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Savory BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders

savory bbq bacon cheeseburger sliders - featured image

These sliders combine smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, melty cheddar cheese, and juicy beef patties for a quick and crowd-pleasing cookout favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 12 slider buns (preferably brioche or potato rolls)
  • 12 slices cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • 12 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought mixed with apple cider vinegar and smoked paprika)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional toppings: dill pickle slices, thinly sliced red onion, leafy lettuce or arugula

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to about 400°F (204°C).
  2. Cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently without overworking.
  4. Divide the meat into 12 equal portions (about 2 ounces each) and shape into small, flat patties about 3 inches in diameter.
  5. Grill patties for 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness (internal temperature about 160°F / 71°C). Flip only once.
  6. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese and two bacon strips. Close grill lid or cover with foil to melt cheese.
  7. Slice slider buns and lightly toast them on the grill until golden, about 30 seconds per side.
  8. Assemble sliders by spreading a thin layer of BBQ sauce on the bottom bun, placing the cheesy bacon patty on top, adding optional toppings, drizzling extra BBQ sauce, and capping with the top bun.

Notes

Use slider buns like King’s Hawaiian for best texture. For gluten-free, substitute buns with gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps. Avoid overworking meat to keep patties tender. Cook bacon separately to prevent flare-ups. Toast buns lightly to prevent sogginess. Flip patties only once for best crust.

Nutrition

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