Hey y'all! If you think regular BLTs are tasty, just wait until you try these Candied Bacon BLT Sliders with Maple Glaze. We're talking crispy, sticky-sweet bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce all sandwiched in buttery slider buns—perfect for parties, game nights, or a seriously epic snack. These sliders hit every craving: sweet, smoky, salty, and tangy in every bite. Ready to take your slider game to the next level? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Candied Bacon BLT Sliders with Maple Glaze Recipe
- Ultimate flavor combo: Sweet maple glazed bacon meets classic BLT freshness for unforgettable sliders.
- Entertaining made easy: Perfect for parties, gatherings, or even a fun dinner—everyone loves a slider!
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples with a gourmet twist.
- Make-ahead friendly: Candied bacon can be prepped in advance for stress-free assembly.
- Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite toppings or rolls for a personalized touch.
Ingredients for Candied Bacon BLT Sliders with Maple Glaze
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon
- ½ cup pure maple syrup (divided)
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 12 soft slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for brushing buns)
- Pinch of kosher salt
Directions: How to Make Candied Bacon BLT Sliders with Maple Glaze
Step 1: Prepare the Candied Bacon
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange bacon slices on the rack without overlapping. In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup maple syrup and brown sugar. Brush mixture generously over both sides of the bacon and sprinkle with cracked black pepper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bacon is deeply caramelized and crisp, rotating the pan halfway through. Let bacon cool; it will crisp up further as it sits.
Step 2: Prepare the Maple Glaze
- In a small saucepan, warm the remaining ¼ cup maple syrup over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Set aside for drizzling.
Step 3: Toast the Slider Buns
- Slice slider buns in half. Brush cut sides with melted butter and toast in a skillet or under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
- Mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard together. Spread on both halves of each bun.
- Layer lettuce, sliced tomato (seasoned with a pinch of salt), and candied bacon on the bottom half of each bun.
- Drizzle a touch of maple glaze over the bacon, then cap with the top bun.
- Secure with picks if desired, and serve immediately!
Notes for Perfect Candied Bacon BLT Sliders with Maple Glaze
- For extra crispy bacon, bake it on a wire rack so the fat drips away. Learn more about this technique at Serious Eats.
- Let the bacon cool completely before assembling; this ensures the glaze sets and stays sticky.
- Swap iceberg lettuce for romaine or arugula for a peppery twist.
Variations on Candied Bacon BLT Sliders with Maple Glaze
- Avocado BLT: Add a creamy layer of sliced avocado beneath the bacon.
- Spicy Maple BLT: Add a dash of hot sauce to your maple glaze for subtle heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Try candied tempeh or plant-based bacon for a meat-free version.
Required Equipment for Candied Bacon BLT Sliders with Maple Glaze
- Baking sheet and wire rack
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula or basting brush
- Knife and cutting board
Storage Instructions for Candied Bacon BLT Sliders with Maple Glaze
Store leftover candied bacon in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Fully assembled sliders are best enjoyed fresh but can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. For tips on storing candied bacon, check this guide from Bon Appétit.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve sliders with crispy sweet potato fries or kettle chips for crunch.
- Pair with a tangy coleslaw or classic potato salad for a satisfying meal.
- Wash down with a cold lager, iced tea, or a bold lemonade for refreshment.
Pro Tips for Best Candied Bacon BLT Sliders with Maple Glaze
- Use thick-cut bacon for the ultimate chewy-yet-crisp texture and rich flavor.
- Don't rush the maple glaze; let it simmer gently for a luscious, sticky finish. For more on perfect syrup reductions, see King Arthur Baking.
- Toast your buns just before assembling to keep them warm and slightly crisp.
FAQ: Candied Bacon BLT Sliders with Maple Glaze
- Can I make the candied bacon ahead of time?
- Yes! Store cooled candied bacon between sheets of parchment in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.
- What kind of buns work best?
- Soft slider buns, Hawaiian rolls, or even mini brioche buns all work beautifully with this recipe.
- How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
- Toast the buns and assemble just before serving to ensure they stay perfectly crisp and flavorful!
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 slider buns
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
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2Arrange bacon slices on the rack. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over each slice and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bacon is crispy and caramelized. Let cool slightly.
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3In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and remaining 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Stir until smooth.
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4Slice slider buns and spread the maple mayo mixture on the bottom half of each bun.
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5Layer with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and a piece of candied bacon. Season with black pepper. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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