These mini bacon cheeseburger bites are the perfect party snack! With juicy beef, cheese, and crispy bacon all packed into small, tasty morsels, they’re hard to resist.
Honestly, they disappear fast at any gathering. I love serving them with some ketchup and mustard on the side—because what’s a burger without some tasty toppings? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend 80/20 ground beef for a juicy bite, but you can use leaner ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just note that the flavor will slightly change!
Buns: Mini pretzel buns add a nice salty twist. If you can’t find them, slider buns work great too. You can even use small biscuit dough, which puffs up nicely when baked!
Bacon: Crispy bacon is a must for flavor, but you can swap it for turkey bacon or even crispy fried onions if you prefer a vegetarian twist.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives that classic cheeseburger taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pepper jack for a spicy kick, or use a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Do You Cook the Perfect Mini Patties?
Cooking the mini patties properly is key to a great texture and flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with room-temperature ground beef for even cooking. Mix in salt and pepper just before forming the patties, so you don’t overwork the meat.
- Shape the patties to fit your buns, making them a bit larger than needed because they’ll shrink a little while cooking.
- Cook in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes per side. Avoid flipping too much—let them get a nice crust!
- Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure; a safe internal temperature is 160°F (71°C).
These tips will help you achieve perfectly cooked mini bacon cheeseburger bites that are juicy and bursting with flavor!
Mini Bacon Cheeseburger Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bites:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 mini pretzel buns or slider buns (or small biscuit dough balls for a puff alternative)
- 6 slices crispy cooked bacon, chopped
- 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded or sliced
- 2 tbsp finely chopped chives or green onions (for garnish)
For Dipping:
- Optional sauces: ketchup, mustard, or honey mustard
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and about 15-20 minutes for cooking, giving you delicious, bite-sized snacks ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your cheeseburger bites bake evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
2. Prepare the Buns:
If you’re using mini pretzel buns or slider buns, slice them in half. If using biscuit dough, roll it into small balls for a puff dough option. Keep them ready on your baking sheet.
3. Make the Patties:
In a large bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Shape the beef into 12 small patties, ensuring they’re slightly larger than the buns or biscuit bases since they’ll shrink during cooking.
4. Cook the Beef Patties:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through. Make sure to drain any excess fat once they’re done.
5. Cook the Bacon:
While the patties are cooking, get your bacon crispy in another pan. Once cooked, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces to top your bites.
6. Assemble the Bites:
On a lined baking sheet, arrange the bottom halves of your buns or dough. Place one beef patty on each, followed by a slice or spoonful of cheese on top of each patty.
7. Melt the Cheese:
Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or just until the cheese is melted and bubbling—so delicious!
8. Finish with Bacon:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces generously over each cheeseburger bite.
9. Garnish and Serve:
For a fresh finish, sprinkle the chopped chives or green onions on top. Serve your mini bacon cheeseburger bites immediately with optional dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or honey mustard.
Enjoy these savory, juicy mini bacon cheeseburger bites as a delicious appetizer or party snack that everyone will love!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a healthier alternative. Just make sure to add some extra seasoning, as turkey can be milder in flavor. You may also want to add a little olive oil to keep them moist.
How Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
To make these mini bites gluten-free, use gluten-free slider buns or substitute them with lettuce wraps for a fresh twist. You can also use gluten-free biscuit dough for a delicious alternative!
Can I Prepare the Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture, shape the patties, and even cook the bacon ahead of time. Just store everything in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Assembly is quick when you’re ready to bake!
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
To reheat, place the bites back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. For a quicker option, you can also use the microwave, but the oven keeps them crispier!
