Description

Cowboy Sliders are bold, crowd-pleasing mini burgers featuring smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and spicy jalapeños tucked between golden slider buns. Perfect for game day, parties, or quick dinners, these sliders deliver big flavor with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2–3 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
1/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices (optional)
12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls or mini brioche buns)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)
1 tbsp Dijon or yellow mustard (optional)
1/3 cup crispy fried onions
Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop into small bits.
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine ground beef, chopped bacon, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Divide beef mixture into 12 equal portions, roll into balls, and flatten into 2.5-inch rounds. Press a small indent in the center of each patty.
Thinly slice jalapeños, removing seeds for less heat if desired.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Split slider buns and arrange on a baking sheet. Brush tops with melted butter and toast for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden.
Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high. Cook patties 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temp: 160°F).
Top each patty with cheddar cheese and jalapeño slices. Cover pan for 30 seconds to melt cheese, or transfer to baking sheet and broil for 1 minute.
Spread mayonnaise and mustard on bottom buns if using. Place patties on buns, sprinkle with crispy fried onions, and garnish with cilantro or parsley.
Serve hot, ensuring cheese is melty and jalapeños are slightly softened.

Notes

For gluten-free sliders, use gluten-free buns. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use black beans and mushrooms for vegetarian sliders. Toasting buns prevents sogginess. Adjust jalapeño quantity for desired heat. Freeze uncooked patties for quick meals. Add caramelized onions or pickles for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slider
Calories: 210
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 350
Fat: 13
Saturated Fat: 6
Carbohydrates: 14
Fiber: 1
Protein: 11

Keywords: cowboy sliders, bacon cheddar sliders, jalapeño sliders, game day appetizer, party food, mini burgers, easy sliders, comfort food