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Savory Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders with Easy Caramelized Onions

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These sliders combine smoky bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and tangy BBQ sauce for a juicy, flavorful bite perfect for game nights and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
  • 8 slider buns (soft dinner rolls or mini brioche buns)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • Pinch of salt for onions
  • ½ cup smoky BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Optional toppings: pickles, fresh lettuce leaves, mustard or mayo

Instructions

  1. Prepare the caramelized onions: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced onions, a pinch of salt, and brown sugar. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until onions are deep golden brown and soft. Add a splash of water if onions start sticking.
  2. Cook the bacon in another skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
  3. Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz each). Season with salt and pepper, then gently shape into small patties slightly larger than the buns.
  4. Heat grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 2-3 minutes per side for medium doneness. Add a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty during the last minute to melt. Remove from heat once cheese is melted and patties reach 160°F internally.
  5. Lightly butter the insides of the slider buns. Toast on grill or skillet until golden and slightly crispy, about 1 minute.
  6. Assemble sliders: Spread smoky BBQ sauce on bottom bun. Add cheesy burger patty, crispy bacon slices, a generous heap of caramelized onions, and pickles or lettuce if using. Top with the other half of the bun.
  7. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Caramelize onions slowly on low heat to avoid bitterness. Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy patties. Toast buns lightly to prevent sogginess. Save bacon fat to add smoky flavor when cooking onions or patties. Patties should not be pressed while cooking to retain juices. Caramelized onions can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ bacon cheeseburger sliders, caramelized onions, smoky BBQ sauce, game night food, easy sliders, bacon cheeseburgers

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/savory-smoky-bbq-bacon-cheeseburger-sliders-with-easy-caramelized-onions-recipe/