Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders

These bacon cheeseburger sliders bring all the best flavors of a classic burger together in one easy, crowd pleasing dish. Juicy seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar cheese are layered inside soft, slightly sweet King's Hawaiian rolls then glazed with a buttery Dijon topping. They bake up golden and gooey, making them perfect for game day, parties, or casual family meals where everyone can grab a slider and dig in.

I first made these sliders when hosting a crowd for football season and they vanished within minutes. Now they're a go to anytime I want an impressive but simple meal that everyone loves.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef eighty five fifteen: offers good flavor with just enough fat to keep things juicy without being greasy
• Onion: provides natural sweetness and adds depth to the beef mixture
• Garlic: boosts the savory profile with its pungent warmth
• Secret sauce or burger sauce: the flavor glue that gives the beef topping that irresistible special sauce vibe
• Salt and black pepper: essential seasonings to enhance all the savory notes
• Smoked paprika: contributes a gentle smoky heat and complexity
• Garlic powder: adds a subtle extra layer of garlicky flavor without overpowering
• Bacon: crispy and salty, it is the perfect finishing touch to a cheeseburger
• King's Hawaiian dinner rolls: soft, slightly sweet rolls that contrast the savory beef and cheese beautifully
• Cheddar cheese: sharp, melty, and classic, layered under and over the beef for maximum cheesiness
• Butter: the base for the golden, glossy glaze brushed on top
• Dijon mustard: provides a mild tang that balances the sweetness of the glaze
• Brown sugar: adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the salty bacon and cheese
• Worcestershire sauce: boosts umami and adds richness to the butter glaze
• Sesame seeds: the finishing touch that evokes that freshly grilled burger feeling

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Set it aside while you prepare the fillings.

Cook the Beef Mixture:

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground beef together with diced onions and minced garlic. Cook thoroughly, breaking the beef apart with a spatula until it is browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease carefully so the sliders are not soggy.

Mix in the Seasonings:

Transfer the cooked beef to a large bowl. Stir in secret sauce, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Mix everything thoroughly to make sure the beef is evenly seasoned. Set aside.

Cook and Crumble the Bacon:

Using the same skillet, cook the bacon until it is crispy and browned. Remove and let cool slightly. Crumble it into bite sized pieces and reserve.

Assemble the Sliders:

Using a serrated knife, slice the slider buns horizontally but try to keep the tops connected as a whole. Place the bottom half on your prepared baking sheet. Layer six slices of cheddar cheese evenly over the bottom buns. Spread the seasoned beef mixture on top of the cheese layer. Add the remaining six slices of cheddar cheese over the beef, then scatter the crumbled bacon evenly on top. Carefully place the top half of the buns over the entire assembly.

Prepare the Butter Glaze:

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. If your butter is not fully melted, microwave the mixture for about ten seconds then stir well until smooth.

Glaze and Garnish:

Brush the butter glaze evenly over the tops of the buns. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top to add texture and a final burger style touch.

Bake the Sliders:

Cover the sliders loosely with foil to keep the buns soft while cheese melts. Bake in the preheated oven for fifteen to twenty minutes. For extra toasty buns, remove the foil and bake another five minutes uncovered.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the sliders warm. They are delicious on their own or piled high with toppings like pickles, red onions, tomato slices, and shredded lettuce for a true cheeseburger experience.

One of my favorite parts is the butter glaze which turns simple dinner rolls into a golden, slightly sweet, tangy finish that tastes like it came from a bakery. The crispy bacon always gets the biggest smiles at my family gatherings and turns these sliders into an instant hit.

Storage Tips

Leftover sliders should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, microwave them briefly in one minute intervals until warmed through to maintain melty cheese and juicy beef. You can also wrap individual sliders in foil and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have King's Hawaiian rolls, regular yeast dinner rolls, brioche buns, or other soft sandwich rolls work well. For a leaner meat option, substitute ground turkey or chicken. Feel free to vary the cheese like provolone, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack. You can also skip bacon for a classic cheeseburger flavor or add different mix ins like sautéed mushrooms or jalapeños.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders shine as a crowd pleaser at game day, potlucks, or family dinners. Pair them with crispy fries, tater tots, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. For parties, offer an array of toppings like pickles, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce so guests can customize their sliders to taste.

Serve these sliders warm and offer a selection of toppings so guests can customize each bite. Brushing on the butter glaze makes a big difference in flavor and presentation.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What type of beef is best for these sliders?

Use lean ground beef (85/15) to ensure a flavorful but not greasy filling that holds together well during cooking.

→ Can I substitute the King's Hawaiian rolls?

Yes, regular yeast rolls or brioche slider buns work well as alternatives, providing a soft and slightly sweet base.

→ How do I prevent the sliders from becoming soggy?

Drain excess grease after browning the beef and use a layer of cheese beneath and above the meat to keep moisture balanced.

→ What does the butter glaze add to the sliders?

The butter, combined with Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, creates a glossy, flavorful topping that enhances browning and taste.

→ Can these sliders be prepared in advance?

Yes, assemble ahead, then bake before serving. Leftovers can be stored refrigerated and reheated gently to retain melty cheese and flavor.

→ Are there variations to the cheese used?

Cheddar is classic, but you can substitute mozzarella, provolone, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor or melt profile.