Juicy Mini Burgers with Sweet-Savory Bourbon Bacon Jam – The Ultimate Game-Day Bite!
🔥 Introduction
These Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders are irresistibly messy, flavor-packed mini burgers smothered in a rich, sticky bacon jam made with bourbon, maple syrup, and caramelized onions. Perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast!
Why you’ll love them:
✅ Sweet & smoky bacon jam takes these sliders to the next level.
✅ Juicy 80/20 beef patties stay tender and flavorful.
✅ Easy to make ahead—just assemble and serve!
📝 Ingredients
For the Bacon Jam:
- 1 lb bacon, chopped
- 1 white onion, diced
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup bourbon (or sub apple juice)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup maple syrup
For the Sliders:
- 2 lb 80/20 ground chuck
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 6–9 slices American cheese (or cheddar)
- Slider buns (Hawaiian rolls work great!)
- Cooking spray or tallow (for griddle)
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Shape the Patties
- Press ground chuck into one large, even patty (or divide into mini-patties).
- Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Chill in fridge while making bacon jam (helps patties hold shape).
2. Make the Bacon Jam (Can be made ahead!)
- In a cast-iron skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove, leaving 2 Tbsp grease.
- Sauté onions 8–10 mins until caramelized, then add garlic for 1 min.
- Return bacon, then stir in brown sugar, bourbon, vinegar, and maple syrup.
- Simmer 10–15 mins, stirring, until thick like jam. Transfer to a jar.
3. Cook the Sliders
- Heat a griddle or skillet to medium-high. Lightly grease.
- Cook patty(ies) 4–6 mins per side (if making one big patty, flip carefully).
- Top with cheese during the last 1–2 mins to melt.
4. Toast Buns & Assemble
- Lightly toast buns on the griddle.
- Place cheeseburger on bottom bun, smother with warm bacon jam, and top with bun.
- Slice into sliders if using one large patty.
🌟 Pro Tips for Perfect Sliders
🍞 Bun Hack: Brush buns with garlic butter before toasting for extra flavor.
🧀 Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or smoked gouda for a twist.
🍺 Bourbon Substitute: Use beer or apple juice if avoiding alcohol.
⏳ Make-Ahead: Bacon jam keeps for 1 week in the fridge—reheat before using.
🔥 Crispy Edge Trick: Smash patties slightly on the griddle for a caramelized crust.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these without bourbon?
Yes! Substitute with apple juice, beef broth, or extra vinegar.
2. How do I keep the sliders from drying out?
- Use 80/20 beef (fat = juiciness).
- Don’t overcook—4–6 mins per side is enough.
3. Can I use store-bought bacon jam?
Sure, but homemade tastes better! (Try [brand name] in a pinch.)
4. How do I reheat leftovers?
- Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 10 mins.
- Air fryer: 3–4 mins at 375°F (190°C).
5. Can I freeze these?
- Cooked patties & bacon jam freeze well for 1 month.
- Assemble fresh after reheating.
🍻 Final Thoughts
These Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—juicy, cheesy, and packed with sweet-savory bacon goodness. Whether you’re serving them at a tailgate, BBQ, or weeknight dinner, they’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
“Warning: Highly addictive. No slider left behind!” 🚨🍔
Tag us in your slider pics! 📸 #BaconJamSliders
