There’s something magical about the combination of smoky BBQ beef, spicy jalapeños, and gooey melted cheese, all packed into a soft slider bun. These Spicy BBQ Beef Jalapeño Sliders bring the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savoriness, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for a party, game day, or just a fun dinner, these mini sandwiches deliver big flavor in every bite.
Spicy BBQ Jalapeno Sliders
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
For the Beef
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 for juiciness
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
For the BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup BBQ sauce sweet and smoky preferred
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp hot sauce optional for extra heat
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 2 fresh jalapeños sliced thinly
- ½ cup crispy fried onions optional, for crunch
- 12 slider buns
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder for brushing buns
Prepare the Beef Patties
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Mix gently (don’t overwork the meat).
Divide into 12 small patties, slightly larger than the slider buns since they shrink when cooked.
Cook the Patties
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease it.
Cook each patty for about 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
In the last minute of cooking, place a pinch of shredded pepper jack cheese on each patty so it melts.
Make the BBQ Sauce
In a small saucepan, mix BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce.
Simmer on low heat for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Assemble the Sliders
Place the bottom half of the slider buns on a baking sheet.
Place a beef patty on each bun, drizzle with BBQ sauce, and top with jalapeño slices and crispy fried onions.
Place the top bun on each slider.
Toast the Sliders
Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter and garlic powder.
Toast in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or until slightly golden.
Serve & Enjoy!
Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Pairings
These sliders are bold and flavorful, so pair them with:
- Crispy sweet potato fries – balances the spice with a little sweetness.
- Creamy coleslaw – adds a cool, crunchy contrast.
- Cold beer or lemonade – for the perfect refreshing sip.
FAQs
1. What kind of beef should I use?
A blend of 80/20 ground beef is best—it keeps the patties juicy and flavorful. Leaner beef (90/10) may dry out too quickly.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the patties in advance and reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes before assembling.
3. Are there alternatives to jalapeños?
If you want milder heat, swap fresh jalapeños for pickled jalapeños or grilled poblano peppers. If you want extra fire, try habaneros!
4. Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or smoked gouda work great with BBQ flavors.
