Cheesy Bacon Slider Bake: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser Recipe

Looking for the perfect appetizer, game-day snack, or even a fun weeknight dinner? Look no further than this Cheesy Bacon Slider Bake! These mini sandwiches are packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and guaranteed to disappear in minutes. Imagine soft, buttery rolls loaded with savory bacon, melty cheese, and a tangy-sweet glaze that takes everything to the next level. This recipe is customizable, foolproof, and sure to become a family favorite.

## Why This Slider Bake is a Winner

* **Easy to Make:** Seriously, anyone can make these. The steps are simple, and the ingredients are readily available.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Bacon and cheese? Need we say more? This combination is universally loved.
* **Customizable:** Want to add some spice? Swap out the cheese? Go for it! The possibilities are endless.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Game day, potlucks, family gatherings – these sliders are always a hit.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble these ahead of time and bake them just before serving.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Slider Buns:** 24 count package of sweet Hawaiian rolls (or your favorite slider rolls)
* **Bacon:** 1 pound, cooked and crumbled. Crispy is key!
* **Cheese:** 8 ounces of cheddar cheese, shredded. You can use a blend of cheeses if you prefer (Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, etc.).
* **Butter:** 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted.
* **Brown Sugar:** 2 tablespoons, packed.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 tablespoon.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Poppy Seeds:** 1 tablespoon (optional, but adds a nice texture and flavor).
* **Dried Onion Flakes:** 1 tablespoon (optional, adds a savory depth).
* **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Parsley:** 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish).

**Ingredient Notes:**

* **Slider Buns:** Hawaiian rolls are a classic choice because they are soft, slightly sweet, and hold up well when baked. However, you can use any type of slider roll you like. Brioche rolls would also be delicious.
* **Bacon:** Cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy. You can cook it in a skillet, in the oven, or even in the microwave. Just make sure it’s well-drained before crumbling it.
* **Cheese:** Cheddar cheese is a great all-around choice for this recipe. It melts well and has a classic flavor. But feel free to experiment with other cheeses! Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a blend of cheddar and mozzarella would all be delicious.
* **Butter:** Melted butter is essential for creating that delicious glaze that coats the sliders. Use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe.
* **Brown Sugar:** Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the glaze, which balances out the savory flavors of the bacon and cheese. Pack the brown sugar when measuring it to ensure you have the right amount.
* **Dijon Mustard:** Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick to the glaze. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard, but the flavor will be slightly different.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of umami flavor to the glaze. A little goes a long way!
* **Poppy Seeds and Dried Onion Flakes:** These are optional, but they add a nice texture and flavor to the sliders. If you don’t have them on hand, don’t worry about it.
* **Garlic Powder:** Garlic powder adds a subtle garlic flavor to the glaze. You can use fresh minced garlic if you prefer, but garlic powder is more convenient.
* **Parsley:** Chopped parsley is used for garnish. It adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor to the sliders.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch baking dish**
* **Large skillet (for cooking bacon, unless baking or microwaving)**
* **Mixing bowl**
* **Measuring cups and spoons**
* **Knife or bread knife**

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part! Here’s how to make these irresistible Cheesy Bacon Slider Bake:

**Step 1: Prepare the Bacon**

* Cook the bacon until crispy using your preferred method (skillet, oven, or microwave). Drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease.
* Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.

**Step 2: Prepare the Rolls**

* Using a large bread knife (serrated knife works best), carefully slice the entire slab of slider rolls horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves connected as one large piece. Imagine slicing a giant sandwich in half. This is crucial for even baking and easy assembly.

**Step 3: Assemble the Sliders**

* Place the bottom half of the slider rolls in the 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure they are evenly spaced.
* Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over the bottom half of the rolls.
* Spread the crumbled bacon evenly over the cheese.
* Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
* Carefully place the top half of the slider rolls back on top of the cheese and bacon.

**Step 4: Make the Glaze**

* In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, poppy seeds (if using), and dried onion flakes (if using).
* Whisk all ingredients together until well combined and smooth.

**Step 5: Pour the Glaze**

* Slowly and evenly pour the glaze over the top of the slider rolls. Use a spoon or pastry brush to ensure the glaze is distributed evenly and seeps down into the cracks between the rolls. Don’t be afraid to use all of the glaze – it’s what makes these sliders so delicious!

**Step 6: Bake the Sliders**

* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will prevent the tops of the rolls from browning too quickly.
* Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
* Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Remove the slider bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
* Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
* Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, bacon-y goodness!

## Tips and Variations

* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a little heat. You can also use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
* **Add some veggies:** Sauté some onions and peppers and add them to the sliders along with the bacon and cheese. This will add some extra flavor and nutrition.
* **Use different meats:** Not a fan of bacon? Use cooked and crumbled sausage, shredded ham, or even pulled pork instead. Get creative!
* **Try different cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a blend of cheddar and mozzarella.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Skip the bacon and use a vegetarian meat substitute or load up the sliders with veggies like mushrooms, onions, and peppers.
* **Add a sauce:** Drizzle the sliders with your favorite sauce, such as ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard.
* **Make it ahead:** Assemble the sliders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
* **Garlic Herb Butter Variation:** Instead of the sweet glaze, try a garlic herb butter. Combine melted butter with minced garlic, dried herbs (Italian seasoning, oregano, thyme), salt, and pepper. Brush over the sliders before baking.
* **Pickle Power:** Thinly sliced pickles (dill or sweet) add a fantastic tangy crunch. Place them on top of the cheese before adding the top buns.
* **Jalapeño Popper Sliders:** Mix cream cheese with diced jalapeños and spread on the bottom buns before adding the cheddar and bacon.
* **French Onion Soup Sliders:** Caramelize onions and mix them with Gruyere cheese. Top with the bun tops and brush with melted butter before baking. Serve with a small cup of beef broth for dipping!

## Serving Suggestions

These Cheesy Bacon Slider Bake are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Salad:** A simple green salad or a Caesar salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the sliders.
* **Coleslaw:** Coleslaw is a classic side dish that goes well with just about anything.
* **Potato Salad:** Potato salad is another classic side dish that’s perfect for picnics and potlucks.
* **Chips and Dip:** Chips and dip are always a crowd-pleaser.
* **French Fries:** French fries are a guilty pleasure that everyone loves.
* **Soup:** A warm bowl of soup is the perfect accompaniment to these sliders on a cold day.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** To reheat the sliders, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they may become a bit soggy.
* **Freeze:** You can also freeze the sliders for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer them to the refrigerator overnight.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per slider)

* Calories: 200-250
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 40-50mg
* Sodium: 300-400mg
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
* Sugar: 3-5g
* Protein: 8-10g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Cheesy Bacon Slider Bake Recipe Card

**Yields:** 24 sliders
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20-25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 24 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls recommended)
* 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
* 1/2 cup butter, melted
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
* 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes (optional)
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook bacon until crispy and crumble.
3. Slice slider rolls horizontally.
4. Place bottom half of rolls in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the rolls, then add the bacon, and top with the remaining cheese.
6. Place the top half of the rolls on top.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, poppy seeds, and dried onion flakes.
8. Pour the glaze evenly over the slider rolls.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tops of the rolls are golden brown.
11. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Enjoy these Cheesy Bacon Slider Bake! They’re the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. Don’t forget to share them with your friends and family!