Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders

These Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders made with Hawaiian rolls bring together the perfect balance of savory and sweet in bite-sized form. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, melted American cheese, and brushed with buttery Everything Bagel seasoning-topped rolls, they are irresistible crowd-pleasers. Whether you are feeding a group or looking for an easy, delicious snack, these sliders hit all the right notes with minimal fuss.

I first made these sliders during a family gathering and everyone kept coming back for more. They have since become the go-to recipe whenever I want to impress guests without spending hours cooking.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: for juicy flavor but less grease ideally with less than 10 percent fat
• Bacon: adds irresistible crispiness and smoky depth
• American cheese: melts perfectly creating a creamy gooey layer
• White onions: diced finely bring a subtle sweetness and texture
• Garlic powder: for a punch of aromatic seasoning
• Onion powder: to enhance savoriness
• Salt: to balance flavors
• Black pepper: for a gentle heat
• Liquid smoke: adds the grilled smoky taste since the sliders bake in the oven instead of on a grill
• Salted butter: to brush the tops making the rolls golden and rich
• Everything Bagel seasoning: for bursts of sesame garlic and sea salt to top off the buttery rolls beautifully
• Hawaiian rolls: offer a soft slightly sweet base that elevates the whole slider experience look for fresh fluffy packs with a glossy top for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Onions and Cook the Ground Beef:

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Add ground beef and break up the meat with a spatula. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and liquid smoke. Stir continuously and cook until the beef is no longer pink and evenly seasoned. Remove from heat and set aside.

Bake the Bacon:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lay bacon strips flat without overlapping. Bake for 12 to 17 minutes depending on your preferred crispiness. Remove bacon from the oven and chop into small pieces.

Assemble the Sliders:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally but keep them connected in one block. Place the bottom half of the rolls into the baking dish. Evenly spread the cooked ground beef over the roll bottoms followed by the chopped bacon. Layer slices of American cheese generously over the meat and bacon double layering if you love cheese like I do. Place the top half of the rolls over everything.

Finish and Bake:

Brush melted salted butter all over the top of the rolls. Sprinkle Everything Bagel seasoning generously to add flavor and texture. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and slightly crisp while the cheese melts perfectly inside.

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Storage Tips

If prepping in advance cook bacon and ground beef early and refrigerate separately for up to three days. Assemble and bake just before serving for best texture. Leftovers keep well covered in the fridge but the rolls may soften over time. Reheating gently in the oven helps restore crispiness.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground beef with ground turkey chicken pork bison or lamb for different flavor profiles. Other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack work if you prefer them melted. If you do not have Everything Bagel seasoning try using a mix of sesame seeds garlic powder and coarse salt or your favorite herb sprinkle.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders alongside crispy potato wedges baked fries with cheese sauce or a fresh kale or coleslaw salad to round out your meal. They also make fantastic party finger food paired with dips like ketchup mustard or a smoky aioli.

Enjoy these little bites loaded with smoky beef melty cheese crispy bacon all hugged by sweet Hawaiian rolls. They might just become your new favorite go-to party food.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of cheese works best for these sliders?

American cheese is ideal due to its excellent melting properties and creamy texture that complements the beef and bacon well.

→ Can I use different buns instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Yes, dinner rolls, brioche, or other soft rolls can be used, but Hawaiian rolls add a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.

→ How should the bacon be cooked for the best texture?

Baking bacon on a lined sheet at 425°F until crispy ensures minimal mess and a perfect crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft rolls.

→ Is liquid smoke necessary in the seasoning?

Liquid smoke adds a subtle smoky depth to the beef, especially since the sliders aren’t grilled, but it can be omitted if preferred.

→ How can I add extra flavor before baking?

Additions like caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms can be layered in before baking to introduce more rich and savory notes.

→ Can these sliders be made ahead of time?

Prepare the cooked beef and bacon up to 3 days ahead, but assemble and bake the sliders right before serving to maintain bun texture.