Waffle Sliders With Candied Bacon Recipe

Irresistible Waffle Sliders With Candied Bacon Recipe

Crispy, golden waffle sliders with candied bacon bring a playful twist to your breakfast routine.

Mornings suddenly become more exciting with these mini delights.

Small yet packed with flavor, each bite combines sweet and savory notes perfectly.

Bacon caramelized with brown sugar creates an irresistible crunch that complements the light, fluffy waffles.

Imagine serving these crowd-pleasing miniature sandwiches at brunch or game day gatherings.

Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this recipe a game changer for weekend cooking.

Storage Suggestions for Waffle Sliders

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Separate waffle and meat components to prevent sogginess.
  • Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap sliders loosely in aluminum foil to retain moisture. Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through, checking temperature midway.
  • Microwave Quick Option: Place slider components on microwave-safe plate. Reheat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking. Best used when time is limited.
  • Reassemble Strategy: After reheating individual components separately, rebuild slider with fresh crispy bacon and a new fried egg to restore original texture and taste.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, these waffle sliders are perfect for kids. The smaller size makes them easy to handle, and children typically love mini burgers with fun waffle “bread”.

  • Can I make the waffle batter ahead of time?

You can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately in advance, but mix the egg whites just before cooking to maintain their fluffy texture. Store mixed ingredients separately in the refrigerator.

  • Do I need any special equipment?

You’ll need a waffle iron, griddle or indoor grill, and a stand mixer with whisk attachment. A basic kitchen setup works perfectly for this recipe.

  • How difficult is this recipe for beginners?

While it involves multiple steps, the recipe is manageable for intermediate home cooks. Following instructions carefully and preparing ingredients in advance will help ensure success.

Waffle Sliders Loaded with Candied Bacon Goodness

  • Maximize Morning Excitement: Create a breakfast showstopper that transforms traditional slider expectations with crispy waffles and savory candied bacon.
  • Clever Cooking Technique: Master a multi-step recipe that combines grilling, waffle-making, and assembling for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
  • Perfect for Weekend Gatherings: Impress family and friends with a gourmet breakfast slider that looks complicated but delivers incredible flavor and visual appeal.
  • Smart Protein Powerhouse: Layer beef patties, fried eggs, and candied bacon for a protein-packed breakfast that keeps everyone satisfied and energized throughout the morning.

Ingredients to Prepare Waffle Sliders with Bacon

Main Ingredients:

Burger Patty Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A lean protein that forms the hearty center of the slider.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the beef's natural flavor.
Waffle Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure for creating light and crispy waffles.
  • Buttermilk: Provides tanginess and helps create a tender waffle texture.
  • Cornmeal: Adds a subtle crunch and rustic flavor to the waffle.
  • Egg: Helps bind the waffle ingredients and provides richness.
  • Baking Soda: Ensures the waffles rise and become fluffy.
  • Melted Butter: Contributes rich flavor and helps create a golden-brown waffle.
Topping and Garnish Ingredients:
  • Candied Bacon: A sweet and savory topping that adds extra flavor complexity.
  • Fried Egg: Provides a creamy element and additional protein to the slider.
  • Cooking Spray: Prevents the waffle from sticking to the iron.
  • Kitchen Towel: Helps keep the waffles warm during preparation.
  • Skewer: Used to secure the slider components together.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Waffle Sliders

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Patties

Fire up your griddle or indoor grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a mixing bowl, blend ground beef with salt and pepper.

Gently shape the mixture into 4 equal patties. Cook the burgers for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, ensuring they reach the safe internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Transfer cooked patties to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 2: Mix Waffle Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and combine:
  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Baking soda
  • Cornmeal

Set this mixture aside for now.

Step 3: Blend Wet Waffle Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Buttermilk
  • Egg yolk
  • Melted butter

Set this mixture aside as well.

Step 4: Whip Egg Whites

Using a stand mixer, whip the egg white.

Start on medium-low speed until foamy, then increase to medium-high. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form, which takes about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 5: Create Waffle Batter

Slowly pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently. Carefully fold in the whipped egg whites until just combined.

Step 6: Cook Crispy Waffles

Preheat the waffle iron and spray with cooking spray. Pour in the batter according to your waffle iron’s instructions.

Cook until golden brown, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 7: Keep Waffles Warm

Place cooked waffles on a rimmed baking sheet and cover with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 8: Assemble Sliders

Cut waffles into quarters. Layer each slider with:
  • Candied bacon slice
  • Beef patty
  • Fried egg

Top with another waffle quarter and secure with a skewer.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Create 4 total sliders and serve immediately while everything is hot and crispy.

Tips to Nail Waffle Sliders with Bacon

  • Ensure ground beef reaches 160°F for food safety, using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature accurately.
  • Whip egg whites separately to create lighter, fluffier waffles with better texture and volume.
  • Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and prevent last-minute rushes.
  • Allow cooked burgers and waffles to rest briefly under foil or towel to maintain warmth and moisture.
  • Try cheese or additional toppings like caramelized onions to personalize slider flavor profile.

Variations to Try with Waffle Sliders

  • Gluten-Free Waffle Sliders: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free cornmeal and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegetarian Slider Option: Swap beef patties with black bean or portobello mushroom patties. Keep the waffle and egg components the same for a plant-based alternative.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar. Use coconut oil instead of butter and skip the cheese for a lactose-free preparation.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Replace beef with lamb patties. Add tzatziki sauce, crumbled feta, and fresh herbs like mint or oregano to transform the classic slider into a Mediterranean-style dish.

Pairings That Complement Waffle Sliders with Bacon

  • Select a hoppy IPA with crisp bitterness to cut through the rich, savory bacon and beef slider, creating a perfect flavor balance that refreshes the palate.
  • Mix a zesty bloody mary with extra spice, featuring fresh horseradish and crisp celery salt, complementing the waffle slider's robust meaty profile and adding bright, tangy notes.
  • Choose a light-bodied Pinot Noir with subtle fruit undertones, which gracefully enhances the candied bacon's sweetness while harmonizing with the hearty beef patty.
  • Brew a strong cold brew coffee with subtle chocolate hints, providing a rich counterpoint to the slider's complex textures and cutting through the egg's creamy richness.
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Waffle Sliders With Candied Bacon Recipe

Waffle Sliders With Candied Bacon Recipe


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4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy waffle sliders with candied bacon deliver a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Layers of indulgent ingredients between mini waffles create an irresistible bite you’ll crave at breakfast or brunch.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg, separated
  • 7/8 cup (220 ml) buttermilk
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tbsp cornmeal
  • 4 fried eggs
  • 4 slices maple-candied bacon

Instructions

  1. Prepare ground beef by mixing with salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Shape into 4 equal patties.
  2. Cook burgers on a griddle at 350°F for 2-3 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to retain warmth.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients: flour, salt, baking soda, and cornmeal.
  4. Whisk wet ingredients separately: buttermilk, egg yolk, and melted butter.
  5. Whip egg white in a stand mixer, starting at medium-low speed and increasing to medium-high until stiff peaks form, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  6. Gently blend buttermilk mixture into dry ingredients, then carefully fold in whipped egg whites.
  7. Preheat waffle iron and spray with cooking spray. Pour batter according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  8. Cook waffles until golden brown, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  9. Transfer waffles to a baking sheet and cover with a kitchen towel to maintain temperature.
  10. Cut waffles into quarters. Assemble sliders by layering a waffle quarter, candied bacon slice, beef patty, and fried egg.
  11. Top with a second waffle quarter and secure each slider with a skewer.
  12. Serve sliders immediately while hot and fresh.

Notes

  • Customize meat choice by swapping ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based patties for dietary preferences.
  • Whip egg whites separately to create ultra-light, crispy waffles with incredible texture and volume.
  • Control cooking temperature precisely to prevent burning waffles or overcooking burger patties, ensuring perfect golden-brown results.
  • Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline assembly and guarantee hot, fresh sliders served immediately for maximum flavor and enjoyment.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 475 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 33 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 215 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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