Zesty Pretzel Cowboy Sliders Recipe: Rustic Bite-Sized Magic

Cowboy sliders pack a delightful punch of western-style burger magic into bite-sized pretzel buns.

My family stumbled upon this recipe during a summer cookout that left everyone craving more.

Hearty beef patties nestled between soft, salty pretzel rolls create an irresistible combination of flavors.

Unexpected spices and simple ingredients make these mini sandwiches a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Regional southwestern seasonings bring bold character to each compact burger.

These sliders deliver maximum taste with minimal effort, perfect for casual gatherings or game day celebrations.

You can easily customize the recipe to match your personal flavor preferences and heat tolerance.

One bite of these cowboy sliders will transport you straight to a rustic ranch barbecue.

Ingredients To Make Pretzel Cowboy Sliders

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful base for the slider filling.
• Turkey Bacon: A crispy and savory topping that adds extra texture.

• Pretzel Buns: Soft and slightly salty bread that provides a unique base for the sliders.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds richness to the sliders.
• Jalapenos: Spicy peppers that bring a zesty kick to the dish.
• Crispy Fried Onions: Crunchy topping that provides additional flavor and texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build depth of flavor in the beef mixture.
• Hamburger Seasoning: A blend of spices that boosts the meat's taste profile.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A tangy condiment that adds complexity to the beef.
• Seasoned Salt: A versatile seasoning that enhances overall flavor.

• Cowboy Butter: A rich, flavorful butter used for brushing and dipping.

• Cooking Spray: Used to prevent sticking in the baking dish.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps to cover and steam the sliders during initial baking.

Step-By-Step Guide To Pretzel Cowboy Sliders

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Meat Magic

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Hamburger seasoning
• Worcestershire sauce
• Seasoned salt

Sizzle and stir the mixture, breaking up beef chunks until it’s perfectly browned and no pink remains. Drain any extra grease to keep things lean.

Step 3: Build Your Slider Tower

• Layer bottom bun halves in the baking dish
• Drizzle cowboy butter over bun bottoms
• Spread the cooked beef evenly
• Top with
• Sliced jalapenos
• Crumbled turkey bacon
• Shredded cheddar
• Crispy fried onions
• Crown with top bun halves

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

• Brush bun tops with cowboy butter
• Cover dish with foil
• Bake 15 minutes until cheese melts
• Remove foil
• Bake 3-5 more minutes for golden crispiness

Step 5: Serve and Devour

Pull from oven, brush with extra cowboy butter. Slice and serve immediately.

Bonus: Use additional cowboy butter for dipping!

Tips To Perfect Pretzel Cowboy Sliders

• Ensure even cheese distribution by grating it fresh and spreading it uniformly across the sliders for a gooey, consistent texture.
• Remove excess grease completely to prevent soggy buns and maintain a crisp slider base that holds its shape.
• Crumble turkey bacon finely and briefly toast it before adding to sliders for maximum crunch and enhanced flavor profile.
• Apply cowboy butter generously and at strategic moments – before and after baking – to boost moisture and create a golden, glossy finish.
• Adjust jalapeno quantity based on heat preference; remove seeds for milder version or add extra for more intense kick.

Variations To Mix Up Pretzel Cowboy Sliders

• Vegetarian Pretzel Sliders: Replace ground beef with seasoned black beans or lentils, maintaining the same spice profile for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Ranch Ranch Sliders: Swap pretzel buns with gluten-free rolls, use gluten-free seasoning, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diners.
• Spicy Chicken Cowboy Sliders: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken, adding extra cayenne or hot sauce for increased heat and flavor complexity.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Sliders: Use ground lamb instead of beef, incorporate feta cheese, add oregano and mint, and replace jalapenos with roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean twist.

Pairing Suggestions To Serve With Pretzel Cowboy Sliders

• Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that matches the robust flavors of the beef and jalapenos, cutting through the richness with crisp carbonation.
• Whip up a creamy, vinegar-based coleslaw that provides a cool, crunchy contrast to the spicy and meaty sliders, balancing the heat and adding textural variety.
• Mix ranch dressing with chipotle powder, lime juice, and a dash of hot sauce to echo the cowboy butter's richness while adding a smoky, spicy kick that enhances the slider's complex flavor profile.

Storage Tips To Keep Pretzel Cowboy Sliders Fresh

• Store sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them away from raw foods to prevent cross-contamination.
• Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place sliders on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Place slider on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between bursts to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Pretzel Cowboy Sliders?

The key ingredients include ground beef, pretzel buns, jalapenos, turkey bacon, cheddar cheese, crispy fried onions, and cowboy butter, which create a bold and flavorful mini sandwich.

• Can I make these sliders spicy or mild?

Yes, you can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of jalapenos or using mild peppers. You can also remove the jalapeno seeds to reduce heat while maintaining pepper flavor.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

These sliders are great for preparing ahead. You can cook the beef mixture in advance and assemble the sliders just before baking, making them convenient for quick meals or game day gatherings.

Pretzel Cowboy Sliders Bringing Savory Flavors To The Table

• Savor Flavor-Packed Bites: These sliders burst with bold, mouthwatering tastes that blend spicy jalapeños, crispy bacon, and rich cheddar cheese for an explosive flavor experience.
• Master Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for game day, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers, these sliders guarantee smiles and satisfied hunger with minimal cooking skills required.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add personal twists to make these sliders uniquely yours, making them incredibly versatile for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Using straightforward cooking techniques and pre-made components like pretzel buns and cowboy butter, this recipe allows even novice cooks to create restaurant-quality sliders without stress.

Pretzel Cowboy Sliders Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Cowboy sliders blend hearty ranch-style flavors with classic pretzel buns for a mouthwatering western-inspired sandwich. Sizzling beef patties nestled between salty pretzel rolls create a perfect handheld meal that satisfies you with bold, rustic charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 6 slices thick-cut turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled (about 1 cup)

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (113 grams / 4 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon hamburger seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

Vegetables and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 medium jalapeno, seeded and sliced
• 1 cup (80 grams) French’s crispy fried onions
• 1 package (9-count) King’s Hawaiian Pretzel Slider Buns
• 1 recipe cowboy butter (without lemon juice), melted, divided

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, hamburger seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoned salt. Cook for 8-10 minutes, continuously breaking up the meat until fully browned.
3. Drain excess grease from the beef mixture and transfer to a separate bowl.
4. Split pretzel buns horizontally and arrange bottom halves in the prepared baking dish.
5. Drizzle cowboy butter over the bottom bun layer, creating an even coating.
6. Spread the cooked beef mixture uniformly across the bun bottoms.
7. Layer toppings methodically: sliced jalapenos, crumbled turkey bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and crispy fried onions.
8. Carefully place pretzel bun tops over the layered ingredients.
9. Generously brush bun tops with additional cowboy butter.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes until cheese melts completely.
11. Remove foil and continue baking 3-5 minutes more to achieve golden brown bun tops.
12. Extract from oven and brush with remaining cowboy butter for extra flavor.
13. Slice into individual sliders and serve immediately, offering extra cowboy butter as a dipping sauce.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeno quantity or removing seeds for milder flavor.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for healthier alternative.
• Toast pretzel buns lightly before assembling to enhance their crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
• Prepare beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for quick weeknight meal assembly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 342 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg