Bacon Jam Smash Burger Sliders: The Ultimate Indulgence

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Introduction: The Irresistible Allure of Bacon Jam Sliders

There’s something undeniably magnetic about these Bacon Jam Smash Burger Sliders. The combination of juicy smashed patties, melty American cheese, and sweet-savory bourbon bacon jam creates a flavor explosion that’s impossible to resist. These aren’t your ordinary sliders—they’re a gourmet twist on classic comfort food that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds). Perfect for game days, casual gatherings, or whenever you want to elevate your burger game, these sliders hit that perfect balance of indulgence and craftsmanship. Once you try them, you’ll understand why “I can’t stop making these” is the perfect description.

Ingredients

For the Bacon Jam:

  • 1 pound bacon, chopped (450g)
  • 1 white onion, diced (about 1 cup/150g)
  • 4-5 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons/20g)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (100g)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (60ml)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (60ml)
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup (120ml)

For the Sliders:

  • 2 pounds 80/20 ground chuck (900g)
  • 1 tablespoon salt (18g)
  • 1 tablespoon pepper (9g)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder (10g)
  • 6-9 slices American cheese
  • Slider buns (12-16 depending on size)
  • Wagyu tallow or cooking spray for griddle

Instructions

Preparing the Patties

  1. Place the ground chuck on a baking sheet or large cutting board.
  2. Gently flatten the meat into an even layer about 1/2-inch thick.
  3. Season evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  4. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate while preparing the bacon jam.

Making the Bacon Jam

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to drain.
  3. Discard half of the bacon grease from the pan, leaving the remaining half for flavor.
  4. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the remaining bacon grease and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
  5. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, until fragrant.
  6. Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Add the brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup to the skillet.
  8. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and the mixture has thickened to a jam-like consistency.
  9. Remove from heat and transfer to a jar or container. The jam will thicken further as it cools.

Cooking the Sliders

  1. Heat a griddle or large cast-iron skillet to medium heat.
  2. Spray the cooking surface with wagyu tallow or cooking spray.
  3. Remove the seasoned ground chuck from the refrigerator and cut into slider-sized patties.
  4. Place the patties on the hot griddle, pressing down firmly with a spatula to “smash” them thin.
  5. Season the exposed side with additional salt, pepper, and garlic if desired.
  6. Cook for 4-6 minutes until the edges are crispy and the bottom is well-seared.
  7. Flip each patty and cook for 2 minutes more.
  8. Place a half slice of American cheese on each patty and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Assembly

  1. While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the slider buns on the griddle.
  2. Spread a generous amount of bacon jam on the bottom half of each bun.
  3. Place the cheese-topped patties on the jam-covered bun bottoms.
  4. Add the top buns and serve immediately.
  5. For presentation, cut sliders into sections if desired and serve on a platter.

Nutritional Information and Timing

Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Yield: 12-16 sliders

Nutritional Information (per slider, approximate):

  • Calories: 380
  • Protein: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 12g

Cooking Tips and Tricks

  1. Cold Meat, Hot Griddle: Keeping the seasoned meat cold before cooking helps maintain the fat structure, resulting in juicier burgers.
  2. The Perfect Smash: Use a sturdy metal spatula or burger press for the perfect smash. Press firmly in one motion rather than repeatedly pressing to avoid tough burgers.
  3. Bacon Selection: Choose thick-cut bacon for the jam—it provides better texture and more robust flavor than regular bacon.
  4. Deglazing Magic: When adding the bourbon to the hot pan, it will help deglaze and release all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. For extra flavor, let the bourbon cook for about 30 seconds before adding the other liquids.
  5. Jam Consistency: The bacon jam should coat the back of a spoon when it’s done. If it’s too thin, continue simmering for a few more minutes. It will thicken more as it cools.
  6. Cheese Application: Add the cheese when the burger is almost done and cover with a metal bowl or lid for 30 seconds to help it melt perfectly.

Variations and Substitutions

  1. Meat Options: While 80/20 ground chuck provides the ideal fat content for smash burgers, you could substitute with ground brisket or a blend of chuck and short rib for a more luxurious flavor profile.
  2. Cheese Alternatives: Swap American cheese for sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or blue cheese crumbles for different flavor dimensions.
  3. Alcohol-Free Version: Replace the bourbon with beef or chicken stock plus 1 tablespoon of molasses for a non-alcoholic option that maintains depth of flavor.
  4. Spicy Bacon Jam: Add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the bacon jam for a spicy kick.
  5. Slider Toppings: Consider adding quick-pickled onions, arugula, or a fried egg for gourmet variations.
  6. Sweet Adjustment: Reduce the maple syrup and brown sugar by half for a less sweet, more savory jam.

Common FAQs

Can I make the bacon jam ahead of time?

Absolutely! The bacon jam can be made up to one week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It actually improves in flavor after a day or two as the ingredients meld together.

Why use American cheese instead of other varieties?

American cheese has superior melting properties that create that classic, gooey cheeseburger texture. Its mild flavor also allows the bacon jam to shine without competition.

Can I freeze the bacon jam?

Yes, the bacon jam freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using, and gently reheat if desired.

What if I don’t have wagyu tallow?

Any high smoke-point cooking oil or fat will work well—butter, regular beef tallow, avocado oil, or even a light coating of mayonnaise on the bottom of the patties can create a beautiful crust.

Can I use pre-made bacon jam?

While you can use store-bought bacon jam in a pinch, the homemade version in this recipe offers significantly better flavor with the bourbon and maple notes. It’s worth the extra effort!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  1. Bacon Jam Storage: Store leftover bacon jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in small portions for up to 3 months.
  2. Prep Ahead: The bacon jam can be made days in advance, and the ground chuck can be seasoned and shaped into patties up to 24 hours before cooking (keep refrigerated and separated by parchment paper).
  3. Leftover Sliders: Store assembled sliders in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through.
  4. Bacon Jam Versatility: Make a double batch of the bacon jam—it’s excellent on breakfast sandwiches, stirred into pasta, or as an appetizer topping with cream cheese and crackers.
  5. Freezing Uncooked Patties: Shaped and seasoned patties can be frozen for up to 3 months. Separate with parchment paper and store in freezer bags. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

With this perfect combination of savory beef, sweet-smoky bacon jam, and melty cheese, these sliders truly live up to their reputation as irresistible. Once you master this recipe, your gatherings will never be the same again!