Get ready to experience the ultimate bacon extravaganza, folks! I’m Chef Max, and I’m about to take your taste buds on a wild ride with these Maple Bourbon Bacon Explosion Sliders. We’re talking about a mind-blowing fusion of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will leave you begging for more. This dish is a total game-changer, and I promise it’ll have your friends and family fighting over the last bite. So, let’s dive in and unlock the secrets to bacon heaven, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Maple Bourbon Bacon Explosion Sliders
These Maple Bourbon Bacon Explosion Sliders are the ultimate indulgence for all the bacon enthusiasts out there. The combination of crispy, thick-cut bacon, smoky bourbon, and sweet maple syrup is an absolute flavor explosion in your mouth. But it doesn’t stop there! We’re also piling on melted cheddar cheese, tangy pickles, and a fluffy, toasted bun to create the perfect balance of textures and tastes. This recipe is the perfect way to take your backyard barbecue or game day gathering to the next level. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked for life. These sliders are so insanely delicious, they’ll have your taste buds doing the happy dance. Get ready to become the hero of your next party with this epic, bacon-filled masterpiece!
Ingredients
To craft these Maple Bourbon Bacon Explosion Sliders, you’ll need a few key ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch. First up, we’ve got thick-cut bacon that’s been coated in a sweet and smoky maple bourbon glaze. Next, we’ve got melty cheddar cheese, tangy dill pickles, and soft, fluffy slider buns to bring it all together. And let’s not forget the secret sauce – a creamy, zesty mayo-based spread that takes these sliders to the next level. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a bacon lover’s paradise!
- 1 lb – Thick-cut bacon, coated in a maple bourbon glaze
- 8 oz – Cheddar cheese, sliced
- 12 – Slider buns, toasted
- 1 cup – Dill pickle chips
- 1/2 cup – Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp – Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp – Dill pickle relish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheddar Cheese: Pepper jack or blue cheese (for an extra bold flavor twist)
- Dill Pickles: Fresh, crisp red onion slices or tangy, vinegary slaw (for those who aren’t a fan of pickles)
How to Make Maple Bourbon Bacon Explosion Sliders
Let’s get started on these epic Maple Bourbon Bacon Explosion Sliders, shall we? Follow these delicious steps, and get ready to become the ultimate bacon-lover hero.
Step 1: Prep Work
Let’s start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Now, grab that thick-cut bacon and give it a generous coating of the maple bourbon glaze. We’re talking a sweet, smoky, and utterly irresistible flavor bomb here, folks. Arrange the glazed bacon in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and pop it in the oven for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until it’s perfectly crispy.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
While the bacon is working its magic in the oven, it’s time to whip up that epic sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, dill pickle relish, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir until it’s all nicely blended. This sauce is going to tie everything together and take your sliders to the next level of deliciousness.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Alright, now that the bacon is crispy and the sauce is ready, let’s start building these Maple Bourbon Bacon Explosion Sliders. Grab your slider buns and toast them lightly until they’re nice and golden brown. Then, it’s time to start layering! Place a generous portion of the maple bourbon bacon on the bottom bun, followed by a slice of melty cheddar cheese. Top that with a few tangy dill pickle chips, and then add a hefty dollop of that irresistible sauce. Finally, cap it off with the top bun and you’re ready to serve up these epic sliders.
Step 4: Finishing Touches (if needed)
If you really want to take these Maple Bourbon Bacon Explosion Sliders to the next level, try sprinkling a few crispy fried onion strings on top for an extra layer of texture and flavor. Trust me, your taste buds will be doing the happy dance.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Bacon Cooking Tip: Make sure to cook the bacon until it’s perfectly crispy. The contrast between the crunchy bacon and the soft, fluffy bun is what really makes these sliders shine.
- Bun Options: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the bread. Try using Hawaiian rolls or even buttery brioche for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Spicy Variation: Swap out the maple bourbon glaze for a spicy, smoky chipotle-honey version for a kick of heat.
- Creamy Variation: Add a dollop of creamy avocado spread to balance out the rich, savory flavors.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Maple Bourbon Bacon Explosion Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish, perfect for any gathering, from backyard barbecues to game day parties.
Storage: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is highly unlikely), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are warm and toasty.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the bacon and sauce up to 2 days in advance. Just store the crispy bacon and sauce separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and serve the sliders.
Nutrition Information
While these Maple Bourbon Bacon Explosion Sliders are certainly not the healthiest option on the menu, they’re definitely worth the indulgence. Each slider packs a hefty dose of protein from the thick-cut bacon, as well as some essential nutrients from the pickles and buns. Just be mindful of portion sizes and enjoy these decadent treats in moderation. After all, life is all about balance, and sometimes you just need to let your inner bacon enthusiast run wild!
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 27 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bacon and sauce up to 2 days in advance. Just store the crispy bacon and sauce separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and serve the sliders.
Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut?
While regular bacon will work, I highly recommend using thick-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor. The thick slices will really hold up to the sweet and smoky glaze, creating an epic bacon experience.
What’s the best way to reheat the sliders?
For best results, reheat the assembled sliders in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are warm and toasty. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the buns soggy.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian or vegan?
While the bacon is the star of the show, you can absolutely make a vegetarian or vegan version of these sliders. Try using plant-based bacon alternatives or portobello mushroom “bacon” for a delicious meatless option.
How spicy are these sliders?
These Maple Bourbon Bacon Explosion Sliders are not inherently spicy, but you can easily add a kick of heat by tweaking the sauce recipe. Try incorporating a touch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to amp up the flavor.
Print
Maple Bourbon Bacon Explosion Sliders
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
- Total Time: 180 minutes
- Yield: 6 sliders 1x
- Category: 🥓 BACON EMPIRE
- Method: Smoking/Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Maple Bourbon Bacon Explosion Sliders are a delicious mix of sweet and savory, featuring tender smoked bacon, juicy ground meat, and a hint of bourbon. Perfect for BBQs or game day!
Ingredients
1 pound thick-cut bacon
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup bourbon
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
Slider buns for serving
Pickles and coleslaw for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat your grill or smoker to 250°F (121°C).
2. Lay out the bacon strips in a lattice pattern on a sheet of parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, mix the ground beef with bourbon, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
4. Spread the beef mixture over the bacon lattice evenly.
5. Carefully roll the bacon around the beef mixture to form a log.
6. Wrap the log tightly in parchment paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
7. Remove the parchment and place the log on the smoker or grill.
8. Cook for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
9. Remove from the grill and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
10. Serve on slider buns with pickles and coleslaw.
Notes
Make sure to use thick-cut bacon to ensure it holds together when rolled.
You can adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of maple syrup.
For an extra kick, add some hot sauce to the beef mixture!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: bacon, sliders, bourbon, BBQ
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