Bourbon Bacon Jam Sliders

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Sweet, smokey, salty, and stacked with flavor—Bourbon Bacon Jam Sliders bring serious heart and hustle to the table.

Ingredients

For the Bacon Jam:

• 1 lb thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ tsp fresh thyme, chopped
• ¼ cup bourbon (or sub with 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar + 1 tbsp maple syrup)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

For the Sliders:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
• Kosher salt & black pepper
• 6–8 mini brioche slider buns
• 4 slices sharp cheddar, halved
• Butter for toasting buns

Instructions

1. Make the Bacon Jam:

1. In a skillet, cook diced bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving about 1 tbsp bacon fat in the pan.
2. Add onions and cook over medium-low for 10–15 minutes, stirring often, until deeply caramelized.
3. Stir in brown sugar, bourbon (or the non-alcoholic swap), maple syrup, balsamic, mustard, paprika, thyme, and black pepper.
4. Return bacon to the pan. Simmer on low, stirring occasionally, until thick and jammy (about 10–15 minutes).
5. Let cool slightly before using.

2. Make the Sliders:

1. Form ground beef into 2 oz patties. Season both sides with kosher salt and pepper.
2. Cook patties in a hot cast iron skillet or on a grill until desired doneness. Add cheddar slices during the last minute to melt.
3. Toast brioche buns with butter until golden.

3. Assemble:

1. Spread a generous spoonful of bacon jam on the bottom bun.
2. Top with the cheesy slider patty.
3. Crown with the top bun and serve hot.

Chef Paddy’s Tips

• Make the Jam Ahead: Let the jam chill overnight—the flavor only gets better.
• Customize the Cheese: Smoked gouda or pepper jack bring extra punch if you want to switch it up.
• Pick the Right Buns: Soft brioche or sweet Hawaiian rolls balance the smokey-savory bite perfectly.

Let’s cook with heart and hustle.