Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders

Name: Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/4 cup bourbon; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 12 slider buns; 6 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped; 6 slices of cheddar cheese; Optional toppings: lettuce, tomatoes, pickles

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Meals

I absolutely love making Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders for gatherings. There's just something about the combination of smoky bacon, savory ground beef, and a hint of bourbon that elevates these sliders to a whole new level of deliciousness. Each bite is a flavor explosion, and they disappear quickly at parties! The recipe is easy to follow, and I promise you, these sliders will be the star of your next get-together. Everyone is always impressed when I serve them, and I can’t wait for you to try them too!

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2026-01-06T22:42:30.902Z

When I first experimented with Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders, I wanted to create something that packed a punch in flavor while being easy to serve. I found that marinating the ground beef in bourbon for just a short time really enhanced the taste without overwhelming it.

Another tip that I discovered along the way is to cook the bacon until it's crispy, which adds a delightful crunch to the sliders. I like to use a mix of sharp cheddar and American cheese, melting it right before serving for that perfect gooey texture. Trust me, this combo is a game-changer!

        Why You'll Love These Sliders
        Sweet and smoky flavors in every bite
Juicy beef paired with crispy bacon
Ideal for game day or backyard barbecues

      

Perfecting Your Sliders

When it comes to making sliders like these Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburgers, the texture and flavor can be influenced by the ground beef you choose. I recommend using an 80/20 blend of beef for a juicy final product. This ratio ensures that the burgers remain moist without becoming greasy. Overworking the meat while forming the patties can lead to tough sliders, so handle the beef gently and make sure to create a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing up during cooking.

The bourbon not only adds a rich depth of flavor but also acts as a tenderizer for the ground beef. Allowing the meat mixture to marinate for at least 10 minutes is crucial because it helps the flavors meld together and lets the alcohol cook off during the cooking process. This gives your sliders a subtle warmth without overwhelming the palate.

Bacon and Cheese Connection

Cooking the bacon until it's crispy is critical for achieving the right texture in your sliders. If it's too soft, it won't provide the desired crunch that complements the juiciness of the beef. Use a large skillet to fry the bacon, keeping it on medium heat for even cooking. Make sure to reserve a bit of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet to cook the patties, as it adds an extra layer of smoky flavor to the burgers.

Adding the cheese with a minute left to cook the patties allows it to melt perfectly without overcooking the beef. For a classic cheeseburger taste, go for sharp cheddar, but feel free to experiment with other types like blue cheese for a stronger flavor or pepper jack for a kick. The key is to ensure the cheese is fully melted, creating a gooey layer that binds the bacon and beef together.

Ingredients

For the Sliders

1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup bourbon
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
12 slider buns
6 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped
6 slices of cheddar cheese
Optional toppings: lettuce, tomatoes, pickles

These ingredients will help you create mouthwatering sliders that everyone will love!

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine ground beef, bourbon, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, then let it marinate for 10 minutes.

Form the Patties

Divide the beef mixture into 12 equal portions and form them into patties. Make sure they are slightly larger than the slider buns as they will shrink while cooking.

Cook the Patties

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the patties for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness.

Add Cheese and Bacon

In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty along with the chopped bacon, allowing the cheese to melt.

Assemble the Sliders

Place each patty with melted cheese and bacon on a slider bun. Add your favorite toppings and serve immediately.

Your sliders are ready to serve and are sure to impress your guests!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, grill the slider buns lightly before assembling. You can also add a splash of bourbon to the caramelized onions for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders can be served on their own, but adding accompaniments can elevate the experience. Consider a tangy barbecue sauce or a zesty aioli to brighten up the flavors. Fresh toppings such as crispy lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and crunchy pickles not only add color but also a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the bacon and beef.

For a fun twist, why not set up a slider bar at your next gathering? This allows guests to customize their sliders with various toppings and sauces, making the experience interactive and personalized. You could also serve them alongside homemade sweet potato fries or a light coleslaw for a balanced meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

To make your cooking process easier, the beef mixture can be prepared up to a day in advance. Just be sure to cover it well and keep it in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to develop even further. Remember to mix the beef gently after marinating to avoid compacting it too much when forming the patties.

If you find yourself with leftover sliders, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, use an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to prevent drying out. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the sliders rubbery. Alternatively, you can freeze cooked sliders for up to three months; simply wrap each slider tightly in foil and store in a freezer bag. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking.

→ What can I use instead of bourbon?

You can substitute bourbon with beef broth or apple cider for a different flavor profile.

→ How do I keep the patties from falling apart?

Make sure to handle the meat minimally when forming the patties, and keep them chilled until cooking.

→ Can I bake these sliders instead of frying?

Definitely! Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the patties on a baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes.