Cowboy Sliders with Bacon: A Delicious Twist on Classic Sliders

Cowboy sliders with bacon are the ultimate comfort food that brings a taste of the Wild West right to your kitchen. These mini burgers are not just a meal; they are a celebration of flavors that evoke the spirit of cowboy culture. Originating from the hearty fare of ranch hands, these sliders have evolved into a beloved dish that combines juicy beef patties, crispy bacon, and a medley of toppings, all nestled in a soft bun. What’s not to love about the smoky, savory goodness of bacon paired with the rich flavor of beef?

People adore cowboy sliders with bacon for their incredible taste and satisfying texture. The combination of crispy bacon and tender beef creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist. Plus, they are incredibly convenient for gatherings, making them a favorite for parties and family dinners alike. Whether you’re serving them at a backyard barbecue or enjoying a cozy night in, these sliders are sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 slider buns (preferably brioche for a touch of sweetness)
• 8 slices of bacon
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1/2 cup diced pickles (optional, for garnish)
• 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Fresh lettuce leaves (for serving)
• Tomato slices (for serving)

Preparing the Beef Patties

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together gently. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can lead to tough sliders.
2. Once the mixture is well combined, divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it into a patty about 1/2 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb; this helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up.

Cooking the Bacon

1. In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon. Make sure to flip the bacon halfway through for even cooking.
2. Once the bacon is cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan for cooking the patties, as it adds flavor.

Cooking the Beef Patties

1. In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, increase the heat to medium-high. Once the pan is hot, add the beef patties. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side without moving them, allowing a nice crust to form.
2. Flip the patties and immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each one. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked to your desired doneness (160°F for medium). If you like your sliders well done, you can cook them a bit longer.

Assembling the Sliders

1. While the patties are cooking, you can prepare the slider buns. If you prefer toasted buns, you can lightly butter the insides and toast them in a separate skillet or under the broiler until golden brown.
2. Once the patties are done, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the sliders juicy.
3. To assemble the sliders, start by placing a beef patty on the bottom half of each slider bun. Top each patty with a slice of crispy bacon, a generous drizzle of barbecue sauce, and any additional toppings you desire, such as pickles, jalapeños, lettuce, and tomato.
4. Finally, place the top half of the slider bun on each assembled slider. You can secure them with a toothpick if you like, especially if you’re serving them at a party.

Serving Suggestions

1. These cowboy sliders are perfect for game day, backyard barbecues, or any casual gathering. Serve them with a side of crispy fries, onion rings, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
2. If you want to elevate the experience, consider pairing the sliders with a selection of craft beers or homemade lemonade. The sweetness of the lemonade complements the savory flavors of the sliders beautifully.

Tips for Perfect Cowboy Sliders

1. For added flavor, you can mix in some chopped onions or jalapeños into the beef mixture before forming the patties.
2. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef

   Conclusion:

   In summary, these Cowboy Sliders with Bacon are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their burger game. The combination of juicy beef, crispy bacon, and zesty toppings creates a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a game day gathering, or simply craving a delicious meal, these sliders are sure to impress your family and friends. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these sliders with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a refreshing coleslaw to balance out the richness of the bacon. You can also experiment with variations by adding your favorite cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or pepper jack, or even swapping out the beef for turkey or plant-based patties for a lighter option. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own. Once you’ve whipped up a batch of these Cowboy Sliders with Bacon, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the love for these mouthwatering sliders together! Print

   Cowboy Sliders with Bacon: A Delicious Twist on Classic Sliders

   

   Print Recipe

   These Cowboy Sliders are delicious mini burgers featuring juicy beef patties topped with crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce. Ideal for game day or casual gatherings, they are sure to impress your family and friends!

   • Author: Maria
   • Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • Cook Time: 20 minutes
   • Total Time: 35 minutes
   • Yield: 8 sliders 1x

   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
   • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   • 1 teaspoon onion powder
   • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • 8 slider buns (preferably brioche for a touch of sweetness)
   • 8 slices of bacon
   • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
   • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
   • 1/2 cup diced pickles (optional, for garnish)
   • 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional, for a spicy kick)
   • Fresh lettuce leaves (for serving)
   • Tomato slices (for serving)

   Instructions

   1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together gently. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can lead to tough sliders.
   2. Once the mixture is well combined, divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it into a patty about 1/2 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb; this helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up.
   3. In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon. Make sure to flip the bacon halfway through for even cooking.
   4. Once the bacon is cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan for cooking the patties, as it adds flavor.
   5. In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, increase the heat to medium-high. Once the pan is hot, add the beef patties. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side without moving them, allowing a nice crust to form.
   6. Flip the patties and immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each one. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked to your desired doneness (160°F for medium). If you like your sliders well done, you can cook them a bit longer.
   7. While the patties are cooking, you can prepare the slider buns. If you prefer toasted buns, you can lightly butter the insides and toast them in a separate skillet or under the broiler until golden brown.
   8. Once the patties are done, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the sliders juicy.
   9. To assemble the sliders, start by placing a beef patty on the bottom half of each slider bun. Top each patty with a slice of crispy bacon, a generous drizzle of barbecue sauce, and any additional toppings you desire, such as pickles, jalapeños, lettuce, and tomato.
   10. Finally, place the top half of the slider bun on each assembled slider. You can secure them with a toothpick if you like, especially if you’re serving them at a party.

   Notes

   • For added flavor, you can mix in some chopped onions or jalapeños into the beef mixture before forming the patties.
   • If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.