Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders

These bacon cheeseburger sliders bring everything you love about a cheeseburger into a perfectly sized, shareable snack. Juicy ground beef, melty cheddar, crispy bacon, and a buttery, slightly sweet Hawaiian bun come together in a way that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist. They are fantastic for game day, casual parties, or when you want a fun meal that disappears quickly.

I first made these sliders for a busy family gathering and they instantly became the main attraction. Everyone loved how the layers of cheese and bacon melded with the seasoned beef in soft, buttery buns.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: 85/15 ensures juicy, flavorful patties without too much grease
• Onion: adds natural sweetness and depth to the beef mixture
• Garlic: delivers classic savory warmth that complements the beef
• Secret or burger sauce: brings that special tangy flavor reminiscent of a classic diner burger
• Salt and black pepper: balance and enhance all the flavors
• Smoked paprika: adds gentle smoky warmth without overpowering the beef
• Garlic powder: layers in an extra boost of flavor
• Bacon: is the crispy, salty element that takes every bite up a notch
• King’s Hawaiian dinner rolls: bring soft texture and a hint of sweetness that makes these sliders irresistible
• Cheddar cheese: melts beautifully, giving you double layers for gooey cheesiness throughout
• Butter: is the base for the shiny glaze that crisps up the buns
• Dijon mustard: adds subtle tang to the buttery topping, making it taste bakery fresh
• Brown sugar: brings just the right touch of sweetness to balance the glaze
• Worcestershire sauce: adds depth and umami to the butter glaze
• Sesame seeds: finish the tops, mimicking that fresh off the grill burger appearance

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Beef:

Cook the ground beef with onions and garlic over medium-high heat until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are softened. Break the meat apart so it browns evenly. Drain any excess grease to keep the sliders from becoming soggy.

Mix the Beef Filling:

Transfer the cooked beef to a large bowl and stir in secret sauce, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. This brings that classic burger flavor and a touch of smoky warmth to the meat.

Cook the Bacon:

In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Let it cool for a few minutes before crumbling into bite-sized pieces. This adds needed crunch and saltiness to the final sliders.

Prepare the Slider Buns:

Use a bread knife to slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally but keep the tops connected for easy assembly. Lay the bottom half of the rolls on a lined baking sheet for baking later.

Layer the Cheeses and Meat:

Place six cheddar slices evenly on top of the bottom buns. Spread the prepared beef mixture over the cheese. Add the remaining cheddar slices on top and sprinkle with crumbled bacon. Place the top half of the buns over everything gently.

Make the Butter Glaze:

Combine melted butter with Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. If the butter has solidified, microwave briefly to melt it fully, then stir everything until smooth. This glaze adds a golden shine and complex flavor.

Brush the Glaze and Add Sesame Seeds:

Generously brush the butter mixture over the tops of the buns. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top to give that authentic burger bun look.

Bake the Sliders:

Cover the sliders with foil to keep the buns soft while baking. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese. For a slightly crispy top, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.

Serve Immediately:

Slide a spatula under each portion and serve warm. You can enjoy them plain or offer toppings like pickles, tomato slices, shredded lettuce, and red onion for building classic cheeseburger flavors.

My favorite part is the browned cheese layer under the beef which acts like glue, keeping each slider perfectly intact. One family memory that stands out is making these for a birthday party where kids and adults enthusiastically built their own sliders. It was messy but so much fun and brought everyone together around the table.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness. To reheat, use short intervals in the microwave to warm the sliders gently without drying them out.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find King’s Hawaiian rolls, soft brioche or regular dinner rolls work fine. Ground turkey can be used for a leaner alternative, and you might try different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone for varied flavor and meltscape.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders pair wonderfully with fries, tater tots, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. For parties, add a platter of pickles, sliced veggies, and assorted dips to turn it into a build-your-own slider feast.

These sliders are easy to make and impossible to resist. They are perfect for game day or casual gatherings.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What kind of beef is best for these sliders?

Use lean ground beef (85/15) for a hearty texture with balanced fat that keeps the sliders juicy but not greasy.

→ Can I substitute the King's Hawaiian rolls?

Yes, regular yeast dinner rolls or brioche slider buns work well and provide a similar soft texture.

→ How is the buttery topping made?

Mix melted butter with Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to create a flavorful glaze brushed over the buns before baking.

→ What cheese options work besides cheddar?

Mozzarella, provolone, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and Pepper Jack all melt nicely and can be used alone or combined.

→ How should leftover sliders be stored and reheated?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave in short intervals until warmed and cheese is melty.

→ Can these be made without bacon?

Yes, sliders remain delicious without bacon and can be enhanced with additional toppings like tomatoes or pickles.