Gather your friends and get ready to indulge in the ultimate party treat – Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders! These juicy, melt-in-your-mouth mini burgers are the perfect balance of bold flavors and irresistible textures. Infused with a smoky, tangy BBQ twist and crowned with crispy bacon and melty cheese, these sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have your guests coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders for Parties
Prepare to be the host with the most when you serve up these Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders! These epic mini burgers are not only unbelievably delicious, but they’re also incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a game-day bash, a backyard barbecue, or a holiday gathering, these sliders are sure to be the star of the show. The smoky, tangy BBQ sauce, the crispy bacon, and the melty cheese create a flavor explosion in every bite, making these sliders the ultimate comfort food. Plus, the small slider size makes them the perfect handheld treat, allowing your guests to mingle and enjoy without the hassle of a full-sized burger. Get ready to wow your crowd and earn the title of the “Hostess with the Mostest” with these Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders!
Ingredients
To create these irresistible Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders, you’ll need a few key ingredients: ground beef, smoked bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, slider buns, and a few simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The combination of these flavors and textures is what makes these sliders truly epic. By using high-quality, fresh ingredients, you can ensure that every bite is bursting with flavor and satisfying to the core.
- 1 lb (454 g) – Ground beef
- 8 slices – Smoked bacon
- 8 slices – Sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) – Sweet and tangy BBQ sauce
- 12 – Slider buns
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Try pepper jack or Swiss cheese for a twist on the classic.
- BBQ Sauce: Use a spicier sauce for an extra kick of heat, or opt for a honey-based sauce for a touch of sweetness.
How to Make Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders for Parties
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Crumble the bacon into small pieces once cooled. Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, gently mixing until just combined. Divide the beef mixture into small, equal-sized balls, about 2 tablespoons each, and flatten them into patties that are slightly wider than your slider buns.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Crumble the bacon into small pieces once cooled. Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, gently mixing until just combined. Divide the beef mixture into small, equal-sized balls, about 2 tablespoons each, and flatten them into patties that are slightly wider than your slider buns.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the beef patties in batches and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and reach your desired level of doneness. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese and let it melt.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Lightly toast the slider buns, then place a cheesy beef patty on the bottom half of each bun. Drizzle a generous amount of the smoky BBQ sauce over the patties, then top with the crumbled bacon and the top half of the buns. Arrange the Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders on a serving platter and get ready to wow your guests!
Step 4: Finishing Touches
If desired, you can add a final touch of freshness by garnishing the sliders with thinly sliced pickles, red onion, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Lean Protein: For a leaner, yet equally flavorful, slider, try substituting the ground beef with ground turkey or bison.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the sliders ahead of time and keep them warm in the oven until ready to serve, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities with your guests.
- Feeding a Crowd: Double or triple the recipe and arrange the sliders on a large platter or baking sheet, making them the perfect handheld hors d’oeuvre for a larger crowd.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with a mix of cheeses, such as cheddar and pepper jack, to create an even more indulgent flavor profile.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Fresh pickles, sautéed onions, and a side of creamy coleslaw.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the sliders in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the patties, cook the bacon, and toast the buns in advance for a stress-free party prep.
Nutrition Information
These Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders are a hearty and indulgent treat, but with a few smart swaps, you can make them a bit more nutritious. By using lean ground beef, opting for lower-fat cheese, and limiting the amount of bacon, you can reduce the overall fat and calorie content without sacrificing any of the delicious flavor. Additionally, pairing these sliders with a fresh salad or a side of roasted vegetables can help create a more balanced and satisfying meal.
- Serving Size: 2 sliders
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! These sliders are perfect for preparing in advance. You can assemble the patties, cook the bacon, and even toast the buns ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply reheat the patties, assemble the sliders, and you’re good to go. Just be sure to store any pre-cooked components in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to put it all together.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While the classic cheddar cheese is a delicious choice, you can certainly experiment with other cheese varieties. Try using pepper jack for a little extra kick, or go for a melty Swiss cheese for a more indulgent flavor. You can even create a cheese blend to take these sliders to the next level.
How can I make these sliders spicier?
If you’re a fan of bold, spicy flavors, you can easily amp up the heat in these Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders. Start by using a spicy BBQ sauce, or try mixing in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the beef mixture. You can also top the sliders with thinly sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder for an extra zesty kick.
Can I make these sliders gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make these Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders gluten-free by using gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps instead of traditional buns. Just be sure to check the labels on any pre-made sauces or seasonings to ensure they are also gluten-free.
How long will these Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders last?
These sliders are best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sliders in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Try These Next
- Smoky Maple Bbq Bacon Meatball Sliders
- Smoky Bbq Pulled Pork Sliders With Tangy Slaw
- Smoky Bbq Pulled Pork Sliders
Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders for Epic Parties
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 sliders
- Category: 🍔 Epic Burgers & Melts
- Method: Baking and Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders are perfect for your next party! Juicy beef patties topped with smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, all packed in soft slider buns.
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 6 slider buns
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup diced onions
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: Pickles for garnish
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, and pepper. Form into small patties that fit your slider buns.
4. 3. Cook the patties on a grill or skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they reach your desired doneness.
5. 4. In the last minute of cooking, place shredded cheddar cheese on each patty and cover to melt.
6. 5. Once the cheese is melted, remove the patties from heat and set aside.
7. 6. Slice the slider buns in half and place them on a baking sheet.
8. 7. Layer each bun with a patty, a dollop of BBQ sauce, crumbled bacon, and diced onions.
9. 8. Top with the other half of the bun and bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes, until the buns are lightly toasted.
10. 9. Serve warm with pickles on the side if desired.
Notes
– For extra flavor, try using smoked bacon or adding jalapeños.
– These sliders can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: sliders, cheeseburgers, BBQ, party food