These Cowboy Sliders are a rootin’ tootin’ good time! Imagine juicy beef, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce all piled high on a fluffy slider roll. These sliders are the perfect party food or game-day snack, and they’re sure to satisfy even the hungriest cowboys and cowgirls. So saddle up and get ready for a taste of the Wild West with these delicious Cowboy Sliders!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Fun: These sliders are packed with flavor and offer a fun twist on traditional burgers.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is perfect for casual gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These sliders are sure to be a hit with everyone, from kids to adults.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Cowboy Sliders:
- Slider rolls: Pretzel, Hawaiian, or plain, for a soft and fluffy base.
- Ground beef: For the juicy and flavorful filling.
- Salt: To taste.
- Black pepper: To taste.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a unique savory depth.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and a touch of color.
- Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory kick.
- Cheddar cheese: Sliced, for a cheesy melt.
- Jalapeño: Sliced, for a touch of heat.
- Cooked bacon: Smoky, for a crispy and salty crunch.
- BBQ sauce: Your favorite brand, for a tangy and smoky flavor.
- Crispy fried onions: For a crunchy topping.
- Unsalted butter: Melted, for brushing the rolls.
- Sesame seeds: For a nutty crunch.
- Pickle spears: Optional, for serving.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Cowboy Sliders
Step 1: Prepare the Rolls and Meat
- Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Slice the rolls open and lay the bottom half in a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Cook the ground beef in a sauté pan until no longer pink and season with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Spoon the meat over the rolls and add the cheese.
Step 2: Bake and Add Toppings
- Place the open sandwiches in the oven until the cheese begins to melt; this will take 5 to 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and add a jalapeño slice to each roll and some bacon, and then spoon the BBQ sauce over the bacon. Top with the crispy onions.
- Place the top of the rolls over the onions.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
- Brush the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Place in the oven and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Serve with pickles.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Separate the Rolls: If you don’t separate the slider rolls before adding the meat mixture, you’re going to have to do it after cooking when everything is covered in meat juices, sauce, and melted cheese. So separate them first.
- No Double Cooking: If you’re making these in a rush, you can assemble them and then bake until golden brown on top instead of baking, adding the toppings, and then baking again.
- Keep an Eye on Them: The last thing you want is for your sliders to scorch on top, so watch them in the oven. They can go from golden brown perfection to charcoal black in seconds!
How to Serve
- Party Food: These Cowboy Sliders are perfect for parties, game-day gatherings, or any casual get-together.
- Side Dishes: Serve with your favorite sides, such as potato salad, coleslaw, or chips.
- Garnish: Add extra jalapeños, bacon bits, or a drizzle of BBQ sauce for garnish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover sliders in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders ahead of time and bake them later.
Can I freeze these sliders?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled sliders before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
How can I make these sliders spicier?
Add more jalapeños, use a spicier BBQ sauce, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
PrintCowboy Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cowboy Sliders are a fun and flavorful twist on classic sliders. They’re made with juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, jalapenos, and crispy fried onions, all piled high on slider rolls and drizzled with BBQ sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon canola oil (or avocado oil)
For the Gravy:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 12 ounces sliced baby bella mushrooms
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup sour cream
To Serve:
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken in flour.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and onions and sauté until softened and browned. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Deglaze and Thicken: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the heavy cream and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Slice the rested chicken into strips or cubes. Add the cooked chicken and noodles to the sauce, tossing to coat. Serve garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the chicken cooking time based on thickness. Use a digital thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more broth or cream. If it’s too thin, thicken it with a cornstarch slurry.
- Make sure to remove the skillet from the heat before adding the sour cream to prevent curdling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 820
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 220mg