If you love bold flavors, these Spicy BBQ Jalapeño Sliders are about to become your new favorite. Juicy beef patties slathered in smoky BBQ sauce, topped with melted pepper jack cheese, crispy bacon, and fiery jalapeños—all tucked into a soft, buttery slider bun. These little guys bring the perfect balance of heat, smokiness, and cheesy goodness, making them ideal for game nights, backyard BBQs, or just when you're craving something outrageously delicious.
Spicy BBQ Jalapeño Sliders
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
For the Sliders
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 for juiciness
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional for extra heat
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup BBQ sauce use your favorite
- 6 slices pepper jack cheese
- 6 slider buns
- 6 slices bacon cooked and cut in half
- 2 jalapeños thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp butter for toasting buns
For the Spicy Mayo (Optional but Recommended)
- ¼ cup mayo
- 1 tbsp hot sauce like Sriracha or chipotle sauce
- ½ tsp lime juice
Prepare the Patties
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently—don’t overwork the meat! Form into 6 small patties, slightly larger than the buns (they’ll shrink while cooking).
Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
Sear the Patties
Heat the same skillet over medium-high heat. Place patties in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. In the last minute of cooking, brush patties with BBQ sauce and top with pepper jack cheese. Cover with a lid or foil to melt the cheese.
Toast the Buns
While the patties cook, melt butter in another pan. Toast the buns, cut-side down, until golden brown.
Assemble the Sliders
Spread spicy mayo on the bottom buns. Add a BBQ-coated patty, crispy bacon, and jalapeño slices. Top with the other half of the bun.
Serve and Enjoy!
Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side!
Pairings
These sliders go great with:
- Sides: Sweet potato fries, onion rings, or coleslaw
- Drinks: A cold IPA, classic lemonade, or a smoky bourbon cocktail
- Dips: Ranch or chipotle aioli for extra dipping
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based patties work well—just adjust the seasoning as needed.
2. Are fresh or pickled jalapeños better?
Both work! Fresh jalapeños bring crisp heat, while pickled ones add a tangy bite.
3. What’s the best cheese substitute for pepper jack?
Cheddar, smoked gouda, or Monterey Jack are all great options.
4. How do I make it less spicy?
Use mild BBQ sauce, swap pepper jack for cheddar, and go easy on the jalapeños!
