Wo-cheeseburger Sliders With Bacon Recipe

Make sauce

In a medium bowl combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, smoked paprika, grated sharp cheddar, hot sauce (if using) and 1/8 tsp salt. Stir until smooth and refrigerate while preparing other components to let flavors meld (at least 15 minutes).

Crisp bacon

Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil or parchment. Bake 12–18 minutes until crisp to your liking. Remove and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool; when cool, break slices in half if needed to fit sliders.

Prep toppings

While bacon cooks, thinly slice red onion, separate small lettuce leaves, and have pickle chips ready. Keep toppings chilled.

Form patties

Place ground beef in a bowl. Add Worcestershire sauce, finely minced onion, dried mustard powder, 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Gently mix with your hands just until combined — avoid overworking. Divide into 12 equal portions (about 2 oz each). Form thin patties slightly larger than slider buns and make a shallow dimple in the center of each to prevent bulging during cooking.

Preheat skillet

Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil and spread to coat. If using nonstick skillet, you may use a light spray of cooking spray instead of oil.

Cook patties

Working in batches so as not to crowd the pan, place patties in the hot skillet. Cook about 2–3 minutes on the first side until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook 1.5–2 minutes more. During the last 30–45 seconds of cooking, top each patty with a half slice of American cheese (so each slider will get one half-slice) or fold full slices to cover. Remove cooked patties to a plate and keep warm; repeat with remaining patties.

Toast buns

Melt the softened butter and brush the insides of the split slider buns. Return to the skillet or griddle, cut-side down, and toast over medium heat until golden, about 30–60 seconds. Remove and set aside.

Assemble sliders

Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cheesy sauce onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place one warm cheeseburger patty on each bottom bun. Top with a half slice or piece of bacon (or 2 pieces if broken halves), one pickle chip, a small piece of lettuce and a few thin onion slices. Spoon a teaspoon of extra sauce onto the top bun or spread thinly, then close the slider.

Finish (optional oven melt)

If assembling all sliders for a crowd and you want them extra-melty, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange assembled open-faced sliders (bottom bun + patty + cheese + bacon, no top bun) in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil and warm 6–8 minutes to meld cheese and heat through. Add tops just before serving.

Serve sliders immediately while warm. Provide extra sauce on the side. Leftover sauce will keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days; cooked sliders are best eaten the same day.