Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders

This bacon cheeseburger sliders recipe captures everything great about a classic cheeseburger in a fun, easytoshare little package. Juicy ground beef seasoned with a secret sauce, melty cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a buttery Dijonbrown sugar glaze come together between soft King’s Hawaiian rolls. It’s perfect for game days, family gatherings, or anytime you want a crowdpleasing, comforting bite without fuss.

I first made these sliders for a Super Bowl party, and they vanished so fast that friends kept asking for the recipe. Now I make them often when I want something that feels indulgent but feeds a crowd easily.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef 85/15: which offers the ideal balance of flavor and fat for juicy sliders
• Onion: adds a mild sweetness and depth when cooked with the beef
• Garlic: for classic savory notes that elevate the meat
• Secret sauce or burger sauce: to bring that special sauce magic and tie all flavors together
• Salt and black pepper: for seasoning the meat just right
• Smoked paprika: adds a warm, smoky hint that deepens the flavor profile
• Garlic powder: boosts the savory taste subtly without overpowering
• Bacon: for that irresistible crispy and salty crunch
• King’s Hawaiian dinner rolls: bring softness and a touch of sweetness that makes the sliders stand out
• Sharp cheddar cheese: melts wonderfully and delivers that rich cheeseburger flavor
• Butter: forms the base of the golden, shiny glaze on top
• Dijon mustard: adds subtle tang and complexity to the butter glaze
• Brown sugar: balances saltiness with a hint of sweet
• Worcestershire sauce: introduces a rich umami note in the glaze
• Sesame seeds: for that classic burger look and a pleasant finishing crunch

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prep Baking Sheet:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside so it’s ready when you assemble the sliders.

Cook the Beef and Aromatics:

Heat a large skillet on mediumhigh. Add the ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned all the way through and no longer pink inside. Use a spatula to break up clumps. Drain any excess grease carefully to avoid soggy sliders.

Season the Beef Mixture:

Transfer the cooked beef mixture into a large bowl. Stir in the secret sauce along with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly so every bite has balanced seasoning.

Cook and Crumble the Bacon:

Return to the skillet. Cook the bacon strips until crispy but not burnt. Let the bacon cool slightly, then crumble into bitesized pieces for easy layering.

Slice the Hawaiian Rolls:

Using a bread knife, slice the slider buns horizontally but keep the tops attached in one piece. Place the bottom half of the buns on your prepared baking sheet.

Layer Cheese, Beef, and Bacon:

Evenly layer 6 slices of cheddar cheese across the bottom buns. Spread the beef mixture on top of the cheese. Add another 6 slices of cheese over the beef. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top. Finish by placing the top half of the buns back over everything.

Prepare and Apply the Butter Glaze:

In a small bowl, mix melted butter with Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Microwave for around 10 seconds if needed to melt the butter fully, then stir until combined. Brush this mixture evenly over the top of the buns. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

Bake the Sliders:

Cover the sliders with foil tenting loosely to keep buns soft while cheese melts. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 5 more minutes if you want the buns lightly toasted and golden on top.

Serve Warm:

Serve these sliders straight out of the oven while the cheese is still melty and the bottoms are soft. They’re fantastic on their own or with classic burger toppings like pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, and red onions.

One of my favorite parts is how the buttery Dijon glaze makes the whole thing feel extra special. It reminds me of making burgers with my family on summer evenings, where the sweet and savory mix would always get compliments. This glaze is what sets these sliders apart from your average burger slider.

Storage tips

Keep leftover sliders in an airtight container stored in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the meat and to keep the cheese melty. You can also reheat in the oven wrapped loosely in foil to preserve moisture.

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have King’s Hawaiian rolls use other soft dinner rolls or brioche slider buns. Ground turkey or chicken are lean alternatives to beef. Try different melty cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a twist. If you want to skip bacon, add grilled mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra flavor.

Serving suggestions

These sliders are perfect with crispy fries, tater tots, or a simple crisp green salad. For parties, add a platter of fresh veggies and dips so guests can customize their sliders. Load them with classic burger toppings like pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, and onions to elevate the experience.

Serve immediately for best gooey melty results. These sliders are easy to scale for parties.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What kind of beef is best for these sliders?

Use lean ground beef (85/15) for a balance of flavor and moisture without excess grease.

→ Can I make these sliders without bacon?

Yes, the sliders are delicious with just beef and cheese but bacon adds a crispy, salty contrast.

→ What rolls work well for these sliders?

Soft dinner rolls like King’s Hawaiian or brioche slider buns provide the perfect slightly sweet base.

→ How do I keep the sliders moist and flavorful?

Drain excess grease after cooking the beef and layer cheese under and over the meat to hold moisture.

→ What’s the purpose of the buttery glaze on top?

The glaze of butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce gives a golden, slightly sweet finish with umami depth.

→ How should leftover sliders be stored and reheated?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days, and reheat in the microwave in short intervals to keep cheese melty.