Candied Bacon BLT Sliders (Printer-Friendly)

Sweet bacon with lettuce, tomato, and mayo on garlic-toasted slider buns for perfect handheld bites.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Candied Bacon

01 - 12 ounces thick-cut center-cut bacon
02 - 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
05 - 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

→ Garlic Butter Rolls

06 - 12 slider buns, preferably Hawaiian or brioche
07 - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
08 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced

→ Sandwich Assembly

10 - 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, leaves washed and dried
11 - 2–3 Roma tomatoes, sliced into rounds
12 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). In a bowl, combine dark brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
02 - Arrange bacon strips in a single layer on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet. Generously sprinkle and rub the brown sugar spice mixture into both sides of the bacon. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until bacon is deep golden brown at the edges. Let bacon rest on the rack to cool and crisp.
03 - In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Microwave for 20 seconds, or until the butter is partially melted and fragrant. Mix well.
04 - Spread garlic butter mixture on the cut side of each slider bun. Place the buns, buttered side down, in a large skillet over low heat. Toast until golden brown, then flip and lightly toast the opposite side for about 1 minute until faintly golden.
05 - Slice each bacon strip into thirds. Spread mayonnaise generously onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with iceberg lettuce, a tomato slice, and season tomato with salt and pepper. Arrange a piece of candied bacon on each slider. Spread additional mayo on the underside of the top bun and place over the filling, toasted side out. Serve immediately.

# Additional Suggestions:

01 - Bacon crisps as it cools, so avoid overbaking. Use a wire rack for even caramelization and to prevent soggy bacon.
02 - Season tomatoes just before assembling to maximize flavor and minimize moisture.

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