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Perfect Reverse-Sear Smash Burger Sliders Recipe with Bourbon Bacon Jam and Brie

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These sliders combine juicy reverse-seared smash burger patties with rich bourbon bacon jam and creamy Brie cheese, delivering a perfect balance of crispy, savory, and sweet flavors in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground chuck beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil or avocado oil, for searing
  • 6 strips thick-cut bacon
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) bourbon whiskey
  • 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) apple cider vinegar
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 4 ounces (115g) Brie cheese, sliced thin
  • 8 small slider buns (preferably brioche)
  • Butter, for toasting buns
  • Optional: Pickles or arugula for freshness and crunch

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bourbon Bacon Jam:
  2. Chop the bacon into small pieces. In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, about 8 minutes.
  3. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  4. Add chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook until soft and golden, about 7 minutes.
  5. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in bourbon, scraping any browned bits off the bottom. Let it simmer until mostly evaporated, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Add brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and cooked bacon pieces. Stir to combine, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently until thick and jam-like, about 10 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  9. Form and Reverse-Sear the Burger Patties:
  10. Divide ground chuck into 8 equal portions (about 2 ounces / 55g each). Gently form into loose balls—don’t pack tight.
  11. Preheat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a thin layer of oil.
  12. Place beef balls in the pan, leaving space between each. Smash each ball down firmly into a thin patty (about 1/4 inch / 6mm thick).
  13. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  14. Cook without moving for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and browned.
  15. Flip each patty and immediately reduce heat to medium-low to finish cooking gently for about 3-4 minutes.
  16. In the last minute, place a slice of Brie on each patty and cover the pan with a lid or foil to melt the cheese.
  17. Toast and Assemble the Sliders:
  18. Butter the inside of each slider bun and toast in a separate pan or under a broiler until golden brown.
  19. Spread a generous spoonful of bourbon bacon jam on the bottom bun.
  20. Place the Brie-topped patty on top.
  21. Add optional fresh arugula or pickles if desired.
  22. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.

Notes

Cook patties in batches if skillet is crowded to maintain a perfect sear. Avoid pressing patties after flipping to keep them juicy. Use a lid when melting Brie to get it gooey without overcooking. Bacon jam can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to a week or frozen in portions.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, sliders, bourbon bacon jam, brie, reverse-sear, party food, comfort food, quick recipe

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