A delightful touch of sweetness that harmonizes with the bacon’s smokiness.
- American Cheese: Melty and creamy, it takes your slider experience to another level.
- Slider Buns: Soft slider buns are the perfect vessel for all this deliciousness. Look for fresh ones for the best taste.
- Wagyu Tallow or Cooking Spray: Either will help to get those patties beautifully cooked without sticking.
You can find the exact measurements at the bottom of the article, perfect for printing and easy reference!
How to Make Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders
Getting those Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders prepared is like hosting a small culinary concert in your kitchen. With a little planning, you’ll have sliders that not only taste great but will have everyone clamoring for seconds. So, let’s dive into the steps to make this mouth-watering dish!
Prepare the Burger Patties
First and foremost, let’s tackle the burger patties. Grab your ground chuck and flatten it in a baking pan. This helps in making even-sized patties.
Season the beef generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Once seasoned, cover the pan with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator.
This not only helps the flavors meld beautifully but also makes the patties easier to handle when it’s time to cook.
Cook the Bacon Jam
Next up, it’s time for the star of our show: bacon jam! Start by cooking the chopped bacon over medium heat in a skillet. You want it crispy, so let it sizzle happily until it appears golden.
Once cooked, remove the bacon and drain half of the grease. Trust me, too much grease can make your jam too oily.
In the same skillet, add your diced onion and let it cook down for about 10 minutes. You want it softened and sweet.
Stir in the minced garlic and watch as it turns fragrant in just 4-5 minutes.
Return your crispy bacon back to the skillet and mix it in, cooking for 1-2 minutes longer.
Now it’s time to add the brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup. Simmer this delicious mixture for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens. That’s when the magic happens! Transfer your jam to a jar and set it aside for later.
Cook the Patties
With your bacon jam cooling, it’s time to focus on the patties. Heat your griddle or skillet to medium heat. You’ll want to spray it with wagyu tallow or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook the patties for 4-6 minutes on one side. This lets them develop that beautiful crust. Before flipping, sprinkle the exposed side with a little more salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
After the flip, place a slice of American cheese on top and let it cook for 2 more minutes. Watch as it melts and becomes ooey-gooey, just the way you want it!
Toast the Slider Buns
While your patties are cooking, don’t forget the slider buns! Toasting them is crucial for texture. It adds a light crunch that complements the soft fillings.
Toast your buns on the griddle for a minute or two until they turn golden brown. This little step elevates the whole slider experience!
Assemble Your Sliders
Now, we’re in the homestretch! To assemble, place a cooked patty on the bottom half of each bun.
Spoon a generous portion of bacon jam on top of each patty. Really, don’t skimp here—the more, the merrier!
Finally, cover with the top halves of the buns, slice each slider, and serve while they’re warm. Watch your guests swarm like bees to honey!
Tips for Success
- Prep your ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
- Use quality bacon for the jam; it makes a noticeable difference.
- Don’t rush the simmering of your bacon jam; let those flavors deepen.
- Check the patties frequently to ensure they don’t overcook.
- Experiment with toppings—pickles or fresh herbs can add a fun twist!
Equipment Needed
- Skillet or griddle: A non-stick or cast iron skillet works beautifully.
- Baking pan: Ideal for flattening your burger patties.
- Spatula: For flipping patties and assembling sliders.
- Cutting board: Essential for prepping ingredients.
- Jar: Perfect for storing your delicious bacon jam.
Variations on Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a spicy pepper jack cheese for an extra level of heat that’ll wake up your taste buds.
- Mushroom Madness: Sauté some mushrooms alongside the onions for an earthy flavor in your bacon jam.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free slider buns and ensure the bacon jam ingredients are suitable for your dietary needs.
- Veggie Sliders: Swap the beef for black bean patties or lentil burgers to create a delicious vegetarian version.
- BBQ Fest: Mix BBQ sauce into the bacon jam for a smoky and tangy twist that’s absolutely delightful!
Serving Suggestions for Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders
- Pair sliders with crispy sweet potato fries for a delightful balance of flavors.
- Serve with a fresh coleslaw to add some crunch and a touch of acidity.
- Enjoy with a light lager or iced tea for a refreshing drink option.
- Present the sliders on a fun platter, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color!
FAQs about Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders
Can I make Bacon Jam ahead of time?
Absolutely! The bacon jam can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator. In fact, those flavors meld even better when it sits for a bit, so you may find it even tastier!
How do I reheat the sliders?
To reheat, simply place the assembled sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This will warm them up without making the buns soggy. You could also microwave them, but they won’t have that nice toasted texture.
Can I freeze the patties?
Yes, you can! Shape the burger patties and place them between parchment paper. Freeze them flat in a bag, and you can pull them out as needed! Just remember to thaw them before cooking for best results.
Are these sliders suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Definitely! Just be sure to use gluten-free slider buns and check your bacon jam ingredients for any hidden gluten sources. This way, everyone can enjoy them!
What other cheese can I use in these sliders?
If you’re feeling adventurous, try cheddar for a sharp bite or gouda for a nutty flavor. Each cheese will bring its own character to the sliders, making them uniquely delicious!
Final Thoughts
Creating these Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders isn’t just about feeding your family; it’s about bringing joy to the table. The delightful marriage of flavors—from the juicy patty to that rich bacon jam—creates a little moment of happiness in each bite. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or the highlight at a gathering, these sliders invite everyone to come together and share smiles. So roll up your sleeves and enjoy the process! You’ll find that cooking these sliders not only fills bellies but also warms hearts, making cherished memories with every delicious bite.
Print
Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders are a delicious fusion of flavors with juicy burger patties, rich bacon jam, and melty American cheese, all served on soft slider buns.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground chuck
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 white onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 6–9 slices American cheese
- 12 slider buns
- Wagyu tallow or cooking spray
Instructions
- Flatten ground chuck in a baking pan. Season evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Refrigerate until ready to cook.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and discard half of the rendered grease. Add diced onion and cook for 10 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes. Return cooked bacon to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup. Simmer mixture for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Transfer to a jar for use.
- Heat a griddle or skillet to medium heat and spray with wagyu tallow or cooking spray. Cook the patties on one side for 4-6 minutes. Season the exposed side with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before flipping. After flipping, add a slice of American cheese and cook for 2 additional minutes.
- Toast slider buns on the griddle or skillet until golden brown.
- Assemble sliders by placing patties onto the bottom halves of the buns. Add a generous portion of bacon jam on top of each patty. Cover with the top halves of the buns. Slice each slider and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of bacon jam to your taste preference.
- Wagyu tallow can be substituted with any preferred cooking spray or oil.
- Make sure to keep an eye on the bacon jam to prevent burning while it simmers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Skillet/Griddle
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Bacon Jam, Cheeseburger Sliders, Burgers, Party Food