When it comes to reinventing a classic, these twice smoked bacon BLT sliders take the crown. Packed with smoky flavor, crispy bacon, and a zesty dressing, this recipe will make your taste buds dance with delight. Perfect for parties, game days, or indulgent dinners, these sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into how to create the most delicious BLT sliders you’ve ever tasted.
Why Twice Smoked Bacon?
The secret to these sliders lies in the bacon. Smoking it twice amplifies its flavor, creating a rich, smoky aroma that perfectly complements the freshness of the tomatoes and lettuce. But that’s not all—using a bacon weave ensures every bite is loaded with crispy, savory goodness. No more bacon slipping out of your sandwich!
Twice Smoked Bacon BLT Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Bacon Weave:
- 2 pounds of thick-cut bacon
- Your favorite BBQ rub
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup Duke’s mayonnaise (or your preferred brand)
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
For the Sliders:
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- Salt and pepper (for seasoning tomatoes)
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 12 King’s Hawaiian rolls (or your favorite slider buns)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Craft the Perfect Bacon Weave
To ensure bacon in every bite, start by creating a bacon weave. Lay strips of bacon vertically on a cutting board, then weave horizontal strips through them to form a tight, blanket-like pattern. Repeat to make two bacon weaves.
Once assembled, sprinkle your favorite BBQ rub generously over both sides of the bacon weaves. This adds a layer of smoky-sweet flavor.
2. Smoke the Bacon
Preheat your smoker to 300°F. Place the bacon weaves on the smoker grates and let them cook for about 1 hour, or until they’re crispy and golden. The double smoking process deepens the flavor, making the bacon the star of your sliders.
3. Whip Up the Zesty Dressing
While the bacon smokes, it’s time to prepare a dressing that will elevate your BLT sliders to gourmet status.
In a bowl, combine:
- ½ cup Duke’s mayonnaise
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. The tanginess of the vinegar paired with the creaminess of the mayo creates a perfectly balanced dressing.
4. Prep the Vegetables
Slice the tomatoes into even rounds and season them lightly with salt and pepper. This step draws out excess moisture, preventing soggy sliders.
In a separate bowl, toss the shredded lettuce with a few spoonfuls of the dressing, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Set aside for assembly.
5. Toast the Buns
Slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place them on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes, just until golden and slightly crisp. Toasting the buns helps them hold up better under the weight of the ingredients.
Assembling the Sliders
Now comes the fun part—building your sliders!
- Spread the Base Layer: Start by spreading a generous dollop of the zesty dressing on the bottom half of each bun.
- Layer the Bacon: Lay one bacon weave over the buns. Trim to fit, if necessary.
- Add the Tomatoes: Arrange the seasoned tomato slices over the bacon, ensuring each slider gets a slice.
- Pile on More Bacon: Place the second bacon weave on top of the tomatoes for double the smoky flavor.
- Top with Lettuce: Spoon the dressed lettuce mixture over the bacon, adding a fresh, crunchy element.
- Cap It Off: Place the top half of the buns on each slider, pressing gently to hold everything together.
Serving Suggestions
These twice smoked bacon BLT sliders are best served warm. Pair them with a side of crispy fries, sweet potato chips, or a refreshing coleslaw for a complete meal. They also make an excellent appetizer or finger food for gatherings.
Tips for Success / Twice Smoked Bacon BLT Sliders
- Choose Quality Ingredients: High-quality bacon, fresh tomatoes, and soft buns make all the difference.
- Don’t Skip the Weave: The bacon weave is essential for ensuring even distribution and preventing slipping.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the BBQ rub for a unique flavor twist.
These twice smoked bacon BLT sliders are a game-changer. By combining smoky bacon, tangy dressing, and fresh toppings on toasted buns, this recipe takes the classic BLT to new heights. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself, these sliders are guaranteed to impress.
Ready to make the best BLT sliders of your life? Fire up that smoker and get cooking!
