Savory Maple Chicken And Bacon Sliders

I spotted these sliders during a neighborhood potluck last summer—a long buffet table under string lights, parents laughing, kids chasing fireflies. A friend passed me one, mentioning she’d topped them with maple butter and gooey Gouda, and that moment lingered. Weeks later, I recreated them at home using King’s Hawaiian rolls leftover from a midnight snack run.

On a rainy Tuesday, after errands and shuttling kids to music lessons, I assembled the sliders in under ten minutes. The soft, sweet rolls hugged tender chicken strips, crisp bacon, and melty Gouda.

The oven aroma pulled everyone into the kitchen, and soon we were all crowded around the warm dish, dipping into extra maple butter. It felt nostalgic and playful—comfort food that didn’t take forever to make.

These sliders require minimal prep, make everyone smile, and serve up something that feels a little special. Best of all, I discovered you don’t need a lot of ingredients to create something memorable.

Short Description

Sweet and savory sliders layered with maple butter, tender chicken, bacon, and melty Gouda on soft Hawaiian rolls—a small but mighty bite of comfort.

Key Ingredients

• 12 King’s Hawaiian rolls
• 12 cooked chicken breast strips
• 4–6 slices cooked bacon
• 4 slices Gouda cheese
• ¼ cup maple butter

Tools Needed

• Baking dish (9×13-inch or similar)
• Baking sheet (if warming rolls separately)
• Pastry brush or spoon for maple butter
• Oven thermometer (optional, for accuracy)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Slice Rolls
Carefully slice Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally.

Step 3: Add Maple Butter
Spread an even layer of maple butter on the bottom half of each roll.

Step 4: Layer Fillings
Place chicken strips, bacon, and one slice of Gouda across the bottom rolls.

Step 5: Top and Bake
Add the top half of the rolls and bake 10–15 minutes, until cheese melts.

Step 6: Finish and Serve
Brush the tops with extra maple butter, slice into 12 sliders, and serve warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet‑Savory Harmony: Maple butter, chicken, bacon, and Gouda balance beautifully

Super Simple: Minimal ingredients and fast assembly—even on hectic nights

Crowd‑Ready: Great for brunch, casual dinners, or gatherings

Kid-Tested: Soft rolls and familiar flavors win every time

Make‑Ahead Friendly: Prep fillings in the morning and bake later

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Too much maple butter → Overly sweet or soggy rolls. Brush lightly and evenly.

Cold ingredients → Cheese won’t melt properly. Let components sit at room temp before baking.

Uneven layer → Rolls may not heat evenly. Lay fillings flat and distributed.

Cheese slices too large → Can spill out or not melt evenly. Trim to fit slider size.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve family-style on a wooden board or platter

Pair with fresh green salad or sweet potato fries

Offer dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch on the side

Great for buffet brunches or backyard game nights

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Cool completely, wrap tightly or place in airtight container. Refrigerate up to 2 days.

Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or in a skillet on low heat until warmed through. Avoid microwave to keep rolls from getting soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I use other cheese?
Gouda works best but Swiss or cheddar are tasty swaps. Adjust quantities for melt.

2. What if chicken is cold?
Warm chicken strips before layering to help cheese melt faster.

3. Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, swap chicken and bacon for grilled mushrooms or roasted veggies and use cheddar instead of Gouda.

4. How do I make maple butter?
Blend softened butter with a touch of maple syrup and store it in the fridge until thickened.

5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Freeze unassembled rolls and fillings separately. Assemble and heat when ready.

Tips & Tricks

Brush a little maple butter on the top buns too for extra flavor

For crispier bacon, reheat briefly under the broiler before layering

Use mini slider pans to keep things compact and evenly heated

Let assembled sliders sit a couple of minutes post-bake for toppings to settle

Add a smear of Dijon mustard for a subtle tang if you like

Recipe Variations

Spicy Maple Sliders

Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the maple butter

Use pepper jack cheese

Same assembly—just spiced-up flavor

BBQ Maple Chicken Sliders

Replace maple butter with a light brush of BBQ sauce

Add caramelized onions under the Gouda

Apple Maple Sliders

Layer thin apple slices inside the slider for sweet crunch

Use smoked bacon and sharp cheddar instead of Gouda

Final Thoughts

My family leaned in close around the table, scraping maple butter from the pan, joking about how they could eat a dozen. I love that something so simple feels a bit festive.

It’s not about fancy meals. It’s about sweet rolls, crisp bacon, tender chicken, and cheesy warmth all in every bite. They’ve become a recipe I reach for whenever I want to make a meal feel just a little more special without fuss.