Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders with Sharp Cheddar
By Pauline Ortiz
Prep
20 min
Cook
25 min
Total
45 min
Servings
12
Level
Easy
Bacon jam cheeseburger sliders feed 12 party guests at a buffet․ I like to make the bacon jam ahead of time to allow it to cook while you get the rolls and baking dish ready for the cheeseburgers․ The bacon jam has a sweet-and-savory taste with a strong coffee flavor․ Brushed with butter‚ the rolls brown nicely in the oven․
I cook the bacon in a skillet․ I set aside 1 tablespoon of bacon grease to cook the onion‚ eliminating one dirty dish․ I cook the onion 5 to 7 minutes‚ or until softened and translucent․ I add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute․ I cook the jam for 10 to 15 minutes‚ or until it thickens to a spreadable consistency that won't slide off the hamburger patty․
When working with the beef‚ mix the beef and seasonings only until well combined․ I shape the beef into a rectangle the same size as the bread dough slab․ There is no need to make individual beef patties․ Cook the beef on both sides in a pan over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side․ Remove excess grease from the beef before placing it in the baking dish․
Add cheese and top with another layer of rolls․ Brush the top layer of rolls with garlic powder mixed into melted butter and top with sesame seeds․ Bake until the cheese is bubbly‚ leaving the layers of rolls connected in the baking dish․ Let cool briefly after removing from the oven‚ then cut between connected rolls․
Why you'll love this recipe
- A large rectangular burger serves 12 rolls instead of cutting and grilling multiple individual burgers․
- You can prepare the bacon jam and beef patties ahead of time so they are ready to serve with the sliders just before your guests arrive․
- The bacon jam is cooked in the same pan as the beef patty․ This allows for less cleanup after cooking․
- Connected loaves of Hawaiian bread can be separated into portions after baking․ They can be baked in a 9x13-inch pan․
- Sharp cheddar cheese is melted over the jam․ Butter on the toast is toasted with sesame seeds․
- Add red pepper flakes to the bacon jam for a bit of extra spice․
Ingredients
- •8 slices bacon (chopped)
- •1 yellow onion (finely diced)
- •2 cloves garlic (minced)
- •¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
- •2 tbsp maple syrup
- •2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- •¼ cup brewed coffee (strong)
- •1 ½ lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- •1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- •1 tsp salt
- •½ tsp black pepper
- •1 pack King's Hawaiian rolls (12 count)
- •8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- •3 tbsp butter (melted)
- •garlic powder (a dash)
- •1 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1
Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy.
- 2
Lift out the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the skillet.
- 3
Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- 4
Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and brewed coffee.
- 6
Bring the mixture to a simmer, lower the heat, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until thickened to a jam-like consistency.
- 7
Stir the cooked bacon back into the jam and set it aside.
- 8
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 9
Gently mix the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until just combined.
- 10
Shape the beef into one large rectangular patty about the size of the Hawaiian roll slab.
- 11
Cook the patty in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
- 12
Drain excess grease from the beef patty.
- 13
Slice the connected Hawaiian roll slab in half horizontally without pulling apart the individual rolls.
- 14
Set the bottom half of the rolls in a baking dish.
- 15
Lay the cooked beef patty over the bottom rolls.
- 16
Spread the bacon jam evenly over the beef.
- 17
Arrange the cheddar slices over the bacon jam.
- 18
Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese.
- 19
Mix the melted butter and garlic powder in a small bowl.
- 20
Brush the butter mixture over the roll tops and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- 21
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tops are golden brown.
- 22
Let the sliders rest for a few minutes, then slice into individual sliders and serve warm.
FAQ
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
380
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