Around the Campfire
Bacon cheeseburger sliders are burger night made shareable. They are smaller, easier for kids to handle, and perfect when you want a tray of burgers instead of full-size patties.
Why This Recipe Works
Small patties cook quickly on the Blackstone, while rolls toast on a cooler zone. Bacon and pickles go on at assembly so the sliders keep their texture.
Quick Facts
- Serves: 4
- Heat zone: Medium-high
- Best for: Family burger nights, parties, kid-friendly dinners
- Teaches: Small-patty timing
Shopping List
- Slider rolls
- Ground beef
- American cheese
- Bacon
- Pickles
Home Prep
Form small patties before the trip. Cook bacon ahead if desired.
Cooler Packing
Keep beef and bacon cold. Keep rolls dry.
Equipment
- Blackstone griddle
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Instant-read thermometer
Heat Zones
Use medium-high for the patties, medium for bacon, and a cooler zone for buns.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 8 slider rolls
- 4 slices American cheese, halved
- 8 slices bacon
- 8 dill pickle slices
Instructions
- Preheat the griddle to medium-high.
- Cook 8 slices bacon until crisp; transfer to a plate.
- Form 8 small beef patties (about 2 ounces each) using 1 pound ground beef. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Cook patties on the griddle until browned and the internal temperature reaches 160°F, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Top each patty with a half slice of American cheese. Cover momentarily to melt.
- Place 8 slider rolls, split, cut-side down, on a cooler zone of the griddle. Toast until golden, 1-2 minutes.
- Assemble sliders: Place each cheesy patty on the bottom half of a toasted roll, top with 1 slice bacon and 1 pickle slice, and cover with the top roll.
Doneness
Ground beef should reach 160°F.
Common Mistakes
- Making patties too thick.
- Toasting rolls too early.
- Overloading small buns.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with fries, corn, chips, fruit, or salad. Add ketchup, mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce on the side if desired.
Variations
- Add BBQ sauce.
- Use cheddar.
- Add grilled onions.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free rolls.
- Dairy-free: Skip cheese.
- Low-carb: Serve as mini burger bowls.
Scaling
Cook sliders in batches and assemble on a tray.
Weather Notes
Wind can cool small patties quickly. Serve soon after cooking.
Leftovers
Use leftover patties in breakfast hash, bowls, or wraps.
Kid Helper Tasks
Kids can add pickles and arrange rolls away from the griddle.
Dragonfly Tip
Small patties need small toppings. Keep sliders easy to hold.
Dragonfly Challenge
Try one slider with pickles and one with BBQ sauce. Pick the camp favorite.