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Smoky Chipotle Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders Recipe with Easy Jalapeño Slaw

smoky chipotle bacon cheeseburger sliders - featured image

These smoky chipotle bacon cheeseburger sliders combine smoky heat, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and a fresh jalapeño slaw for a quick, bold-flavored meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp
  • 6 cheddar cheese slices (sharp or mild)
  • 6 slider buns or mini brioche buns
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 medium jalapeño, thinly sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (regular or light)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and chop roughly once cool. Reserve a tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan for cooking the patties.
  2. Make the jalapeño slaw by combining shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced jalapeño in a medium bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over vegetables and toss well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  4. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions (about 3 ounces each) and shape into patties slightly larger than the slider buns.
  5. Heat reserved bacon fat or a tablespoon of oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness. In the last minute, top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese and cover the pan briefly to melt the cheese.
  6. Slice and toast the slider buns lightly in another pan or under a broiler until golden.
  7. Assemble sliders by spreading jalapeño slaw on the bottom bun, adding the cheesy patty, topping with chopped bacon, and finishing with more slaw if desired. Top with the bun lid.
  8. Serve immediately warm with your favorite sides or dips.

Notes

Reserve bacon fat for cooking patties to add extra flavor. Do not overmix the meat to keep patties tender. Toast buns while patties cook to save time. Rest patties a couple of minutes after cooking to keep them juicy. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and mayo alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoky chipotle, bacon cheeseburger sliders, jalapeño slaw, quick dinner, game day food, easy sliders, smoky burgers