Looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for summer gatherings? These BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders are just what you need. Juicy beef patties mixed with sharp cheddar, topped with crispy bacon and a smoky barbecue sauce, all served on soft Hawaiian rolls—these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit at your next cookout.
Why You’ll Love These Sliders
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of sharp cheddar, smoky BBQ sauce, and crispy bacon makes each bite a flavor explosion.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and quick prep, these sliders come together in no time.
- Perfect for Parties: The small size and delicious toppings make these sliders ideal for gatherings, whether it’s a summer BBQ or game day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the BBQ Slider Patties:
- 1 Pound Ground Beef (80% Lean): Provides the perfect balance of juiciness and flavor.
- 1/2 Cup Extra Sharp Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, sharp cheese flavor to the patties.
- 1 Tablespoon Barbecue Sauce: Infuses the meat with a tangy sweetness.
- 1/2 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the beef.
- 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder: Adds a savory, sweet onion flavor without needing to chop onions.
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall savory flavor of the sliders.
- Dash of Liquid Smoke: Adds a smoky flavor, perfect for BBQ-style burgers.
- Pinch of Salt: Balances all the flavors and enhances the taste of the beef.
For the Buns & Toppings:
- 8 King’s Hawaiian Rolls, Sliced: Soft, slightly sweet rolls that pair perfectly with the savory patties.
- 2 Slices Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Cut into Quarters: Melts on top of each slider for extra cheesy goodness.
- 4 Slices Cooked Bacon, Cut in Half: Adds a crispy, savory element to each slider.
- 8 Tablespoons Barbecue Sauce: For drizzling over the sliders and adding that signature BBQ flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Slider Patties:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, liquid smoke, and salt. Mix the ingredients together until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Shape the mixture into 8 small slider patties using your hands or a burger press. If you don’t have a burger press, shaping by hand works just as well!
2. Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat a cast iron grill pan or an outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
- While the grill is heating, place the bottom halves of the Hawaiian rolls on a serving platter, ready to assemble the sliders once cooked.
3. Cook the Sliders:
- Grill the slider patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Flip them over once, and immediately top each with a quarter slice of cheddar cheese.
- The sliders are done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the cheese is melted.
4. Assemble the Sliders:
- Transfer the cooked patties onto the bottom halves of the Hawaiian rolls.
- Top each patty with a half-slice of crispy bacon, then drizzle about 1 tablespoon of barbecue sauce over the top.
- Place the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls on each slider to complete the sandwich.
5. Serve:
- Serve the sliders immediately. For an extra fun presentation, stick colorful toothpicks through each slider and arrange them on a large platter.
Tips for Success
- Shaping the Sliders: If you don’t have a burger press, shaping the patties by hand is easy. You can also use a 3-inch cookie cutter to ensure uniform size.
- Grilling Tips: Whether you’re using a cast iron grill pan or a traditional grill, cover the pan during the second half of cooking to help the cheese melt beautifully.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair these BBQ bacon sliders with sweet potato waffle fries or coleslaw for a delicious summer meal.
Serving Suggestions
These BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders are perfect for summer cookouts, game day, or even a casual family dinner. Pair them with classic sides like sweet potato fries, potato salad, or corn on the cob for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Conclusion
These BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders combine juicy beef patties, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and tangy BBQ sauce on soft Hawaiian rolls for the ultimate bite-sized treat. Whether you’re serving them at a cookout or enjoying them as a weeknight meal, these sliders are packed with flavor and guaranteed to be a hit. Give them a try, and watch them disappear from the plate in no time!