Flavorful Smoky Chipotle Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders
These smoky chipotle bacon cheeseburger sliders combine bold smoky heat, crispy bacon, and melty cheese into perfect bite-sized portions, ideal for quick and easy party fare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 slider buns (potato or brioche recommended)
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- Optional toppings: sliced pickles, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato slices, chipotle mayo (mayo mixed with chipotle powder)
Instructions
- Lay 8 slices of thick-cut bacon in a cold cast-iron skillet. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the skillet for cooking the patties.
- In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds ground beef with 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Mix gently with your hands just until combined.
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each into a small, flat patty about 3 inches in diameter and ½ inch thick. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent puffing up during cooking.
- Heat the skillet with bacon fat over medium-high heat. Add the patties in a single layer without crowding. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through (internal temperature about 160°F). In the last minute, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover the skillet briefly to melt the cheese.
- Spread softened butter on the inside of each slider bun. Toast them on a separate pan or griddle over medium heat until golden and slightly crisp, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Spread chipotle mayo on the bottom buns, add the cheesy patties, top with crispy bacon slices, and finish with optional toppings. Cap with the top buns.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy patties. Press a thumb indentation in patties to prevent puffing. Cook bacon first and use rendered fat for patties. Avoid pressing patties while cooking to keep them juicy. Rest patties 2-3 minutes before assembling. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Cheese can be swapped or omitted for dietary needs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 18
Keywords: chipotle, bacon, cheeseburger, sliders, party food, smoky, quick recipe, easy, crowd-pleaser