
Bacon cheeseburger sliders are my answer when I need a fun appetizer that never fails to please a crowd. With toasty Hawaiian rolls, melty cheddar, and smoky bacon, these sliders deliver everything you love about a juicy cheeseburger in a mini package that is irresistibly easy to eat at parties or family movie nights.
When I served these at my last game day get-together, they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. The blend of barbecue sauce and creamy cheese in the beef truly makes them stand out.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: adds the classic burger flavor and brings protein
- Minced garlic: infuses a savory aroma use fresh if possible
- Sea salt: brightens up all the flavors opt for flaky for more punch
- Dried onion flakes: lend sweet depth with zero prep
- Black pepper: gives gentle spice use freshly ground for best taste
- Cream cheese: makes the filling rich and ensures tender sliders use cubed for easier melting
- Barbecue sauce: adds tangy sweetness and smoky notes pick a brand with a hint of smoke
- Dijon mustard: sharpens the flavor profile
- Hawaiian rolls: bring a soft slightly sweet base choose fresh soft rolls with no cracks
- Cheddar cheese: melts beautifully and gives sharp flavor shred your own to avoid fillers
- Bacon: provides smoky crunch with real meaty richness cook until crispy then crumble
- Salted butter: coats each bun with flavor use high quality for best taste
- Sesame seeds: add crunch and a true burger finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for even baking and perfect cheese melt
- Brown the Beef:
- Add ground beef minced garlic sea salt onion flakes and pepper to a large skillet Cook over medium heat and crumble the meat thoroughly Continue stirring for about 7 to 9 minutes until there is no pink left Remove from heat
- Make the Filling:
- While beef is still hot drop in your cream cheese barbecue sauce and dijon mustard Stir slowly until cream cheese is fully melted and the mix looks creamy and even
- Prep the Buns:
- Lay your Hawaiian rolls in a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish Slice the entire set of rolls horizontally in one movement Set the tops aside Place the bottoms snugly in the dish and make sure to fill any gaps with additional rolls from a second package as needed
- Layer the Cheese:
- Sprinkle half of your grated cheddar evenly over all the bottom rolls This creates an oozy cheesy buffer under the meat
- Build the Sliders:
- Gently spoon the creamy beef mixture across the cheese Layer on crumbled bacon Give a final scatter of the remaining cheddar for a double-cheese effect Put the tops of the rolls back in place
- Add the Topping:
- Melt salted butter gently and stir in sesame seeds Brush every top roll thoroughly for a golden nutty finish
- Bake Covered:
- Cover the dish with foil Bake for 20 minutes to ensure cheese melts and filling is piping hot
- Brown the Tops:
- Remove foil and return to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes Watch closely and bake until tops look deeply golden and slightly crisp

My absolute favorite is the bacon It gives every slider so much crunch and savory flavor My kids love helping sprinkle the cheese and bacon before baking and it always turns into a fun family task
Storage Tips
Keep any leftovers wrapped in the fridge for up to three days For best results reheat sliders in the oven at 350 degrees covered for about ten minutes This helps restore both softness and gooey cheese Avoid microwaving as the bread can become tough
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are out of Hawaiian rolls use any soft dinner rolls or brioche sliders Regular mustard can be swapped for dijon if needed For a lighter version use turkey bacon or ground turkey There is lots of flexibility in the cheeses too Monterey Jack or Colby Jack taste great
Serving Suggestions
Arrange sliders on a platter with crispy pickle chips fresh tomato slices or shredded lettuce on the side They are delicious with baked potato wedges or a big salad For a party try sticking a toothpick in each to make them easy to grab

The Fun History of Sliders
Sliders got their start as mini burgers in diners and drive-ins across America They became a party mainstay for their small size and big flavor This recipe builds on that classic idea by adding saucy beef cheesy layers and of course plenty of bacon
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Yes, pre-cooked bacon works well. Simply crumble and sprinkle over the beef mixture for convenience and flavor.
- → What’s the best cheese for these sliders?
Sharp cheddar melts smoothly and provides a classic cheeseburger taste, but you can try a blend of cheeses for variety.
- → Can other types of bread be used?
Hawaiian rolls are recommended for their sweetness and softness, but dinner rolls or mini buns are also suitable substitutes.
- → How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
Layer cheese on the bottom rolls before adding the meat mixture. Bake uncovered in the last few minutes for crispier tops and bottoms.
- → Are sliders best served warm or at room temperature?
For best texture and flavor, enjoy these sliders warm shortly after baking while the cheese is still melted.