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Savory Bacon Jam Sliders with Cheddar

savory bacon jam sliders - featured image
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These sliders feature smoky bacon jam caramelized with sweet onions and brown sugar, paired with sharp cheddar cheese on soft slider buns for a perfect sweet-savory bite. Quick and easy to make, they are ideal for game days, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 12 soft mini slider buns (potato buns recommended)
  • 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place the diced bacon in a large cold skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and fat has rendered out. Remove bacon bits with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the skillet.
  2. Add the chopped onions to the bacon fat and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring often, until onions are very soft and caramelized, turning a deep golden brown but not burnt.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup (if using). Stir well to combine and let simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and jammy. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Stir the crispy bacon back into the onion mixture. Mix thoroughly and remove from heat. Let cool slightly.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice slider buns in half horizontally. Spread softened butter on the cut sides, then place them face-up on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
  6. Spoon a generous amount of bacon jam onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. Place the top half of the bun over the cheese and press gently.
  7. Optional: For extra melty cheese, place assembled sliders back into the oven for 3-5 minutes or under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  8. Arrange sliders on a platter and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Keep the bacon fat after cooking for flavor. Caramelize onions low and slow to avoid bitterness. Toast buttered buns to prevent sogginess. If bacon jam is too thick after cooling, warm gently with a splash of water to loosen. Use sharp aged cheddar for best flavor. Variations include adding cayenne for spice, swapping cheeses, or making vegetarian with smoked tempeh or mushrooms and vegan cheese/buns.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon jam, sliders, cheddar, appetizer, game day, potluck, easy recipe, comfort food, bacon, caramelized onions

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/savory-bacon-jam-sliders-with-cheddar-easy-recipe-for-ultimate-flavor/