Cowboy Sliders Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed with its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

• 1 1/2 pounds ground round
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 (12 count) package Hawaiian rolls, cut in half horizontally, without separating individual rolls
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp
• 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced, or more to taste
• 1/2 cup crispy fried onions

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (180C).
2. In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, crumbling it with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
3. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
4. Add the barbecue sauce and stir until well mixed. Bring to a simmer and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. Place the bottom half of the Hawaiian rolls on a small, rimmed baking sheet.
6. Top the rolls with half of the shredded Cheddar cheese.
7. Layer with the beef mixture, followed by crumbled bacon, jalapenos, crispy fried onions, and the remaining cheese.
8. Place the top half of the rolls on top. Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rolls are toasted and the cheese is melted and gooey.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 369
• Total Fat: 20g (25% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 8g (41% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 75mg (25% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 646mg (28% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 22g (8% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (5% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 25g (50% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 2mg (2% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 208mg (16% Daily Value)
• Iron: 3mg (17% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 361mg (8% Daily Value)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The History and Cultural Significance of Cowboy Sliders

The Cowboy Slider is a modern take on the American slider, a mini burger that has its roots in the early 20th century. While small sandwiches were served in diners and bars across the United States, the Cowboy Slider emerged as a distinct variant inspired by the flavors of the American West. Incorporating smoky bacon, barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese, and a touch of spice from jalapeos, it reflects the hearty, robust palate of cowboy and ranch cuisine. These sliders became popular in the late 20th century as casual gatherings and backyard cookouts embraced fun, sharable foods that were easy to serve in large quantities.

Regional Variations

Cowboy Sliders have subtle regional differences across the United States. In Texas, the sliders often include smoky chipotle or mesquite barbecue sauces, giving them a stronger, smoky flavor. In the Midwest, recipes might emphasize cheddar cheese and crisped bacon, reflecting local dairy and pork traditions. Meanwhile, on the West Coast, Hawaiian rolls are sometimes used for their soft texture and slight sweetness, balancing the savory and spicy components of the meat and toppings. Each region adds its own twist, but the essence of the slidersmall, juicy, and bold in flavorremains constant.

Distinctive Features Compared to Similar Dishes

While sliders in general are small burgers, Cowboy Sliders stand out due to their layered, complex toppings and use of barbecue flavors. Unlike traditional sliders that may simply include cheese and a small patty, Cowboy Sliders often combine seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, jalapeos, and fried onions, all baked together for a gooey finish. This combination creates a unique textural contrast and a balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky notes, setting it apart from simpler mini burgers or plain cheeseburger sliders.

Typical Serving Occasions

Cowboy Sliders are often served at casual gatherings such as game-day parties, family cookouts, and potlucks. Their small size makes them ideal for sharing, and their bold flavors appeal to a wide range of guests. Restaurants specializing in American comfort food or barbecue also feature these sliders as appetizers or as part of a slider platter. They are frequently accompanied by sides like fries, coleslaw, or pickles, emphasizing their role as a festive, communal dish.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

• The name Cowboy Slider reflects its Western-inspired ingredients rather than any historical link to actual cowboys eating sliders.
• The use of Hawaiian rolls became popular in this recipe because their sweetness complements the savory and spicy layers, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Cowboy Sliders are highly adaptable; home cooks often experiment with different cheeses, bacon styles, or even adding sauted peppers and onions to create personalized versions.
• The dish has gained popularity online, with variations shared widely through social media, often featured in football party recipes and small bites collections.
• Despite their indulgent nature, sliders are smaller than traditional burgers, allowing for portion control and sampling multiple flavors at one meal.

FAQ about Cowboy Sliders Recipe

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