Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders: The Ultimate Party Food

Get ready to meet your new favorite crowd-pleaser. These Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders pack all the incredible flavor of a gourmet burger into one perfect, bite-sized package. Imagine sweet and savory bacon jam mingling with juicy ground beef and melted cheddar, all nestled in soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls. It’s an unforgettable combination that will have everyone reaching for seconds, and thirds! Perfect for game day, parties, or an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Why This Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe is a Winner

You’re going to absolutely love this recipe, and here’s why. First, the flavor is simply out of this world. The homemade bacon jam provides a sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy kick that perfectly complements the rich beef and sharp cheddar. Second, they are incredibly easy to assemble. This is the ultimate “pull-apart” dish, making it perfect for sharing. Forget forming individual patties; we bake the beef into a single layer, saving you time and effort. Lastly, they are the perfect make-ahead dish for any gathering, leaving you more time to enjoy with your guests.

The Stars of the Show: Key Ingredients


The magic of these sliders comes from simple, high-quality ingredients. The real showstopper is the bacon jam, but the combination is what makes them truly special.

For the Bacon Jam (It’s Easier Than You Think!)

  • Bacon: The smoky, savory foundation.
  • Yellow Onion & Garlic: Provides a deep aromatic base.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds that essential sweetness to create a jam-like consistency.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Cuts through the richness with a touch of tang.
  • Brewed Coffee: Adds a surprising depth and complexity.

For the Cheeseburger Sliders

  • Ground Beef: Use an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for umami-rich beef.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the perfect melty, tangy counterpoint.
  • Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Their signature sweetness and softness are the perfect vessels for these savory fillings. If you’re a fan of these rolls, you should also try these classic Hawaiian Roll Cheeseburger Sliders.
  • Butter & Sesame Seeds: For that golden, glossy, bakery-style topping.
One single bacon jam cheeseburger slider pulled from the batch, showcasing the juicy beef, melted cheese, and sweet bacon jam.
The perfect bite: sweet, savory, and cheesy!

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders is a simple four-step process. We’ll start by crafting the jam, then cook the beef, assemble, and finally, bake to perfection.

Step 1: Craft the Perfect Bacon Jam

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and brewed coffee. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened into a jam-like consistency. Stir the cooked bacon back in.

Step 2: Prepare the Burger Patties

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef mixture over medium-high heat, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Assemble Your Sliders

Slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without separating them. Place the bottom half in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the rolls. Next, spoon the bacon jam evenly over the beef layer. Top with the slices of cheddar cheese. Place the top half of the rolls on the cheese.

Step 4: Bake to Golden, Melty Perfection

Melt the butter and stir in a pinch of garlic powder and parsley. Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

A pan of fully assembled Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders before baking, showing the layers of beef, bacon jam, and cheese on Hawaiian rolls.
Layering on the flavor before these sliders bake to perfection.

Pro Tips for Irresistible Sliders

Want to make your sliders even better? Here are a few tips. Don’t overwork the ground beef to keep it tender. When making the bacon jam, be patient and let it simmer down to get that perfect thick, rich consistency. For an extra cheesy experience, add a slice of provolone along with the cheddar. For a different take on cheesy, bacon-filled appetizers, these Garlic Cheese Bombs are a must-try.

Delicious Variations to Try

While this recipe is a classic, feel free to customize it. Add some pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick. Swap the cheddar for Swiss or pepper jack cheese. You can also mix in some finely chopped mushrooms with the ground beef for an extra layer of umami. For another great slider idea, check out our BLT Chicken Sliders.

What to Serve with Your Sliders

These sliders are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with classic sides. Serve them alongside sweet potato fries, a crisp coleslaw, or a simple green salad. They are also a fantastic addition to a larger spread of party foods and appetizers.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps keep the buns from getting soggy.

Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders FAQs

Absolutely! The bacon jam can be made up to a week ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the sliders on the day of your event even quicker.


Sharp cheddar is our top choice because its tangy flavor cuts through the richness of the beef and bacon jam perfectly. However, other great melting cheeses like provolone, Swiss, or pepper jack also work wonderfully.


Yes, while Hawaiian rolls provide a signature sweetness that complements the recipe, you can substitute them with any other type of slider bun or dinner roll. Brioche buns would be another excellent choice.


The key is to drain the ground beef thoroughly of any excess grease after cooking. Additionally, don’t let the assembled sliders sit for too long before baking. Baking them right after assembly ensures the buns stay soft but not soggy.


These sliders pair well with a variety of classic sides. We recommend serving them with crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, a creamy coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.


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A pan of fully assembled Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders before baking, showing the layers of beef, bacon jam, and cheese on Hawaiian rolls.
FL Recipes

Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders: The Ultimate Party Food

Elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders. Featuring sweet and savory homemade bacon jam, juicy ground beef, and melty cheddar cheese on soft Hawaiian rolls, they're the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 sliders
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

For the Bacon Jam
  • 1 lb bacon diced
  • 1 yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brewed coffee
For the Sliders
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 lean to fat ratio
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 12 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
For the Topping
  • 3 tbsp butter melted
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish

Method
 

Make the Bacon Jam
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving 2 tbsp of grease in the skillet.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened (5-7 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  3. Stir in brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and coffee. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened. Stir the cooked bacon back in. Set aside.
Prepare and Assemble
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a separate skillet, cook ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until browned. Drain excess grease.
  2. Slice the slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom half in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  3. Layer the cooked ground beef, then the bacon jam, and finally the cheddar cheese slices onto the bottom rolls. Place the top half of the rolls on top.
Bake the Sliders
  1. Melt the butter and brush it over the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  2. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  3. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalProtein: 18gFat: 25gFiber: 1g

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the bacon jam up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The sliders can be fully assembled (before the butter topping is added) up to 24 hours ahead, covered, and refrigerated.
Cheese Swap: Feel free to use other good melting cheeses like Provolone, Swiss, or a Colby Jack blend.
Keyword bacon jam sliders,cheeseburger sliders,hawaiian roll sliders,party food

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We know you’ll love making these Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders. They are the perfect way to bring big flavor to any occasion. If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment below and let us know what you think! We love seeing your creations, so don’t forget to share a photo of your masterpiece on Pinterest!

A close-up overhead shot of golden-brown Bacon Jam Cheeseburger Sliders in a baking dish, with melted cheese and bacon jam peeking out from the sides.
The ultimate party sliders are here! You have to try this recipe.

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