Savory Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe Easy Homemade Melted Cheddar
These savory bacon cheeseburger sliders with melted cheddar are quick, easy, and perfect for family gatherings or game day. They combine crispy bacon, juicy beef patties, and gooey sharp cheddar cheese in soft slider buns.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
- 12 slider buns (soft, small, preferably brioche)
- 12 slices sharp cheddar cheese (aged cheddar recommended)
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Pickles, sliced
- Leafy lettuce (romaine or butter lettuce)
- Tomato slices
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Optional: Butter for toasting buns (unsalted, softened)
- Optional: Mayonnaise or special sauce (mix mayo, ketchup, and a dash of hot sauce)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Heat skillet over medium heat. Lay 12 slices of thick-cut bacon flat and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Keep bacon fat in the pan.
- Prepare the beef mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 1.5 lbs ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix gently to avoid tough patties.
- Form patties: Divide mixture into 12 equal portions (~2 oz each). Shape into small, slightly flattened patties. Make a shallow indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb.
- Cook the patties: Heat skillet with bacon fat over medium-high heat. Add patties and cook about 3 minutes per side for medium doneness. During the last minute, place a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on each patty and cover pan to melt cheese.
- Toast the buns: Slice slider buns in half. Spread softened butter on cut sides. Place cut side down on skillet or griddle over medium heat until golden and slightly crisp, about 1-2 minutes.
- Assemble sliders: On bottom bun, layer lettuce, cheesy beef patty, crispy bacon slice, tomato, and pickles. Add condiments (mustard, ketchup, or special sauce). Top with bun crown.
- Serve immediately while warm with melty cheese and crispy bacon.
Notes
Avoid overmixing beef to keep patties tender. Make a thumb indentation in patties to prevent puffing. Toast buns just before assembly to avoid sogginess. Use thick-cut bacon for crunch but watch cooking time to prevent bitterness. For gluten-free, swap buns with gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps. Cheese melts best when covered during last minute of cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 16
Keywords: bacon cheeseburger sliders, melted cheddar, easy sliders, game day recipe, party food, comfort food, homemade sliders