Name: Cowboy Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1/2 yellow onion, diced; 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt; 1 tablespoon hamburger seasoning; 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and sliced; 6 slices thick-cut bacon, crumbled; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup crispy fried onions; 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian rolls; 1 recipe cowboy butter

Jump to Recipe

If you’re ready to wrangle up a meal that’s sure to steal the show at your next gathering, look no further than Cowboy Sliders! These bite-sized flavor bombs pack everything you love about a hearty western burger—smoky bacon, zesty jalapeños, gooey cheddar, and a buttery, golden crust—into the perfect hand-held package. Whether it’s game day, a backyard barbecue, or an easy weeknight dinner, these sliders are unfailingly a crowd favorite. Let me show you how to lasso up a batch of the ultimate Cowboy Sliders that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds (or thirds!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to Cowboy Sliders, each ingredient plays a starring role—adding savory flavor, irresistible crunch, and rich color to every bite. Don’t be daunted by the list; these staples come together quickly and the end result is absolutely worth it!

Vegetable oil: Helps you sauté the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant, laying the foundation for the beef filling.
Yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth, balancing the richness of the beef and bacon.
Minced garlic: Gives the sliders that signature punch of flavor (freshly minced is best, if you have it!).
Ground beef: The star protein—choose an 80/20 blend for juiciness and rich flavor in every bite.
Worcestershire sauce: Delivers deep, savory, umami flavors that make the beef absolutely irresistible.
Seasoned salt: A must for boosting the overall taste; it’s more robust than table salt.
Hamburger seasoning: Adds extra layers of smoky, peppery goodness—your sliders will pop with flavor!
Jalapeño pepper, seeded and sliced: For just the right kick of heat and a pop of fresh green color (seeded if you want it milder).
Thick-cut bacon, crumbled: Smoky, salty bits of heaven—make extra for “chef’s snacks” while assembling.
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully for the classic cowboy vibe—don’t skimp on the good stuff.
Crispy fried onions: Add a satisfying crunch and deep flavor that sets these sliders apart.
Hawaiian rolls (12 count): Soft, slightly sweet rolls are the perfect vessel for the bold fillings.
Cowboy butter (for brushing): This garlicky, herby butter ties everything together and makes the buns extra irresistible.

How to Make Cowboy Sliders

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Ingredients

First, get your oven preheating to 350°F (177°C). Grab a 7×11-inch baking dish and give it a good coat of nonstick spray—this keeps those sweet Hawaiian rolls from sticking. While the oven heats, dice your onion and prep the jalapeño. You’ll want these ready to go so everything comes together quickly once you start cooking.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes until the onion is just starting to soften and the kitchen smells gloriously savory. Don’t wander off—garlic burns fast!

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet along with the Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, and hamburger seasoning. Use your spoon or spatula to break up the beef as it cooks for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Once it’s browned and cooked through, drain off any excess grease to keep your sliders from getting soggy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cowboy Sliders

Using a serrated knife, carefully split the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally—keep the tops and bottoms intact as slabs. Place the bottoms in your prepared baking dish and give them a generous brush of cowboy butter (don’t be shy—the flavor really sinks in!). Layer on the cooked beef, followed by sliced jalapeños, crumbled bacon, a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar, and a handful of crispy fried onions. Cap them off with the top half of the rolls.

Step 5: Finish and Bake

Give the tops another loving brush of cowboy butter, then cover the sliders loosely with foil. Bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and let them get golden and toasty for another 3 to 5 minutes. Serve the Cowboy Sliders warm—set out extra cowboy butter on the side for those who want to really indulge!

How to Serve Cowboy Sliders

Garnishes

You can never go wrong adding a finishing flourish to your Cowboy Sliders! A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives, parsley, or even a few extra jalapeño slices on top really makes them pop, both visually and flavor-wise. Don’t forget a side of that cowboy butter for dipping—trust me, your guests will go wild for it!

Side Dishes

Cowboy Sliders love company! Pair them with classic potato salad, tangy coleslaw, or creamy mac and cheese for a plate that channels true comfort. For something lighter, a simple green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette is always a hit and helps balance out the richness of the sliders.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, arrange the Cowboy Sliders on a wooden board with pickles, extra bacon crumbles, and little flags so guests can grab and go. For game day, serve them straight from the baking dish and let folks build their own with extra toppings at a DIY slider bar. Trust me, you’ll have everyone coming back for more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Cowboy Sliders, let them cool completely before sliding them into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 days—a lifesaver for busy weeks!

Freezing

Want to save some for another day? Assemble the sliders as directed, but stop before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as usual. The flavors get even deeper after a rest!

Reheating

For best taste and texture, reheat Cowboy Sliders in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 15 minutes). The oven gently revives the crispy onions and melts the cheese, making them nearly as delicious as the day you made them.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for Cowboy Sliders?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, you can swap in pepper jack for extra heat, smoky gouda for depth, or even American cheese for that ultra-melty pull. Choose whatever gets your taste buds excited.

Are Cowboy Sliders very spicy?

The heat level depends on your jalapeños. To keep things mild, remove both the seeds and membranes before slicing (and use fewer slices). If you love a lot of kick, pile them on or try pickled jalapeños for even more zing!

Can I make Cowboy Sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just bake them off when you’re ready to serve. This is a lifesaver for parties and potlucks!

What is cowboy butter and do I really need it?

Cowboy butter is a savory, zippy compound butter packed with herbs, garlic, lemon, and spices—it’s what takes the flavor over the top! While the sliders are tasty with plain butter, cowboy butter truly transforms them into something special.

Can I make Cowboy Sliders with ground turkey instead of beef?

Definitely! Just swap in ground turkey (or even chicken), and amp up the seasonings a little since turkey is milder. The sliders will still be fabulously delicious and a bit lighter.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fun, satisfying twist on a classic party bite, Cowboy Sliders are your answer! They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a hit with friends and family. Give them a try—once you taste that cheesy, bacon-studded filling sandwiched in buttery rolls, there’s no turning back. Happy cooking!

Cowboy Sliders Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 16 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Cowboy Sliders are a delicious and hearty twist on traditional sliders, featuring seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and zesty jalapeños, all baked to perfection on sweet Hawaiian rolls with a flavorful cowboy butter.

Instructions

Preheat: Heat oven to 350°F and spray a 7×11 baking dish. Cook onion and garlic in oil for 1-2 minutes.
Cook Beef: Add ground beef and seasonings, cook for 8-10 minutes until done. Drain excess grease.
Assemble Sliders: Split Hawaiian rolls and place bottoms in the prepared dish. Brush with cowboy butter. Layer beef, jalapeños, bacon, cheese, and onions. Top with the other half of the rolls.
Bake: Brush the tops of the sliders with butter, cover, and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until golden. Serve with extra cowboy butter on the side.