If you're craving something seriously satisfying and built to please a crowd, these BBQ cheeseburger sliders with bacon crumble are about to be your new go-to. Picture this: juicy ground beef patties, melty cheddar cheese, a smoky-sweet BBQ glaze, and a crunchy, salty bacon topping—all stacked into soft, buttery slider buns. They're handheld, addictive, and the kind of thing that disappears in minutes whether you're serving them at a backyard BBQ, game day hangout, or weeknight dinner. These aren't just any sliders—they're packed with bold flavor and texture, making them feel way more special than your average mini burger.
These BBQ beef sliders also take inspiration from roast beef sliders and beef and cheddar sliders by layering in that same meaty richness and cheddar melt appeal. You could even consider them a cousin to BBQ roast beef sliders—except these bring a juicy burger element to the table with a serious crunch from crispy bacon bits. Whether you're a fan of sliced roast beef sandwiches or love a good sliders beef and cheddar combo, this recipe hits all the right notes.
BBQ Cheeseburger Sliders with Bacon Crumble
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine American
Large Skillet or Griddle For searing the patties evenly. A cast iron skillet works beautifully.
Mixing bowl To combine the beef and seasonings.
Spatula Preferably metal or heat-resistant.
Sheet pan or baking dish To assemble and bake the sliders all at once.
Pastry Brush For brushing butter on the slider tops.
Aluminum foil For covering the sliders while baking.
Cutting board and sharp knife For toppings and bacon crumble.
For the Burger Patties
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef 80/20 for juicy patties
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Sliders
- 12 slider buns preferably Hawaiian or brioche style
- 12 slices sharp cheddar cheese or beef and cheddar cheese blend, if you can find it
- 1 cup BBQ sauce smoky, sweet or spicy—your choice
- 6 slices cooked bacon finely chopped or crumbled
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder for brushing the tops
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds optional
Optional Add-ins
- ½ red onion thinly sliced
- Pickles or pickle chips
- Jalapeños for a kick
- A layer of thinly sliced roast beef for a beef-on-beef experience—think bbq roast beef meets burger
Make the Bacon Crumble
Start by cooking your bacon slices until crispy. Once cooled, finely chop or crumble them into small bits. This is your savory topping—like bacon sprinkles that melt into the cheese and BBQ sauce. Set aside.
Prepare the Beef Patties
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough patties.
Divide the mixture into 12 small equal portions. Shape them into patties slightly larger than your slider buns since they'll shrink a bit when cooked.
Cook the Patties
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a light coating of oil if needed. Sear the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and just cooked through. They should still be juicy.
Optional: if you're going for a beef and cheddar sliders vibe with a twist, layer a thin piece of sliced roast beef over each patty during the last minute of cooking and top it with a cheddar slice so everything melts together.
Assemble the Sliders
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a large baking dish or sheet pan, place the bottom halves of all the slider buns. Add a cooked beef patty to each one. Drizzle a tablespoon of BBQ sauce over each patty, then top with a slice of cheddar cheese.
Sprinkle the bacon crumble generously across the tops. Add optional toppings like onions, pickles, or jalapeños if you like a little extra zip.
Place the top halves of the buns on each slider.
Butter and Bake
Mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush the tops of the buns. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the tops if using.
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes, until the cheese is melty and the tops are golden brown.
Serve
Let the sliders rest for 3–5 minutes before slicing or pulling apart. This gives the cheese and sauce time to settle. Serve warm and watch them disappear.
Pairings
These BBQ cheeseburger sliders are bold and rich, so you’ll want sides and drinks that balance or elevate that.
Perfect Sides
- Sweet potato fries or crispy onion rings for texture and sweetness
- Coleslaw to bring a creamy, tangy crunch
- Grilled corn on the cob or elote for a smoky-sweet addition
- Pickle spears or dill potato salad to cut through the richness
Drinks
- Iced tea (sweetened or unsweetened)
- Lemonade with a hint of mint or blackberry
- For older crowds: a hoppy IPA or smoky bourbon cocktail pairs well with the BBQ notes
FAQs
1. Can I use roast beef instead of ground beef?
Yes, if you're leaning toward a roast beef and cheddar or bbq roast beef slider style, you can layer sliced roast beef with cheddar and bake the assembled sliders instead of making patties. It’ll still be delicious—just more like a deli-style beef slider.
2. What type of beef is best for sliders?
For burgers, go with 80/20 ground beef—it gives the best balance of flavor and moisture. If you're subbing in deli meat, look for high-quality sliced roast beef, especially if you're aiming for that classic bbq roast beef sliders flavor.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the patties and cook the bacon ahead of time. Assemble just before baking so the buns don’t get soggy. You can also assemble the entire tray and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours before baking.
4. What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to get creative. A smoky gouda or pepper jack adds a nice twist. If you're using roast beef instead of patties, American cheese or a cheese sauce also works great for that traditional beef and cheddar sliders feel.
5. Can I make this without bacon?
Absolutely. While the bacon crumble adds a salty, crispy contrast, you can skip it or swap in crispy fried onions or even crushed potato chips for texture.
