Candied Bacon BLT Sliders (Ready-to-Print Version)
Brown sugar bacon, toasted buns, lettuce, tomato, and mayo make these crowd-pleasing sliders.
# What You’ll Need:
→ For the candied bacon
01 -
12 ounces thick-cut center-cut bacon
02 -
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
03 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 -
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
05 -
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ For the garlic butter buns
06 -
12 slider buns, such as King's Hawaiian or brioche
07 -
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
08 -
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
09 -
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
→ For assembling sliders
10 -
1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
11 -
2 Roma tomatoes, sliced into 12 thick slices
12 -
1/2 cup mayonnaise
13 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
14 -
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). In a mixing bowl, blend the dark brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and ground black pepper until evenly combined.
02 -
Arrange bacon strips on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet. Generously coat both sides of each bacon slice with the brown sugar mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Bake on the middle rack for 20 to 25 minutes, turning bacon halfway through, until edges are glossy, deeply browned, and crisp. Transfer bacon to a plate to cool and further crisp.
03 -
In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Microwave for 20 seconds to soften further, stirring until smooth.
04 -
Open the slider buns and brush the cut sides generously with garlic butter. In a large skillet over low heat, toast buns cut side down until golden and crisp, about 2 minutes. Flip and toast the outer sides for 1 additional minute, until lightly browned.
05 -
Slice the candied bacon strips into thirds. Spread a thick layer of mayonnaise on the bottom halves of each toasted bun. Top with iceberg lettuce and a tomato slice. Season tomatoes with kosher salt and black pepper. Lay one piece of bacon on each slider. Spread mayonnaise on the underside of the top buns and place over the fillings, toasted side out. Serve immediately.
# Handy Tips:
01 -
Allow the bacon to cool on the wire rack to preserve maximum crispness and keep sliders from becoming greasy.