Some of my best cooking ideas have come not from cookbooks, but from chaos. Last month, we were hosting an impromptu backyard hangout—neighbors, hungry kids, cousins I hadn’t seen in a while, all piled into our little patio space.

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I had burger patties ready, buns thawing, and a playlist humming in the background. But of course, halfway through grilling, the kids decided they didn’t want “big burgers.” Sliders, they said. Tiny burgers, like restaurant ones.

So, I pivoted. I halved the buns, flattened the patties, tossed some bacon into a pan, and in the middle of that frenzy, stirred together what would later be described as “that magic jam stuff.” No one cared that the buns weren’t the fancy bakery kind. Or that I burned one batch of bacon. What mattered was that each bite was sticky, smoky, cheesy, and incredibly juicy.

Now, I make these Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders at least twice a month. They’re compact little flavor bombs, great for game night, family dinner, or even a quick weeknight treat. And truthfully? I think I love them more than the kids do.

Short Description

Savory sliders made with seasoned beef patties, melted cheese, and rich sweet bacon jam—perfect-sized bites bursting with flavor and heart.

Key Ingredients

For the Burger Patties

2 lb ground chuck (80/20)
1 Tbsp salt
1 Tbsp black pepper
1 Tbsp garlic powder

For the Bacon Jam

1 lb 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 (6–8)
Wagyu tallow or cooking spray

Tools Needed

Mixing bowls
Large skillet
Griddle or flat pan
Small jar or bowl for bacon jam
Spatula
Muffin tin or tray for buns

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Patties
In a bowl, gently flatten the ground chuck. Season evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to develop flavor and let the patties firm slightly.

Step 2: Make the Bacon Jam
Heat a skillet over medium. Cook chopped bacon until crispy, then remove. Discard half of the bacon fat, leaving just enough.

In that skillet, sauté onion over medium heat for about 10 minutes until soft and golden. Add garlic; cook 4–5 more minutes until fragrant.

Return bacon to skillet and stir for 1–2 minutes. Add brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup. Simmer over medium-low for 10–15 minutes until thick and jam-like. Transfer to a jar to cool.

Step 3: Cook the Patties
Preheat griddle to medium and grease with tallow or spray. Place patties on griddle and season the top side. Cook 4–6 minutes, then flip.

After 2 minutes, lay one slice of cheese on each patty. Cook until cheese melts and patty reaches 160 °F (71 °C) internal. Remove and let rest briefly.

Step 4: Toast the Buns
Place buns cut‑side down on griddle until lightly golden—just a minute or two.

Step 5: Assemble Sliders
Layer sliders: bottom bun, cheesy patty, a generous dollop of bacon jam, and top bun. Cut in half if desired and serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: Rich beef meets smoky bacon, sweet maple and bourbon jam—each slider a taste memory.

Crowd-Friendly: Perfect for gatherings, game days, or a family meal—easy to serve and love.

Make‑Ahead Jam: Bacon jam can be prepared in advance and stored for up to a week.

Adjustable: Use leaner beef, turkey, or plant‑based options and still get big flavor.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Jam too thin: If it doesn’t thicken, simmer longer and reduce heat. Add a bit more brown sugar.

Dry patties: Handle beef gently and don’t over-press. Let them rest before adding cheese.

Burnt bacon jam: Keep heat moderate and stir often—burnt sugar is bitter.

Soggy buns: Toast buns just long enough for golden edges, not soggy centers.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Serve sliders warm on a platter. Pair with crisp coleslaw, kettle chips, or sweet potato fries.

Offer pickles or mustard on the side. Ideal for family-style meals or casual buffet setups.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftover patties and bacon jam separately in airtight containers in fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat patties in microwave or skillet; gently warm jam before spreading.

Assemble only before serving to prevent soggy buns. Reheat baked sliders in oven at 325 °F for about 5–7 minutes uncovered.

FAQs

1. Can I use turkey or plant‑based beef instead of chuck?
Yes, just watch cook times, as lower-fat proteins may cook faster and dry out.

2. Is it safe to use bourbon in bacon jam?
Yes, the alcohol cooks off during simmering, leaving flavor. If avoiding alcohol, swap with additional apple cider vinegar and water.

3. Can I make bacon jam ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store jam in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

4. How many sliders will this recipe make?
Depends on bun count—generally 6–8 sliders, so adjust patties and cheese accordingly.

5. Can I skip the cheese or use another type?
Yes, cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack all work. Omit cheese for lower dairy and still delicious.

Tips & Tricks

Finely chop bacon for smooth jam texture.

Use a griddle for even heat and control.

Let patties rest off heat to lock in juiciness.

Taste and adjust jam sweetness depending on personal preference.

Recipe Variations

Honey‑Bourbon Bacon/Cheddar Jam: Reduce brown sugar to ⅓ cup, add ¼ cup honey and ¼ cup bourbon; stir extra cheddar into jam just before finishing.

Mini Breakfast Sliders: Cook jam with maple syrup, skip bourbon, top patties with a small fried egg and jam.

Spicy Jam Version: Add ¼ tsp cayenne to jam while simmering for a kick.

Final Thoughts

Some recipes aren’t just about the food—they’re about the fun. These Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders aren’t fancy or fussy, but every bite is layered with love and flavor.

They’re the kind of food you want to share, pass around the table, and laugh over. I never imagined that something as simple as mini burgers could turn into one of our family’s most-requested meals.

From weeknight dinners to weekend get-togethers, these sliders keep showing up, and no one ever complains. The bacon jam alone has developed a fan base of its own—I’ve caught my husband sneaking spoonfuls straight from the jar. And honestly? I don’t blame him.

Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders