When my neighbor Anita and her husband invited us over for a backyard barbecue one summer evening, I showed up with a small pot of strawberry jam—only to discover she’d prepared a batch of bacon jam to slather on everything. Amid humming cicadas and friendly chatter, the smoky-sweet bacon jam stole the show.
Later that week, I returned home and couldn’t stop thinking about combining it with juicy mini burgers. Inspired, I gathered the ingredients and created these Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders in my kitchen. They turned out even better than I’d hoped: tender slider buns, melty American cheese, savory chuck patties, and that irresistible bacon jam in every bite.
It felt like a family recipe I’d inherited overnight. Ever since then, these sliders have become my ultimate gathering dish—simple enough for weeknight cooking but impressive enough for friends visiting.
The aroma of sizzling beef mingling with caramelized onion and bacon molasses has a way of bringing people together, and I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you, especially if you love that perfect balance of savory, smoky, sweet, and cheesy.
Short Description
These mini cheeseburger sliders are topped with homemade bacon jam, melting American cheese, and nestled in soft slider buns—an irresistible sweet‑and‑savory crowd‑pleaser.
Key Ingredients
Burger Patties
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground chuck
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
Bacon Jam
- 1 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 white onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup maple syrup
Assembly
- 6–9 slices American cheese
- Slider buns
- Wagyu tallow or cooking spray
Tools Needed
- Skillet (large)
- Saute pan or saucepan (for bacon jam)
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Griddle or flat pan for cooking patties
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prep & Chill Patties
Season ground chuck with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Shape into small patties, flatten slightly, and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes.
Step 2: Make Bacon Jam
Cook chopped bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon, discard half the grease, then sauté onion in remaining fat for about 10 minutes, until soft.
Add garlic and cook 4–5 minutes. Stir in bacon, then brown sugar, bourbon, vinegar, and maple syrup. Simmer 10–15 minutes until thickened into syrupy jam. Transfer to a jar and set aside.
Step 3: Cook Patties with Cheese
Heat griddle to medium, lightly coat with tallow or spray. Cook patties 4–6 minutes, flip, then add American cheese on each patty after 2 minutes to melt. Remove when cheese is gooey and patties are cooked.
Step 4: Toast Buns
Lightly toast slider buns on the griddle until golden.
Step 5: Assemble Sliders
Layer each bottom bun half with a cheese-topped patty and a generous spoonful of bacon jam. Finish with top bun and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: The sweet-savory bacon jam paired with seasoned beef and melty cheese makes every bite memorable.
Gathering-Ready: Perfect for potlucks, casual get-togethers, or game night.
Versatile: Great with regular buns or even mini brioche sliders.
Crowd Pleaser: A mash-up of comfort-food favorites in one bite-sized format.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Jam too watery: If bacon jam doesn’t thicken, simmer longer, stirring gently to reduce excess liquid.
Overcooked patties: Don’t press patties—this squeezes out juices. Cook gently and flip only once.
Soggy buns: Be sure buns are lightly toasted to stand up to the jam.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
Serve buffet‑style with small plates so guests can grab sliders easily.
Pair with crisp pickles, coleslaw, or sweet potato wedges.
Offer cold craft beers or a crisp lemon-ginger iced tea to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftover bacon jam in jar in fridge for up to one week.
Save leftover patties separately in container (not assembled).
Reheat patties in a skillet over low heat to retain juiciness.
Rewarm bacon jam gently in saucepan or microwave before assembling anew.
FAQs
1. Can I make bacon jam ahead of time?
Absolutely, it stores well in the refrigerator for up to one week.
2. Can I freeze the sliders?
Freeze patties separately; thaw and reheat gently. Assemble fresh for best texture.
3. What bun alternatives work best?
Mini brioche buns, Hawaiian rolls, or even potato rolls work beautifully.
4. Can I use turkey or plant-based meat?
Yes, adjust seasoning accordingly and cook until just done.
5. Is bourbon necessary in the jam?
It adds depth, but you can substitute apple juice or omit entirely if preferred.
Tips & Tricks
Chill patties before cooking to help them hold their shape and stay juicy.
Stir bacon jam frequently toward the end to prevent burning.
Toast buns until golden—not charred—for best texture.
Let cheese melt under gentle heat—not direct high heat—to avoid toughness.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeños to bacon jam during simmering for heat.
Tangy Kick: Swap apple cider vinegar for balsamic vinegar in jam.
Cheese Swap: Use sharp cheddar or pepper jack in place of American cheese.
Sweet Side: Mix chopped dried figs or dates into bacon jam for extra sweetness and texture.
Final Thoughts
This recipe brings back afternoons spent sharing laughter and stories over the grill, now condensed into bite-sized sliders that carry all that warmth and flavor. I treasure how something as humble as bacon jam, paired with simple patties and soft buns, can feel luxurious and homey at once.
Each slider is a little celebration of texture—the crisp of the jam meeting the ooze of melted cheese and tender beef. It’s the kind of dish that invites conversation, sharing, and seconds. I hope these sliders become part of your family table and gatherings, sparking memories as rich as their taste.
Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders
Print ThisIngredients
- Burger Patties
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground chuck
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- Bacon Jam
- 1 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 white onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup maple syrup
- Assembly
- 6–9 slices American cheese
- Slider buns
- Wagyu tallow or cooking spray
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Patties
Season ground chuck with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Shape into small patties, flatten, and chill for 15–20 minutes.
Step 2: Make Bacon Jam
Cook bacon until crisp. Remove and discard half the grease. Sauté onion in remaining fat for 10 minutes, then add garlic for 4–5 minutes. Stir in bacon, brown sugar, bourbon, vinegar, and maple syrup. Simmer 10–15 minutes until thick and jammy. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook Patties
Heat griddle to medium and grease lightly. Cook patties 4–6 minutes, flip, and top with cheese. Cook 2 more minutes until melted.
Step 4: Toast Buns
Toast buns on the griddle until golden.
Step 5: Assemble Sliders
Place patties on bottom buns, top with bacon jam, and finish with top buns. Serve warm.
