Y’all ready to take your tastebuds on an epic flavor adventure? Get ready for the ultimate in smoky, sweet, and savory bliss with my Smoky Bacon & Cider BBQ Sliders. These little burgers are about to blow your mind and leave you craving more. Trust me, this recipe is the stuff that dreams (and drool-worthy Instagram posts) are made of!
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Bacon & Cider BBQ Sliders
These Smoky Bacon & Cider BBQ Sliders are the stuff that legends are made of, folks. First, you’ve got the insanely delicious combination of savory, salty bacon and the sweet, tangy zing of cider-infused BBQ sauce. Then, we take it up a notch by piling on the toppings – think crispy onion strings, creamy slaw, and a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce for good measure. It’s a flavor explosion in every single bite! And let’s not forget the soft, pillowy buns that hold it all together. These sliders are the perfect mix of comfort food and gourmet goodness, making them an absolute must-try. Get ready to have your taste buds totally SMASHED!
Ingredients
To create these epic Smoky Bacon & Cider BBQ Sliders, you’ll need a few key ingredients: ground beef, thick-cut bacon, cider-based BBQ sauce, shredded cabbage, carrots, mayo, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and soft slider buns. The combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors is what takes this dish to the next level of deliciousness.
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 8 oz – Thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup – Cider-based BBQ sauce
- 2 cups – Shredded cabbage
- 1 cup – Shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup – Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp – Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp – Brown sugar
- 12 – Soft slider buns
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground beef: Ground turkey or plant-based patties (for a vegetarian/vegan version)
- Cider-based BBQ sauce: Regular BBQ sauce mixed with apple cider vinegar and brown sugar
How to Make Smoky Bacon & Cider BBQ Sliders
Let’s bring these flavor-packed sliders to life, step by step!
Step 1: Prep Work
Let’s get started by prepping all our ingredients. Cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded cabbage, carrots, mayo, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of brown sugar to make a creamy, tangy slaw. Form the ground beef into small slider patties, season them with salt and pepper, and set them aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now, it’s time to bring the heat! Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the slider patties and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through and have a nice sear on the outside. Brush the patties generously with the cider-based BBQ sauce, making sure to coat them completely.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Time to start building these epic sliders! Grab your soft buns and place a saucy, bacon-y patty on the bottom half. Top it with a generous helping of the creamy slaw, then add a sprinkle of those crispy onion strings. Drizzle on some extra BBQ sauce for good measure, then place the top bun on and get ready to devour this masterpiece.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
If you really want to take these Smoky Bacon & Cider BBQ Sliders to the next level, try topping them with a few slices of pickled jalapeños or a dollop of tangy barbecue ranch dressing. The possibilities for flavor combos are truly endless!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Protein Swap: Try making these Smoky Bacon & Cider BBQ Sliders with different proteins, like spicy Italian sausage or shredded chicken.
- Bun Swap: Experiment with different types of buns, like Hawaiian rolls or pretzel slider buns, to really change up the texture and flavor.
- Topping Upgrades: Add some crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist, or go for crispy fried onion strings or pickled red onions for extra crunch and color.
- Sauce Perfection: Be sure to use a high-quality cider-based BBQ sauce, or make your own by mixing your favorite BBQ sauce with apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and a pinch of smoked paprika.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Smoky Bacon & Cider BBQ Sliders are the ultimate party food or game day snack. Serve them up on a platter with extra BBQ sauce and slaw on the side for everyone to customize their sliders to their liking. They’re also great for a casual weeknight dinner, paired with some crispy fries or a fresh salad.
Storage: You can keep the cooked slider patties and slaw in the fridge for up to 3 days. The buns can be stored separately at room temperature for a day or two. When you’re ready to assemble and serve, simply reheat the patties, build your sliders, and enjoy! Just keep in mind that the crispy onion strings and extra sauce are best added right before serving for maximum freshness and crunch.
Reheat: To reheat the slider patties, simply place them in a skillet or on a baking sheet and warm them through, brushing with extra BBQ sauce as needed.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just wait to add the crispy onion strings and extra sauce until right before serving for maximum freshness.
Nutrition Information
These Smoky Bacon & Cider BBQ Sliders pack a serious flavor punch, but they’re also surprisingly nutritious. Each slider contains around 300 calories, with 20 grams of protein, 15 grams of carbs, and 18 grams of fat. The bacon and beef provide a good source of iron and zinc, while the cabbage and carrots in the slaw give you a nice dose of vitamins A and C. Just be mindful of the sodium content from the bacon and BBQ sauce, and be sure to balance these sliders out with some fresh veggies or a light salad.
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 15 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just wait to add the crispy onion strings and extra sauce until right before serving for maximum freshness.
Can I use a different type of bun?
Definitely! These Smoky Bacon & Cider BBQ Sliders would be just as delicious on Hawaiian rolls, pretzel buns, or even brioche slider buns. Choose whatever sounds most tempting to you!
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
For a veggie-friendly version, simply swap the ground beef for plant-based patties or portobello mushroom caps. You can also make your own vegan BBQ sauce by using a tomato-based sauce and sweetening it with a bit of maple syrup or date paste.
How spicy are these sliders?
The level of spice in these Smoky Bacon & Cider BBQ Sliders can be easily adjusted to your taste. For a milder version, skip the pickled jalapeños and use a sweeter BBQ sauce. For an extra kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or use a spicier BBQ sauce.
Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! The creamy slaw can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before topping your sliders for the freshest, crunchiest texture.
Try These Next
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- Smoky Bbq Pulled Pork Sliders
Smoky Bacon & Cider BBQ Sliders
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
Description
These Smoky Bacon & Cider BBQ Sliders are the perfect blend of sweet and savory. Tender pulled pork is combined with smoky bacon and a tangy cider BBQ sauce, all served on soft mini buns. Ideal for parties or game day!
Ingredients
– 1 lb pulled pork
– 6 strips of bacon, chopped
– 1 cup cider
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 12 slider buns
– 1/2 cup coleslaw (optional)
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add chopped bacon. Cook until crispy.
2. 2. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
3. 3. In the same skillet, add the pulled pork and season with salt and pepper. Cook until heated through.
4. 4. Add cider and BBQ sauce to the pulled pork and stir to combine. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
5. 5. While the pork simmers, prepare the slider buns.
6. 6. Once the pork is ready, assemble the sliders by placing a generous amount of the pork mixture on each bun.
7. 7. Top with crispy bacon and coleslaw if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
– These sliders can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
– Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: 🥓 BACON EMPIRE
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg