Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders

These bacon jam cheeseburger sliders are an absolute crowd-pleaser for any party I bring them to. The rich salty jam caramelizes into the gooey cheese and juicy beef for a flavor bomb in every bite. Whether it is game day or a summer barbecue the tray always disappears in minutes.

Whenever I make these my entire kitchen smells unbelievable and you know it is going to be a hit when everyone is sneaking a taste before they even make it to the table. My kids beg for the leftover bacon jam on toast for breakfast too.

Ingredients

• Eighty twenty ground chuck: This blend keeps the patties juicy The higher fat content makes for better sliders
• Salt pepper and granulated garlic: Each brings out the flavor of the beef and cuts through the richness Use freshly ground pepper for extra punch
• Thickcut bacon: Smokiness and fat build the base for your jam Choose bacon with plenty of marbling
• White onion: Sweet onion softens and flavors the jam Look for onions with tight skins and no soft spots
• Fresh garlic: A little goes a long way Adds depth and balances sweetness from the sugar Use firm tight cloves for best flavor
• Brown sugar: Brings caramelized notes to the jam Light or dark works
• Good quality bourbon: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity The alcohol cooks off so you only get flavor
• Apple cider vinegar: Brightens and balances all the fat Look for raw unfiltered vinegar if possible
• Pure maple syrup: For that sticky sweet finish Choose grade A for the richest maple taste
• American cheese: Melts perfectly and ties everything together Use deli slices for best melt
• Soft slider buns: Holds the fillings while still tender enough for onehand eating
• Wagyu tallow or neutral cooking spray: Helps patties cook evenly and adds a savory crisp edge Wagyu tallow is traditional but spray works too

StepbyStep Instructions

Make the Beef Patties:

Spread your ground chuck into an even layer in a sheet pan Sprinkle salt pepper and garlic all over Press flat to help shape them later Cover with wrap and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes to firm the meat and help the seasoning soak in

Cook the Bacon Jam:

Fry chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy but not burned Remove the bacon to a paper towel and pour out half of the rendered fat Leave the rest in the pan for flavor

Sauté Onion and Garlic:

Add diced onion to the hot bacon fat and cook over medium low stirring often for ten minutes until onions are golden and soft Stir in minced garlic and cook about five minutes longer until everything is fragrant and lightly caramelized

Simmer and Thicken the Jam:

Return cooked bacon to the pan Stir in brown sugar bourbon apple cider vinegar and maple syrup Bring to a simmer Stir frequently and let the mixture gently bubble for about ten to fifteen minutes until it has thickened into a sticky spoonable jam Cool slightly then transfer to a jar or bowl

Cook the Sliders:

Heat a flat griddle or large skillet over medium Brush lightly with wagyu tallow or spray Lay out beef patty rectangles Season the top side again Cook for four to six minutes until deeply browned underneath Flip the patties add slices of cheese and let melt for two minutes until cheesy and gooey

Toast and Build the Sliders:

Slice slider buns and toast cut sides on the griddle until golden Layer with a cheesy beef patty top with a generous spoon of bacon jam Cap with bun Serve hot and cut into single sliders

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I love using thickcut bacon here because it stays chewy in the jam and does not disappear as it simmers My favorite moment is opening the jar after it cools and tasting that first spoonful warm with a little melty cheese The kids always try to sneak some right away

Storage Tips

Store leftover bacon jam in a pint jar with a tight lid in the fridge It keeps perfectly for up to two weeks You can reheat in the microwave or a small pan for just a few seconds before serving Leftover cooked sliders keep covered in the fridge for two days though they are best eaten freshly assembled

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative If you need a nonalcoholic version swap out bourbon for beef broth or extra maple syrup Try cheddar or smoked gouda for a deeper cheese flavor Hawaiian rolls or potato buns work great if you cannot find classic slider buns

Serving Suggestions

Serve sliders piled on a platter with extra bacon jam on the side for dippers Crispy dill pickles ketchup or a swipe of spicy mustard make fun toppers I often add a big salad or tray of fresh veggies to balance all the richness

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Cultural and Historical Notes

Bacon jam is a modern American creation that brings together Southern love of pork with classic diner flavors of onion and sweet glaze Sliders themselves originated in the early twentieth century as portable fast food and have been a party staple ever since This recipe captures both traditions in one irresistible bite

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of ground beef works best?

Choose 80/20 ground chuck for a juicy slider with the right balance of fat and flavor.

→ How do you make bacon jam?

Cook chopped bacon and onions, add garlic, then simmer with brown sugar, bourbon, maple syrup, and vinegar until thickened.

→ Can I prepare the bacon jam ahead?

Yes, bacon jam can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for several days.

→ What cheese melts best for these sliders?

American cheese melts evenly and complements the sweet-savory jam, but cheddar also works well.

→ How do you toast slider buns?

Butter the buns lightly and toast them on a skillet or griddle until golden and crisp.

→ Are there alternatives to bourbon in the jam?

If preferred, substitute bourbon with apple juice or omit for a non-alcoholic option, adjusting sweetness as needed.