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Best Brown Sugar Bacon Burger Sliders: Easy 30-Min Recipe

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These Brown Sugar Bacon Burger Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, featuring candied bacon, juicy beef patties, and a tangy sauce on soft brioche buns. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re perfect for game day, parties, or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 12 slider buns (brioche or potato rolls)
  • 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese, cut in half
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
  2. Make the candied bacon: In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Lay the bacon strips on the wire rack in a single layer. Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the bacon, pressing it gently so it sticks. Bake for 15-18 minutes until dark, caramelized, and crispy. Let cool on the rack.
  3. Prepare the burger patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Divide into 12 equal portions and shape into thin patties, slightly larger than your buns. Press a small indent in the center of each patty.
  4. Cook the patties: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the patties for 2-3 minutes per side until a nice brown crust forms. Transfer to a plate.
  5. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Set aside.
  6. Assemble the sliders: Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in a 9×13 baking dish, cut side up. Spread a little sauce on each bottom bun. Place a cooked patty on each, then top with a slice of cheese. Cut the candied bacon slices in half and place two halves on each slider. Place the top buns on.
  7. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Brush this glaze generously over the tops of the buns. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
  8. Bake the sliders: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 3-5 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is fully melted.
  9. Rest and serve: Let the sliders sit in the dish for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve with extra sauce on the side.

Notes

Don’t skip the wire rack for the bacon—it ensures crispy results. Watch the bacon closely after 15 minutes as sugar burns quickly. Use thin patties (about 1/4 inch thick) for even cooking. Toast the bottom buns for 30 seconds under the broiler to prevent sogginess. Let cooked patties rest for a couple of minutes before assembling to retain juices.

Nutrition

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