There’s something irresistibly fun about sliders that makes dinner feel like a special occasion. These Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders take all the flavors we love about a classic bacon cheeseburger and transform them into adorable, perfectly portioned bites that are ideal for everything from game day gatherings to family dinners.
What makes these sliders truly special is how they combine the juicy, savory goodness of seasoned beef with crispy bacon and melty cheese, all nestled between soft, buttery buns. The magic happens when they’re baked together, allowing all those incredible flavors to meld into something greater than the sum of their parts.
Why You’ll Love This
- Perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort – make once, please many!
- Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults to enjoy just as much
- Make-ahead friendly – prep earlier in the day and bake when ready to serve
- Customizable with your favorite burger toppings and condiments
- Easier to eat than traditional burgers with all the same delicious flavors
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 oz cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1-2 packages Hawaiian sweet rolls (1½ packages fills a 9×13 dish)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup salted butter, melted
- 1-2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and have a 9×13-inch casserole dish ready for assembly.
- In a large sauté pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef with garlic, salt, onion flakes, and pepper, breaking it up as it cooks until no pink remains.
- Stir the cream cheese cubes, barbecue sauce, and Dijon mustard into the cooked beef until the cream cheese melts and everything is well combined. Set aside.
- Place the Hawaiian rolls in the casserole dish, cutting some in half if needed to fill the dish completely. Slice off the tops of all rolls in one connected piece and set aside.
- Leave the roll bottoms in the dish and sprinkle 1 cup of the grated cheddar cheese evenly over them.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly over the cheese, then sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top. Cover with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
- Place the roll tops back on. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and stir in the sesame seeds.
- Pour the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls, using a pastry brush to spread the sesame seeds and butter evenly across the surface.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the rolls are heated through.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops are golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before separating into individual sliders.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup of finely diced onions to the beef mixture before cooking.
- Try different cheese varieties – pepper jack adds a nice kick, while Swiss offers a milder flavor profile.
- Make a breakfast version by adding a fried quail egg on top of each slider.
- For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef (cook to 165°F).
- Add thinly sliced pickles between the cheese and top bun for extra tang and crunch.
- For make-ahead convenience, prepare everything up to adding the cheese, refrigerate, then finish baking just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders pair perfectly with crispy oven-baked fries or sweet potato wedges. For a fresher contrast, serve alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a classic coleslaw to cut through the richness of the burgers.
If you’re serving these for game day, complete your spread with some pickle spears, vegetable crudités with ranch dip, and a selection of your favorite chips.
Notes
- Sliders are done when the internal temperature of the beef reaches 160°F.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
- For best results, don’t skip the resting time before cutting – this helps the sliders set up properly.
FAQs
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sliders up to the point of adding the cheese, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then finish baking when ready to serve.
What’s the best type of bun to use?
Hawaiian sweet rolls work wonderfully for these sliders, but any connected slider buns will do. The slightly sweet flavor complements the savory beef and bacon perfectly.
Can I freeze these sliders?
Yes, you can freeze the baked sliders for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through.
How can I tell when the beef is fully cooked?
The most reliable method is to use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat. Ground beef should reach 160°F. The meat should also no longer be pink in the center.
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