Late one chilly Friday evening, I was unpacking from a weekend trip to my hometown, boxes still scattered, and the aroma of farm-fresh air lingering in my clothes. My granddaughter popped over, asking for something simple and comforting. I had a head of garlic, a handful of cherry tomatoes, and a packet of chicken in the fridge.
Inspiration struck when I stumbled on old notes about a creamy pasta my mother used to make “in a flash.” With a few modern twists—bacon jam and cream cheese—we whipped this up in under 30 minutes. It was Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta. As she twirled her fork, eyes wide with delight, I felt connected to both past and present.
That’s the beauty of sharing recipes handed down through generations, it’s not just cooking; it’s conversation, memory, and a way to welcome guests, however unexpected.
Short Description
A creamy, savory pasta featuring tender chicken, crisp bacon jam, and smooth cream cheese, all coming together for a comforting, no-fuss weeknight meal.
Key Ingredients
For the Patties:
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground chuck
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
For the 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
For Assembly:
- 6–9 slices American cheese
- Slider buns
- Wagyu tallow or cooking spray
Tools Needed
- Large skillet
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Cutting board and knife
- Slow cooker or pan for patties
- Cheese grater
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Patties
Shape ground chuck into patties. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Chill in the fridge while making bacon jam.
Step 2: Make Bacon Jam
In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Drain half the grease, then sauté onion 10 minutes. Add garlic, cook 4–5 minutes. Return bacon, add brown sugar, bourbon, vinegar, and maple syrup. Simmer 10–15 minutes until thick. Transfer jam to a jar and let cool.
Step 3: Cook Patties
Preheat griddle to medium. Spray with tallow or oil. Cook patties 4–6 minutes per side. After flipping, add cheese slices to melt.
Step 4: Toast Buns
Toast slider buns on griddle until golden.
Step 5: Assemble Sliders
Layer patty on bun, top with bacon jam. Serve warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: Juicy patties meet sweet-salty bacon jam and melty cheese.
Quick & Easy: Meal comes together in under an hour.
Crowd Pleaser: Great for potlucks or family game nights.
Versatile: Easy to make ahead, reheat, or assemble freestyle.
Texture Harmony: Crisp bacon, creamy cheese, tender beef—all in one bite.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Dry Patties: Don’t overcook—juicy meat matters.
Runny Jam: Simmer until thickened, then cool before serving.
Soggy Buns: Toast just before assembly to keep buns crisp.
Overwhelming Sweetness: Adjust sugar or vinegar in jam to taste.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve With: Crisp green salad, coleslaw, or fries.
Style: Buffet-style or build-your-own slider bar.
Drinks: Pair with iced tea, craft beer, or sparkling water with lemon.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store Patties & Jam: Fridge in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freeze Jam: For up to 2 months, thaw overnight.
Reheat Patties: Use skillet or oven (350 °F, 10 minutes).
Convenient Assembly: Prep patties and jam ahead; toast buns warm before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes, just add a bit of extra seasoning since turkey is leaner.
2. Is bourbon necessary in the jam?
No, swap for apple juice or broth for kid-friendly flavor.
3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Try grilled portobellos with shredded cheddar and mushroom “bacon.”
4. What cheese works best?
American melts beautifully, but cheddar or pepper jack also shine.
5. How can I make it lighter?
Use whole wheat slider buns and reduce the bacon quantity in the jam.
Tips & Tricks
Chill patties before cooking for better texture.
Make jam in advance, it tastes even better the next day.
Use low-sodium bacon to control salt levels.
For extra flair, add pickled jalapeños or crispy onions.
Recipe Variations
BBQ Cheeseburger Twist
Swap bacon jam for smoky BBQ sauce and grilled onions.
Use cheddar cheese and serve with coleslaw on top.
Spicy Jalapeño Version
Add sliced jalapeños to the jam.
Top sliders with pepper jack cheese and avocado slices.
Sheet-Pan Party Sliders
Bake patties and bacon together in a sheet pan at 375 °F for 12 minutes.
Assemble on mini slider buns topped with jam and cheese.
Final Thoughts
As I handed out these sliders at a summer block party, I watched neighbors’ eyes light up at that first sweet-and-savory bite. That moment reminded me why cooking is about sharing—not recipes, but something deeper. It connects seasons and generations, turning simple ingredients into new memories.
These sliders aren’t showy, but they bring people close, calling us back to conversation, laughter, and the pleasure of good company. And that, to me, is what cooking is all about.
Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta
Print ThisIngredients
- For the Patties:
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground chuck
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- For the 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
- For Assembly:
- 6–9 slices American cheese
- Slider buns
- Wagyu tallow or cooking spray
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Patties
Form ground beef into small patties. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Chill while making the jam.
Step 2: Cook Bacon Jam
Fry bacon until crisp. Remove half the fat. Cook onions for 10 minutes, add garlic and cook 5 more. Stir in bacon, brown sugar, bourbon, vinegar, and maple syrup. Simmer until thick, then cool.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
Heat griddle to medium. Grease lightly. Cook patties 4–6 minutes per side. Add cheese after flipping.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
Toast buns on the griddle until golden.
Step 5: Build the Sliders
Place patties on buns, top with bacon jam, and serve warm.
