Wo-cheeseburger Sliders With Bacon Recipe

Cook bacon

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top if available. Arrange 6 bacon slices in a single layer and bake 12–18 minutes until crisp to your liking. Remove and transfer to paper towels to drain. Once cooled, cut each slice in half crosswise to fit sliders (optional). Reserve bacon and any drippings for later use.

Mix and form patties

In a large bowl combine 1.5 lb ground beef, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix with your hands or a fork until just combined—do not overwork. Divide the meat into 12 equal portions (about 2 oz each) and form into slightly larger-than-bun round patties, about 2.5–3 inches across and 1/2 inch thick, with a slight indentation in the center of each to prevent doming.

Cook patties

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp vegetable oil. When hot and shimmering, add patties in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook 2–3 minutes per side for medium, flipping once, until an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is reached. If using a skillet, press lightly with a spatula to ensure even contact. During the last 30–45 seconds of cooking, place a halved American cheese slice over each patty so it melts. Transfer cooked patties to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Prep buns

Preheat oven broiler (or keep the oven at 350°F / 175°C if you prefer gentler toasting). Slice 12 slider buns in half horizontally. Brush the cut sides lightly with the 2 tbsp softened butter. If using sesame seeds, sprinkle a little on the top halves. Place buns, cut-side up, on a baking sheet and broil 1–2 minutes or bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until edges are golden — watch closely to avoid burning.

Make sauce

While buns toast, combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tsp yellow mustard, 2 tsp ketchup, and 1 tsp sweet pickle relish in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and adjust seasoning to taste (add a pinch of salt or a dash of hot sauce if desired).

Assemble sliders

Spread about 1 tsp of sauce on each bottom bun. Place a lettuce leaf (or torn piece) on the sauce, then a cheesy beef patty, half a bacon slice (or one piece depending on preference), a couple of pickle slices, and a few thin red onion rings. Add a small tomato slice if using. Top with the bun crown and secure with a toothpick if serving immediately.

If serving for a group and you prefer warm, fully-assembled sliders: arrange all assembled sliders on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes before serving to melt cheese and marry flavors.