If you’re looking for a game-changer at your next cookout, these Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders are the perfect choice. With a deliciously savory bacon jam and perfectly cooked sliders, these bites will be the highlight of any meal. The combination of juicy ground chuck patties, melted American cheese, and the sweet and tangy bacon jam creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
One question that often comes up is how to keep sliders juicy and flavorful. The key lies in using 80/20 ground chuck, which has the right amount of fat to keep the meat moist and tender. Additionally, forming one large patty and cooking it on a griddle helps maintain an even thickness and ensures that each slider is perfectly cooked. Adding cheese towards the end of cooking also helps retain the moisture and adds a rich, creamy texture.
Another common concern is about the bacon jam: how do you get it just right? The secret is in simmering the ingredients until they thicken into a paste-like consistency. This way, the jam will hold together well and provide an incredible flavor punch in every bite. Using high-quality bacon and allowing the onions and garlic to caramelize before adding the sweeteners ensures a depth of flavor that complements the savory sliders perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground chuck
- Salt, pepper, and garlic (1 tablespoon each for seasoning)
- 1 pound bacon, chopped into chunks
- 1 whole white onion, diced
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 6-9 slices American cheese
- Slider buns
- Wagyu tallow or cooking spray
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Patty: Flatten the ground chuck in a pan to match the size of the slider rolls, keeping the thickness even. Season the top side with salt, pepper, and garlic. Place the large patty in the fridge once it’s formed to help it hold its shape during cooking.
2. Make the Bacon Jam: In a cast iron skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon and discard half of the bacon grease. Add the diced white onion to the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes until they start to caramelize. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Return the bacon to the skillet, mix well for 1-2 minutes. Add the brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup. Simmer and stir for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens into a paste-like consistency. Transfer the bacon jam to a glass mason jar for storage.
3. Cook the Patty: Heat the griddle to medium. Spray with wagyu tallow or cooking spray. Add the patty and season the backside. Cook for 4-6 minutes, then flip carefully. After 2 minutes, add the American cheese slices, distributing them evenly across the patty, and let them melt.
4. Assemble the Sliders: Toast the slider buns on the griddle until they are golden brown. Remove the large burger patty from the griddle and place it on the bottom buns. Spread a generous amount of bacon jam on top of the patty. Add the top buns and cut into individual sliders. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.
