These Candied Bacon BLT Sliders are what happen when the classic sandwich gets a sweet-savory makeover that’s impossible to resist. The combination of caramelized, slightly spicy bacon with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mayo creates bite-sized sandwiches that disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
I first made these for a game day gathering, and they’ve since become my go-to for everything from casual brunches to elegant cocktail parties. The beauty lies in their versatility—they’re substantial enough to satisfy hungry guests but small enough to serve as sophisticated finger food. Plus, that candied bacon adds a conversation-starting twist that elevates them beyond ordinary sliders.
Why I Love These
These sliders strike the perfect balance between familiar comfort food and unexpected gourmet treat with that sweet-savory bacon.
They come together in under an hour but taste like they took all day, making them perfect for entertaining without the stress.
I make these whenever I need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that works equally well for casual gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 9 sweet slider buns (King's Hawaiian or brioche)
- 1 lb thick-cut center-cut bacon
- 1/4 head iceberg lettuce, cut into slider portions
- 2-3 Roma tomatoes, sliced thick
- Mayonnaise (about 1 tbsp per slider)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
- 5 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp fresh parsley, minced
How To Make
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne, and 1 teaspoon of cracked pepper until it's well combined. This sweet and spicy mixture is what makes the bacon so special.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lay the bacon strips on the rack and generously sprinkle the brown sugar mixture on both sides, rubbing it in well. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the bacon during the last 10 minutes. Look for dark brown edges – that's when you know it's perfect.
- Remove the bacon from the wire rack and let it rest on a plate. Don't worry if it seems a bit soft – it'll crisp up beautifully as it cools down.
- In a small bowl, combine the butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Pop it in the microwave for about 20 seconds until it's softened and partially melted. This garlic butter is going to make your buns absolutely incredible.
- Slice your slider buns in half and spread the garlic butter mixture on the inside of both halves. Heat a large skillet over low heat and toast the buns butter-side down until golden brown, then flip and lightly toast the other side for about a minute.
- While the buns are toasting, cut each bacon strip into thirds so you'll have three pieces per slider. Wash and dry your lettuce, and slice your tomatoes into thick rounds that will fit nicely on the sliders.
- Spread mayo on the bottom buns, then layer on the lettuce and a thick tomato slice. Season the tomatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper. Top with three pieces of candied bacon, add more mayo to the top bun, and crown each slider. Serve immediately while everything is still warm and crispy.
Nutrition
These Candied Bacon BLT Sliders offer a balance of protein from the bacon alongside carbohydrates from the buns, making them a satisfying option for a meal or hearty appetizer. The addition of fresh vegetables provides fiber and nutrients to round out the nutritional profile.
For a lighter version, consider using turkey bacon (though the candying effect won’t be quite the same) and whole grain slider buns for added fiber. The avocado adds heart-healthy fats, while the fresh vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals.
These sliders contain gluten (in the buns) and may contain egg (in the mayonnaise). For gluten-sensitive guests, use gluten-free slider buns. For egg allergies, substitute the mayo with a vegan alternative or mashed avocado as a creamy spread.
Tips & Variations
- The candied bacon can be made up to a day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature; just warm it briefly in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes before assembling.
- For a spicier version, double the cayenne in the sugar mixture and add a few thin slices of jalapeño to each slider.
- Make it dairy-free by ensuring your mayonnaise is dairy-free, and for a gluten-free option, simply substitute gluten-free slider buns or serve as lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
Ways To Serve Them
- Alongside a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette for a light lunch
- With sweet potato fries and a honey-chipotle dipping sauce for a more substantial meal
- As part of a slider bar with other mini sandwiches for parties or game day spreads
- With a selection of pickled vegetables to cut through the richness of the candied bacon
Proper Storage
- Fridge: Store assembled sliders for up to 24 hours by wrapping individually in parchment paper then placing in an airtight container. For best results, store components separately: candied bacon in an airtight container at room temperature, and prepared vegetables and spread in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: These sliders don’t freeze well once assembled, but you can freeze the candied bacon between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: To refresh stored sliders, remove any cold toppings (lettuce, tomato), warm the buns and bacon in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes, then reassemble with the fresh components. For best flavor and texture, assemble just before serving whenever possible.
Candied Bacon BLT Sliders
Ingredients
- 9 sweet slider buns (King's Hawaiian or brioche)
- 1 lb thick-cut center-cut bacon
- 1/4 head iceberg lettuce, cut into slider portions
- 2-3 Roma tomatoes, sliced thick
- Mayonnaise (about 1 tbsp per slider)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
- 5 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp fresh parsley, minced
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne, and 1 teaspoon of cracked pepper until it's well combined. This sweet and spicy mixture is what makes the bacon so special.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lay the bacon strips on the rack and generously sprinkle the brown sugar mixture on both sides, rubbing it in well. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the bacon during the last 10 minutes. Look for dark brown edges - that's when you know it's perfect.
- Remove the bacon from the wire rack and let it rest on a plate. Don't worry if it seems a bit soft - it'll crisp up beautifully as it cools down.
- In a small bowl, combine the butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Pop it in the microwave for about 20 seconds until it's softened and partially melted. This garlic butter is going to make your buns absolutely incredible.
- Slice your slider buns in half and spread the garlic butter mixture on the inside of both halves. Heat a large skillet over low heat and toast the buns butter-side down until golden brown, then flip and lightly toast the other side for about a minute.
- While the buns are toasting, cut each bacon strip into thirds so you'll have three pieces per slider. Wash and dry your lettuce, and slice your tomatoes into thick rounds that will fit nicely on the sliders.
- Spread mayo on the bottom buns, then layer on the lettuce and a thick tomato slice. Season the tomatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper. Top with three pieces of candied bacon, add more mayo to the top bun, and crown each slider. Serve immediately while everything is still warm and crispy.