Irresistible Candied Bacon BLT Sliders

Get ready to elevate your party food game with these irresistible Candied Bacon BLT Sliders! This recipe is a delightful twist on the classic BLT, featuring thick-cut bacon coated in a sweet and spicy glaze that will have your taste buds dancing. The combination of crispy candied bacon, cool lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and buttery garlic buns creates a flavor explosion that will impress even the pickiest eaters.

The secret to these sliders lies in the perfectly caramelized brown sugar coating on the bacon, which adds a glossy finish and a rich, indulgent flavor. The addition of smoked paprika, black pepper, and a hint of cayenne pepper provides depth and balance to the sweetness, making every bite a culinary delight. And let’s not forget about the garlic butter – spreading it on the buns and toasting them to golden perfection takes these sliders from good to absolutely incredible.

Whether you’re hosting a party or looking to spice up your weeknight dinner, these Candied Bacon BLT Sliders are guaranteed to be a hit. With make-ahead options and endless customization possibilities, this recipe is not just delicious but also versatile and fun to experiment with. So, roll up your sleeves, get creative in the kitchen, and treat yourself to a gourmet experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression!

Quick Benefits

• Irresistible Flavor Contrast: The sweet and spicy candied bacon pairs perfectly with the cool lettuce and juicy tomatoes, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Components like the candied bacon and garlic butter can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal dish for parties where you can simply assemble the sliders when guests arrive.
• Versatile Customization: From adding cheddar cheese to swapping lettuce for arugula or incorporating avocado, there are endless ways to customize these sliders to suit your taste preferences and make them your own signature dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Snack: These sliders are not only satisfying but also easy to eat with one hand, making them a hit at parties where guests can enjoy multiple sliders while mingling.

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Candied Bacon BLT Sliders Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The sweet and spicy candied bacon paired with cool lettuce and juicy tomatoes creates a delicious contrast of flavors in every bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Food: These sliders are a hit at parties and potlucks, disappearing quickly and leaving guests asking for the recipe.
• Simple Yet Gourmet: The buttery garlic buns elevate the sliders to a gourmet level without requiring complicated cooking techniques.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Components like the candied bacon and garlic butter can be prepared in advance, making it easy to assemble the sliders when guests arrive.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily customize the sliders by adding cheese, arugula, avocado, or other favorite ingredients to suit different preferences.
• Family-Friendly: The slight heat from cayenne is balanced by the sweetness, making these sliders enjoyable even for those who are sensitive to spicy foods.
• Leftover Potential: Any remaining candied bacon can be refrigerated and used in salads, pasta, or as a standalone snack, giving this recipe a delicious second life.
• Perfect Party Size: These sliders are the ideal size for social gatherings, allowing guests to mingle while enjoying a satisfying and flavorful snack.
• Memorable Twist on a Classic: The candied bacon twist on the traditional BLT makes these sliders stand out, providing a special and memorable dining experience.
• Restaurant-Quality Results: With minimal effort, you can achieve restaurant-quality sliders that look and taste like something you’d enjoy at a trendy eatery.

Ingredients for Irresistible Candied Bacon BLT Sliders

Slider Components

• 1 lb thick-cut center-cut bacon
• 1/4 head iceberg lettuce, cut into slider portions
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2-3 Roma tomatoes, sliced thick
• Mayonnaise (about 1 tbsp per slider)
• 9 sweet slider buns (King’s Hawaiian or brioche)

Candied Bacon Coating

• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
• 2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 tsp smoked paprika

Garlic Butter Spread

• 2 tsp fresh parsley, minced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 tbsp butter

How to Make Irresistible Candied Bacon BLT Sliders

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Bacon Coating

Preheat oven to 400°F. Combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne, and 1 teaspoon cracked pepper in a bowl until well mixed.

Step 2: Season and Bake the Bacon

Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil and placing a wire rack on top. Lay bacon strips on the rack, coat both sides with brown sugar mixture, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. Flip the bacon halfway through baking and look for dark brown edges to indicate doneness.

Step 3: Rest the Bacon

Transfer the bacon from the wire rack to a plate and allow it to rest until crispy.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter

Combine butter, minced garlic, and parsley in a small bowl. Microwave for about 20 seconds until softened and partially melted.

Step 5: Toast the Slider Buns

Slice slider buns in half and spread garlic butter inside. Toast buttered side down in a skillet over low heat until golden brown, then flip and toast the other side for about a minute.

Step 6: Prep the Vegetables

Cut each bacon strip into thirds. Wash and dry the lettuce, then slice the tomatoes into thick rounds.

Step 7: Assemble the Sliders

Spread mayo on the bottom buns, layer with lettuce and a thick tomato slice. Season tomatoes with salt and pepper. Top with three pieces of candied bacon, add more mayo to the top bun, and cover. Serve hot and crispy.

Storage Tips

Once you have made the candied bacon BLT sliders, you can store any leftover candied bacon in the fridge. It keeps well and stays crispy, making it perfect for adding to salads or pasta dishes. If you need to reheat the bacon, you can do so gently in the oven to crisp it back up. However, it’s rare to have leftovers as this delicious bacon tends to be quite popular!

While the assembled sliders don’t keep well, you can store the components separately and assemble them later. The garlic butter can be made ahead of time and stored until you’re ready to toast the buns. The candied bacon can also be made in advance and refrigerated, where it may even get crispier overnight. When you’re hosting a party, having these components ready to go means all you have to do is toast the buns and assemble the sliders when your guests arrive. This make-ahead approach makes it convenient to serve these flavorful sliders without a last-minute rush in the kitchen.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the slider buns, if you cannot find sweet slider buns like King’s Hawaiian or brioche, you can use regular slider buns or dinner rolls. Regular slider buns will work well with the candied bacon and other ingredients, providing a sturdy base for the sliders.

If you prefer a leaner option, turkey bacon or beef bacon can be used instead of thick-cut center-cut bacon. Turkey bacon can offer a lighter alternative with a slightly different flavor profile, while beef bacon can provide a richer taste. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of bacon you choose to ensure it reaches the desired level of crispiness.

Feel free to customize the sliders by incorporating different types of lettuce such as arugula or baby spinach instead of iceberg lettuce. These greens can add a different texture and flavor dimension to the sliders. Additionally, you can experiment with various types of cheese like sharp cheddar or Swiss to elevate the sliders with new taste combinations.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and creative serving suggestion, consider setting up a build-your-own slider bar at your next gathering. Pre-assemble the candied bacon BLT sliders on a platter with the lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise, then provide extra toppings like sharp cheddar cheese slices, arugula, and avocado slices for guests to customize their sliders to their liking. This interactive setup not only adds a fun element to the party but also allows guests to tailor their sliders to suit their taste preferences.

To elevate the presentation of your candied bacon BLT sliders, consider serving them on a rustic wooden board or a slate platter garnished with fresh parsley or microgreens. You can also stack the sliders in a pyramid or arrange them in a circular pattern for a visually appealing display. Adding a side of homemade sweet potato fries or a refreshing cucumber salad can complement the sliders and create a well-rounded meal that will impress your guests.

FAQs for Irresistible Candied Bacon BLT Sliders

Can I prepare the candied bacon ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the candied bacon the day before and store it in the fridge. In fact, it gets even crispier overnight, making it a convenient make-ahead option for parties or gatherings.

What’s the key to getting the brown sugar to caramelize properly on the bacon?

The key to caramelizing the brown sugar on the bacon is to let it melt, bubble, and form a shiny, lacquered coating. Depending on your oven, you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the sugar doesn’t burn before the bacon cooks through. The finished bacon should look glossy and dark, almost like it’s been painted.

Can I omit the cayenne pepper if I don’t want any heat in the sliders?

Absolutely! If you prefer to avoid any heat in the sliders, you can omit the cayenne pepper. The smoked paprika and black pepper still provide plenty of flavor complexity to the candied bacon.

How can I repurpose any leftover candied bacon?

If you have leftover candied bacon, you can chop it up and add it to salads or pasta for an extra burst of flavor. The bacon also keeps well in the fridge and can be gently reheated in the oven to crisp it back up for snacking or adding to other dishes.

Conclusion

As you embark on making these mouthwatering Candied Bacon BLT Sliders, remember that the kitchen is your playground. Embrace the sweet and savory dance of flavors as you craft each slider with care and creativity. These sliders have a special way of bringing people together, sparking conversations, and leaving a lasting impression on all who indulge in their deliciousness.

Whether you’re preparing them for a casual gathering or a special occasion, these Candied Bacon BLT Sliders are sure to steal the spotlight and become a favorite among your friends and family. So, don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations or make them your own by adding your personal touch. Let these sliders be a reminder that sometimes the simplest twists on classic recipes can lead to the most delightful culinary experiences. Enjoy every moment of creating and savoring these delectable bites, and relish in the joy they bring to all who taste them.