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Cowboy Sliders with Bacon: A Delicious Twist on Classic Sliders

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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!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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.

Find it online: https://www.crispplates.com/cowboy-sliders-with-bacon/