Bacon Cheeseburger Cups – Bite‑Sized Comfort Food
Introduction
These Bacon Cheeseburger Cups are the ultimate party food mash‑up: juicy beef, melty cheddar, and smoky bacon all baked into adorable handheld cups. Served on slider buns with classic burger toppings and sauce, they’re a playful twist on the traditional cheeseburger. Perfect for game day, family dinners, or entertaining, these cups deliver all the flavor of a bacon cheeseburger in a fun, bite‑sized package.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Portable & fun: Mini burger cups are easy to serve and eat.
Smoky flavor: Bacon doubles as both cup and seasoning.
Cheesy goodness: Melty cheddar tucked inside each bite.
Crowd‑pleaser: Great for parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
Ingredients
8 slices bacon
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80% lean)
½ cup finely chopped onion
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
4 slices cheddar cheese, cut into small squares
¼ cup ketchup
1 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp pickle relish
12 slider buns or small dinner rolls, split
Optional toppings: sliced pickles, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, extra ketchup or mustard
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin.
Step 2: Make Bacon Cups
Cut bacon slices in half. Line each muffin cup with two pieces, forming a cup shape.
Step 3: Mix Beef Filling
In a bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
Step 4: Layer Beef & Cheese
Press 1 tbsp beef mixture into each bacon cup. Place a cheddar square on top. Add another tbsp beef mixture, pressing gently to seal.
Step 5: Bake
Bake 20–25 minutes, until bacon is crispy and beef is cooked through.
Step 6: Make Burger Sauce
Mix ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish in a small bowl.
Step 7: Assemble
Cool cups slightly, then remove from muffin tin. Serve on slider buns with sauce and toppings.
Tips & Tricks
Extra cheesy: Add shredded cheddar on top before baking.
Spicy kick: Mix jalapeños or hot sauce into beef.
Healthier option: Use turkey bacon and lean ground turkey.
Make ahead: Bake cups, refrigerate, then reheat before serving.
Variations
BBQ Bacon Cups: Swap burger sauce for BBQ sauce.
Breakfast Cups: Use sausage instead of beef, top with scrambled eggs.
Tex‑Mex Style: Add taco seasoning and top with salsa.
Mini Meatloaf Cups: Glaze with ketchup before baking.
Serving Ideas
Perfect for game day platters.
Serve with fries or onion rings.
Pair with coleslaw or potato salad.
Offer a toppings bar for guests to customize.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these without slider buns?
Yes, serve them as bacon‑wrapped meatballs or with toothpicks.
Q: Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze cooked cups up to 2 months. Reheat in oven before serving.
Q: Can I use different cheese?
Absolutely—try pepper jack, Swiss, or mozzarella.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 cups
Calories: ~350 per serving
Final Thoughts
These Bacon Cheeseburger Cups are smoky, cheesy, and downright addictive. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving comfort food, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.