Cheesy BBQ Breakfast Sliders: Your New Favorite Easy Brunch Recipe
Cheesy BBQ Breakfast Sliders are the epic combination of Head Country Bar-B-Q Hickory Smoke Sauce, breakfast sausage, crispy bacon, cheese, and a gooey runny yolk egg. It’s a mini handheld breakfast plate sandwiched in a toasted roll! This recipe offers a delightful twist on classic breakfast favorites, making it perfect for special occasions or a simple weekend treat.
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Head Country Bar-B-Q. As always, all opinions are my own.
This weekend marks a truly special occasion for me: my very first official Mother’s Day celebration! While we had a sort of pre-celebration last year when I first found out I was expecting, this year feels incredibly different and much more real, with our little one here. It’s a moment filled with joy, gratitude, and, of course, delicious food.
Brunch Traditions and Mother’s Day Celebrations
Mother’s Day, for me, has always been synonymous with one thing: **brunch**. Growing up, brunch was a cherished weekly ritual on my mom’s side of the family. Every Sunday, our home would fill with relatives, but on holidays like Mother’s Day, the gathering was monumental. Our dining table would transform into a lavish spread, overflowing with every breakfast favorite imaginable – from sizzling bacon and juicy sausages to perfectly cooked eggs and an array of sweet and savory delights. These memories are incredibly dear to me, embodying warmth, family, and good food.
This year, with the welcome return of safe gatherings (huge shoutout to the vaccine!), we’re excited to host a cozy brunch at our home with our parents. I wanted to create something special, a dish that felt festive and indulgent, yet didn’t require me to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. The goal was deliciousness without the stress, allowing me to fully enjoy this milestone Mother’s Day.
And that’s where these incredible cheesy BBQ breakfast sliders come into play!
These mini breakfast sandwiches are a complete brunch experience, neatly packaged into a handheld bite. They feature all the classic components we crave: the glorious runny egg, crispy bacon, savory sausage, and irresistible melty cheese. But what truly elevates them is a secret ingredient that adds a unique, irresistible flavor twist: BBQ sauce.
The Secret Ingredient: Head Country BBQ Sauce
We’re not talking about just any BBQ sauce, though. For this recipe, we’re using Head Country Bar-B-Q! If you’ve followed me for a while, you know this brand holds a permanent spot in my kitchen pantry. I’m genuinely passionate about only a handful of brands, and Head Country is definitely one of them. My love for it is twofold: first, the flavor is consistently outstanding, offering a fantastic **variety** across their entire line of sauces. Second, and equally important, is the price.
The quality you get for such a reasonable price is simply unmatched. It’s a testament to their commitment to crafting high-quality products accessible to everyone, which I deeply appreciate.
For these cheesy BBQ breakfast sliders, I wholeheartedly recommend the Head Country Bar-B-Q Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce. Its rich, smoky depth, combined with that signature tangy sweetness, perfectly complements the savory breakfast elements. One bite and you’ll understand – you might even find yourself licking your fingers clean!
Essential Tools and Ingredients for Your Sliders
Before diving into the cooking, let’s make sure you have everything you need. As mentioned, the **Head Country Bar-B-Q Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce** is non-negotiable for that signature flavor. You can easily find it at most major supermarkets, or simply click the link to purchase it online and have it delivered straight to your door.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:
- **Half Sheet Baking Pan**: Essential for toasting the buns and melting the cheese on your sliders.
- **Muffin Tin**: This is key for baking individual eggs with perfectly set whites and delightfully runny yolks. A standard 12-cup tin works perfectly.
- **Silicone Brush**: For evenly coating your slider buns with melted butter, ensuring a golden, crispy toast.
- **Sharp Knife and Cutting Board**: For preparing your bacon, sausage, and cheese.
Main Ingredients to Gather:
- Slider Rolls (preferably Hawaiian for a touch of sweetness, but any soft roll works)
- Large Eggs
- Breakfast Sausage Patties
- Bacon (thick-cut preferred for maximum crispiness)
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese slices (or your cheese of choice)
- Unsalted Butter (melted)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Cooking Spray
Need some more inspiration for breakfast or brunch? Don’t forget to explore my breakfast recipes page for a wide array of delicious ideas!
How to Make Yummy Cheesy BBQ Breakfast Sliders!
Making these sliders is surprisingly straightforward, and the result is a gourmet-level breakfast sandwich that looks and tastes impressive. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each step:
Perfectly Toasted Buns
The foundation of a great slider is a perfectly toasted bun. Start by setting your broiler to high. Arrange your slider bun halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Using your silicone brush, lightly coat the cut surfaces with melted butter. This not only adds a rich flavor but also helps them crisp up beautifully. Place them under the broiler for just 1 to 2 minutes. This step requires vigilance – ovens vary, so keep a close eye to prevent burning. You’re aiming for a lovely golden-brown hue. Once toasted, set them aside to cool slightly.
Baking the Perfect Runny Eggs
To achieve those coveted gooey, runny yolks, we’ll be baking the eggs in a muffin tin. Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Lightly grease each well of a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. Gently crack one large egg into each well. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bake for precisely 9 to 10 minutes. At this time, the egg whites should be fully set, but the yolks will retain their delicious, liquid center. To remove them easily, gently slide a knife around the edges of each egg to loosen, then carefully lift them out with a spoon.
Melting the Cheese to Perfection
While your eggs are baking, prepare the bottom halves of your buns. Layer each bottom half with two halves of crispy bacon, followed by a cooked breakfast sausage patty. Top the sausage with a square of sharp cheddar cheese (or two, if you’re a cheese lover!). Place these assembled bottom halves on a baking dish alongside your eggs (if space allows, or in a separate batch) and bake for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. This brief stint in the oven will ensure the cheese melts into a wonderfully gooey layer, binding all the savory ingredients together.
Assembling Your Sliders
Now for the grand finale – assembly! Place one perfectly baked egg on top of the melted cheese on each slider bottom. Take the toasted top halves of your rolls and spread about 1 tablespoon of Head Country Bar-B-Q Hickory Smoke Sauce on the cut side of each. Place the sauced top halves onto your assembled sliders. Serve immediately and watch them disappear! The combination of the smoky BBQ, savory meats, melted cheese, and runny egg yolk is truly divine.
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage for Easy Mornings
One of the best features of these Cheesy BBQ Breakfast Sliders is how easily you can prepare components ahead of time, making your morning rush much smoother. Since the full recipe comes together in under 20 minutes, the primary make-ahead steps revolve around cooking your meats.
- **Cook Bacon & Sausage Ahead**: You can cook your bacon and breakfast sausage patties in a skillet over medium-low heat the day before you plan to assemble the sliders. Cook until the bacon is crispy and the sausage is fully cooked through. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble, you can quickly reheat them in a microwave or a warm skillet for a minute or two before layering.
- **Prepare Cheese**: Cut your cheese slices into squares ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Freezing Assembled Sliders:
Yes, you can even make these sandwiches ahead of time and freeze them for a quick breakfast fix any day of the week!
- **Assembly for Freezing**: Assemble the sliders completely (except for the runny egg if you prefer it fresh, but even that can be frozen and reheated with good results). Wrap each individual sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
- **Storage Duration**: Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- **Reheating**: When you’re ready to enjoy, simply unwrap a slider and microwave it for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted again. For a crispier bun, you can also reheat them in a preheated oven (around 300°F/150°C) wrapped in foil for 15-20 minutes, then briefly remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the bun.
Creative Variations for Your Sliders
While the classic Cheesy BBQ Breakfast Slider is fantastic, don’t hesitate to get creative and customize them to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
- **Egg Styles**: If a runny yolk isn’t your preference, feel free to **make different eggs**! You can easily scramble your eggs and add a spoonful to each slider, or cook them firm in the muffin tin for longer.
- **Sweet & Savory Drizzle**: For an extra layer of flavor, **drizzle with maple syrup**! A touch of real maple syrup over the assembled sliders adds a wonderful sweet element that perfectly complements the savory bacon, sausage, and smoky BBQ sauce.
- **Roll Alternatives**: **Switch things up** by using different types of rolls. Hawaiian rolls add a delightful sweetness and soft texture. You could also try brioche buns for a richer flavor.
- **Cheese Choices**: Experiment with different cheeses! Provolone, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick, would all work wonderfully instead of sharp cheddar.
- **Protein Swaps**: Instead of bacon, consider using thinly sliced ham or turkey bacon. For a vegetarian option, simply **remove the sausage patties and bacon** altogether.
- **Add Vegetables**: **Top with wilted spinach or sun-dried tomatoes** for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms would also be excellent additions.
- **Spice It Up**: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your eggs or a dash of hot sauce to your BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
Finally, if you make this cheesy BBQ breakfast sliders recipe, **please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment!** I absolutely love hearing about your culinary creations and take the time to respond to every single comment. Your feedback is invaluable!
Feel free to drop any questions you have below as well; I’m always here to help.
Oh, and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! Seeing these delicious recipes come to life in your homes is truly my favorite thing, and it means the world to me.
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Cheesy BBQ Breakfast Sliders
Equipment
-
Wusthof Knife Set
-
Utility Cutting Board
-
Half Sheet Pan
-
Muffin Pan
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 8 slider rolls halved
- 8 large eggs
- 8 slices bacon cooked crispy and cut in half
- 8 breakfast sausage patties cooked and sliced in half lengthwise
- 1/2 cup Head Country Bar-B-Q Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce
- 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese cut into 4 squares per slice
Instructions
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Preheat broiler. Add bun halves to a baking sheet cut side up and brush them with melted butter. Place under the broiler and toast until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes. Set aside.
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Preheat the oven to 350˚F (175˚C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
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Crack an egg into each muffin well. Season with salt and pepper. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes, until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny. To remove the eggs, slide a knife gently around the sides to loosen them, then carefully lift with a spoon.
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While the eggs are baking, top the bottom halves of the buns with two bacon halves, a sausage patty, and a square of cheese. Bake for 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese has melted.
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To assemble, place an egg on each slider. Spread 1 Tbsp Head Country Bar-B-Q Hickory Smoke Sauce on each roll top half and place on top. Serve immediately.