Get ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride, folks! I’m about to show you how to whip up the most epic, mind-blowing Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders you’ve ever laid eyes on. This is not your average slider – this is a flavor explosion that’s gonna leave you craving more. So, y’all ready to break some delicious rules today?
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders
These sliders are the ultimate fusion of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The bourbon-infused BBQ sauce adds a mouth-watering depth, while the crispy bacon and melty cheese create the perfect balance of textures. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked! This recipe is absolutely INSANE – and I’m not even sorry about it. These little flavor bombs are guaranteed to make your friends and family drool with serious food jealousy.
Ingredients
We’re talking about some legendary ingredients here, folks. You’ll need ground beef, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, bourbon, BBQ sauce, bacon, and cheddar cheese. The key is to use high-quality, fresh ingredients to make these sliders truly epic.
- 2 pounds – Ground beef
- 1 small – Onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons – Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon – Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon – Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon – Black pepper
- 1/4 cup – Bourbon
- 1 cup – BBQ sauce
- 12 slices – Bacon, cooked until crispy
- 12 slices – Cheddar cheese
- 12 – Slider buns, toasted
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Try pepper jack or smoked gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Bourbon: If you’re not a bourbon fan, you can substitute with whiskey or a splash of stout beer.
How to Make Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders
We’re about to turn your kitchen into flavor paradise, folks! Let’s get to it.
Step 1: Prep Work
First, let’s get the party started by preheating your oven to 400°F and preparing the bacon. Lay the bacon strips on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven until they’re crispy and irresistible, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now, it’s time to tackle the burger patties. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Then, divide the mixture into 12 small, equal-sized patties and get ready to work some magic.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Grab a hot grill or griddle and cook those patties to perfection, about 3-4 minutes per side. While they’re sizzling, it’s time to make the epic bourbon BBQ sauce. In a saucepan, whisk together the BBQ sauce, bourbon, and a pinch of brown sugar. Let that mixture simmer until it’s thick and irresistible, about 5-7 minutes. Now, it’s time to assemble the sliders. Place each patty on a toasted slider bun, top with a generous drizzle of that bourbon BBQ sauce, a crispy slice of bacon, and a melty slice of cheddar cheese. Get ready for a flavor explosion, folks!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Cheese it Up: Feel free to get creative and try different types of cheese, like pepper jack or smoked gouda.
- Bacon Swap: You can swap out the bacon for crispy fried onion strings for a fun twist.
- Cool Contrast: Add a dollop of tangy sour cream or cool avocado to balance out the bold flavors.
- Bourbon Boost: Experiment with the amount of bourbon or try different types to find your perfect flavor profile.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crispy fries, tangy coleslaw, or zesty pickles.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the sliders in the oven or on the stovetop to bring back that irresistible texture and flavor.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the bourbon BBQ sauce in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
Nutrition Information
These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders are a flavor-packed indulgence, but we’re not gonna worry about the calorie count today, folks. After all, life gave us these incredible ingredients – I say we make them LEGENDARY!
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make these sliders even more over-the-top?
For an extra indulgent twist, try topping the sliders with crispy fried onion strings or a dollop of cool, creamy avocado. You can also experiment with different cheeses, like pepper jack or smoked gouda, to really take these flavor bombs to the next level.
Can I make the bourbon BBQ sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The bourbon BBQ sauce is a total game-changer, and you can definitely make it ahead of time. Just whip it up a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the sliders. That way, you can have all the hard work done and focus on grilling those juicy patties when it’s go-time.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The key to reheating these sliders is to keep them nice and crispy. Pop them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and the cheese is melted and gooey again. You can also reheat them on the stovetop in a skillet for a quick fix.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While the classic cheddar is always a crowd-pleaser, feel free to switch it up with something like pepper jack or smoked gouda. These bold cheeses will complement the smoky, bourbon-y flavors of the sliders perfectly.
Do I have to use bourbon, or can I substitute something else?
If you’re not a bourbon fan, no worries! You can easily substitute whiskey or even a splash of stout beer for that rich, caramelized flavor in the BBQ sauce. Just adjust the amount to your taste preferences. The key is to find a spirit or brew that will play nicely with the bold, smoky notes of the dish.
Try These Next
- Smoky Bourbon Bbq Brisket Sliders With Tangy Coleslaw
- Smoky Bbq Beef Brisket Sliders
- Smoky Bbq Pulled Pork Sliders With Maple Mustard Sauce
Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders are the perfect appetizer for any gathering, combining rich flavors and a smoky kick.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup bourbon
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
8 slider buns
4 slices of cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Pickles for garnish
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix ground beef with bourbon, BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the mixture into small patties.
3. Grill the patties over medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
4. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
5. Toast the slider buns on the grill until golden.
6. Assemble the sliders by placing a patty on each bun, topping with crumbled bacon and pickles.
7. Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add jalapeños to the sliders.
These sliders can also be made ahead of time and reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: sliders, BBQ, bacon, appetizers