Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders

Sometimes the easiest recipes turn out to be the biggest crowd pleasers. These bacon cheeseburger sliders bring together all the best bits of a classic cheeseburger in a format that's perfect for sharing. Soft sweet Hawaiian rolls sandwich juicy, well seasoned ground beef layered with melted cheddar and crispy bacon, all finished with a buttery Dijon glaze that makes every bite irresistible. Whether it's game day, a backyard party, or just a fun weeknight treat, these sliders will disappear faster than you can say cheeseburger.

I made these sliders for a last minute game day get together, and they were gone within minutes. Now, everyone expects them every time we have people over.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: 85/15 ratio for a juicy but not greasy filling
• Onion: for natural sweetness and to add depth to the beef mixture
• Garlic: to give that classic savory punch that makes burgers taste homemade
• Secret sauce: or your favorite burger sauce for that signature tangy flavor
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to enhance all the other ingredients
• Smoked paprika: to add a subtle smoky warmth that complements the bacon
• Garlic powder: to layer in extra savory notes without overwhelming the beef
• Crisp cooked bacon: adds salty crunch and richness
• King's Hawaiian dinner rolls: for their softness and slight sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory fillings
• Sharp cheddar cheese: that melts perfectly and gives that classic sharp bite
• Butter: as a base for the glaze that browns the buns to perfection
• Dijon mustard: gives a gentle tang to balance the sweet and savory notes
• Brown sugar: to add sweetness and help caramelize the glaze on top
• Worcestershire sauce: for rich umami depth, tying the glaze flavors together
• Sesame seeds: to finish and give that authentic burger bun look

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Start by heating a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the lean ground beef along with diced onions and minced garlic. Cook the mixture, breaking up the beef with a spatula as it browns. This should take about 8 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the onions turn translucent. Make sure to drain any excess grease to avoid soggy sliders. This step builds the flavor foundation.

Season the Beef:

Transfer the cooked beef mixture into a large bowl. Stir in your secret sauce or burger sauce for that special tangy flavor punch. Add salt, freshly cracked black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined. This seasoning mix gives the beef that unmistakable burger taste.

Cook and Crumble the Bacon:

In the same skillet you used for the beef, cook bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Let them cool slightly before crumbling into bite sized pieces. Set aside. The bacon adds a satisfying crunch and salty contrast to the rich beef and cheese.

Prepare the Buns:

Using a serrated bread knife, slice the King's Hawaiian rolls horizontally, but leave the tops connected. Place the bottom half of the buns on a parchment lined baking sheet for easy cleanup and to catch any drips.

Layer the Sliders:

Arrange six slices of sharp cheddar cheese evenly on the bottom halves of the buns. Spoon the beef mixture over the cheese layer, then add the remaining six slices of cheese on top of the beef. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the cheese. Finally, close the sliders with the top halves of the buns.

Mix and Brush the Glaze:

Combine melted butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Microwave briefly if needed to fully melt the butter, then stir well to blend everything into a glossy glaze. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the buns, then sprinkle with sesame seeds to give that authentic burger look.

Bake to Perfection:

Tent the sliders loosely with aluminum foil to keep them soft while the cheese melts. Bake in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes if you want the buns to be golden and slightly toasted on top. This final bake melds all the flavors together and gives you that gooey, melty texture.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the sliders warm. They're delicious on their own or with classic burger toppings like pickles, lettuce, tomato, and red onion. Perfect for a casual meal or party snack that even kids will ask for seconds.

My favorite part has to be the buttery Dijon glaze brushed on top. It gives the sliders a bakery style finish that you don't find in everyday cheeseburger recipes. Once, I made these for a family gathering and everyone raved about the contrast between the soft sweet rolls and the smoky bacon layered with melted cheddar. It's the kind of dish that feels both comforting and a little special.

Storage Tips

Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will keep well for up to three days. When it's time to reheat, heat them in the microwave in short one minute bursts until the cheese is melty again. This keeps the sliders tasting fresh and gooey just like when fresh from the oven.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap King's Hawaiian rolls for other soft dinner rolls or brioche sliders. Ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option without losing flavor. Cheddar cheese can easily be switched to mozzarella, provolone, or Monterey Jack for a different melt and mildness. If you skip the bacon, add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a vegetarian twist.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders are fantastic on their own or alongside crispy fries, tater tots, or a simple green salad to balance the richness. For parties, set out toppings like pickles, sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and red onions so guests can build their own slider just the way they like it. A side of baked mac and cheese or a vegetable platter rounds out the menu perfectly.

These bacon cheeseburger sliders are a crowd pleaser and easy to make. Serve them warm and watch them disappear.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of beef is best for these sliders?

Ground beef with an 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio works best, balancing flavor and juiciness without excess grease.

→ How is the buttery glaze made?

The glaze combines melted butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, brushed over tops before baking for a golden crust.

→ Can I substitute the buns used in this dish?

Yes, regular yeast rolls or brioche slider buns work well as alternatives to the King’s Hawaiian rolls suggested.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Keep sliders airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave in short intervals to maintain melty cheese and warmth.

→ Are there variations for cheese and meat options?

Yes, try mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack cheeses and swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.