Craving something bold, cheesy, and wrapped in bacon? These Jalapeño Popper Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Sliders bring the heat and the flavor. They combine the creamy, spicy essence of jalapeño poppers with the hearty goodness of meatloaf and the satisfying crunch of crispy bacon—all served up on a fluffy slider bun. Whether you’re feeding a game-day crowd or making dinner fun again, these sliders are the star of the show.
Why I Love This Recipe
These are not your grandma’s meatloaf. Instead of a loaf, we go mini—adding cheddar, jalapeños, and cream cheese right into the mix. Then we wrap each patty in bacon and bake until crisp. It’s like a flavor explosion in slider form. You get smokiness, spice, creaminess, and pure comfort—all in a bite-sized bun. They’re easy to make, wildly impressive, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeños
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 slices bacon
- Slider buns
- Toothpicks, for securing
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Ground beef: You can sub ground turkey or pork if you prefer.
- Jalapeños: Use fresh for heat, or pickled for tang.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a slightly lighter texture.
- Cheese: Try pepper jack or mozzarella for a different twist.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, jalapeños, cream cheese, cheddar, salt, and pepper.
- Form into small slider-sized patties.
- Wrap each patty with a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake 25–30 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and meat is fully cooked (internal temp 160°F).
- Let cool slightly, then remove toothpicks and serve on slider buns.
Tips for Success
- Chill the patties for 10 minutes before wrapping to help them hold shape.
- If your bacon is thick-cut, par-cook it for 5 minutes before wrapping so it crisps up faster.
- Want extra flavor? Brush the bacon with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These sliders are perfect for game day, potlucks, or casual dinners. Serve them with:
- A scoop of Dorito Casserole for the ultimate comfort combo
- A bowl of Crockpot Nacho Dip for dipping or topping
- A pint and a plate of Beer Cheese Dip
- A Tex-Mex side like Chicken Enchiladas
- Finish with something sweet and poppable like Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Refrigerate cooked patties for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture (skip the microwave if possible).
- Freeze uncooked patties and bacon separately—assemble before baking for the freshest results.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers
- This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites Are My Favorite Little Treat to Bake Anytime
Final Thoughts
These Jalapeño Popper Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Sliders are the ultimate upgrade for anyone bored of basic burgers or looking for a crowd-pleasing twist on meatloaf. They’re creamy, spicy, smoky, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re making a game-day platter or a weeknight dinner with personality, this is one recipe you’ll be making on repeat.
Made them?
Tag @chefmaniac and show off your slider stacks! Follow for more flavor-packed, share-worthy creations.
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