Wo-cheeseburger Sliders With Bacon Recipe

In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, yellow mustard, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, hot sauce (if using), and 1/8 tsp salt. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings. Chill in refrigerator while preparing other components (at least 15 minutes).

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top if available. Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on the rack or directly on the foil.

Bake 12–18 minutes depending on thickness and desired crispness. For sliders, cook until slightly under-crisp (about 12–14 minutes) so bacon remains pliable when folded on the bun. Remove and transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. When cool enough to handle, cut each slice in half crosswise to yield 16 halves (2 halves per slider).

While bacon cooks, combine ground beef, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 tsp onion powder in a bowl. Gently mix with your hands just until combined — do not overwork the meat.

Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions (about 3 ounces each). Shape each portion into a loose ball, then flatten to a roughly 2.5–3 inch diameter patty about 3/8-inch thick. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming during cooking.

Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface. When hot, place patties in the pan leaving space between them. Cook 2–3 minutes without moving to form a crust.

Flip patties and immediately place a slice of cheddar on each patty. Cook another 1.5–2 minutes for medium; adjust time 30–60 seconds for desired doneness. If using buns assembled as a tray bake, you can briefly tent the skillet with a lid to help cheese melt.

Remove patties to a plate and let rest 2 minutes. If finishing in the oven (for multiple sliders at once), transfer patties to a baking sheet and place under a hot broiler for 30–60 seconds to finish and melt cheese, watching closely.

Slice slider buns in half. Lightly brush the cut sides with melted butter. Optional: Toast buns, cut-side down, in a skillet or under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.

Spread about 1 tablespoon of WO sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place a lettuce leaf (if using) followed by a cheeseburger patty on each bun bottom.

Top each patty with one halved bacon piece (two halves per slider make a criss-cross if desired), a pickle slice, and a couple of thin red onion rings.

Spread a teaspoon of WO sauce on the top bun and close the slider. Repeat for all sliders.

Serve immediately while warm. Leftovers: store patties, sauce, and buns separately in the refrigerator up to 2 days; reheat patties gently in a skillet or oven so they do not dry out.