Grilled Mac & Beer Cheese Sliders with Bacon, Beer, & Tomato Jam
What is there to say about this besides that it's the most amazing combination of foods all in one tasty little slider? Remember, a large amount of the cook time is for the Beer, Bacon, and Tomato Jam, but that can be made a day ahead of time.
What is there to say about this besides that it's the most amazing combination of foods all in one tasty little slider? Remember, a large amount of the cook time is for the Beer, Bacon, and Tomato Jam, but that can be made a day ahead of time.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 baguette
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 cloves garlic smashed
- butter for frying the grilled cheese
- 10 slices white cheddar cheese broken in half
- â½ lb elbow macaroni
- â½ cup half and half or milk
- 6 oz beer (i used goose island- honker's ale)
- smoked paprika chipotle chili powder, and nutmeg, optional
- 2 cups grated white cheddar cheese
- 1 lb smoked bacon
- â½ cup yellow sweet onion finely diced
- 12 oz beer (again, i used goose island- honker's ale)
- Carbohydrate 404.628649525408 g
- Cholesterol 1148.1338359 mg
- Fat 421.741622249098 g
- Fiber 19.7248129005464 g
- Protein 367.213022552022 g
- Saturated Fat 203.707331281915 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (2507g)
- Sodium 17566.0407367332 mg
- Sugar 384.903836624862 g
- Trans Fat 36.5555783683323 g
- Calories 6895 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large pan with high walls, cook the bacon, working in batches to avoid overlap. Once all of the bacon has been cooked, allow it to cool, and then roughly chop.
- Pour out all but about 1 tablespoon's worth of drippings from the pan. Heat the pan again, and add in the onions. Cook the onions until they have become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the garlic and cook for a minute.
- Pour in the beer and apple cider vinegar, and deglaze your pan using a wooden spoon.
- Add the brown sugar, chopped bacon, crushed tomatoes, salt and pepper, and stir well.
- Place the lid over the pan, cracked so that the steam can vent slightly, and allow the mixture to boil for a minute. Then, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook until much of the liquid has evaporated and you are left with a thick, chunky jam, about 1 hour.
- Cook the macaroni according to the directions on the box.
- Heat a pot over medium-high and add the butter.
- When the butter melts entirely, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook until it begins to bubble and turns a gold-ish color.
- Slowly add the milk and beer while whisking the mixture. Then, add the cheeses a little bit at a time, and stir constantly until the mixture is smooth.
- Turn the heat down to medium and keep stirring for another 5 minutes or so as the mixture thickens up.
- Add the salt, and pepper. You may also choose to add a bit of chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, and/or nutmeg, depending on how you like your macaroni and cheese. I add a pinch of each.
- Mix in the cooked macaroni.
- Slice your baguette to your desired thickness. Butter one side of each slice.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat.
- Place a piece of cheese on the unbuttered side of one slice of bread, and scoop a generous amount of Mac n' Beer Cheese on top of the cheese. Place, buttered-side down, into the hot pan. Do this with 3-4 pieces at a time. Place another piece of cheese on top of the Mac n' Beer Cheese.
- Top each with another slice of bread that has been spread on the unbuttered side with Bacon, Beer, and Tomato Jam.
- Fry until slightly browned, and the cheese binding the sandwich has begun to melt. Then carefully flip each slider over to fry the other side. Serve warm.
Grilled Mac & Beer Cheese Sliders: A Culinary Adventure
Oh, my goodness, you guys, these sliders! Let me tell you, they're not just a meal; they're an experience. A symphony of flavors and textures that will dance on your taste buds and leave you craving more. I'm not exaggerating when I say these are the best sliders I've ever made, and believe me, I've made a lot of sliders. My family absolutely devoured them – even my picky eater, bless his heart, went back for seconds (and thirds!).
The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility. While it may seem like a complex undertaking, the truth is it's incredibly manageable, especially if you break it down into manageable stages. The bacon, beer, and tomato jam – the star of this show – can be prepared a day ahead of time, freeing up your kitchen time for the other elements. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or even weekend entertaining. I often make a big batch of the jam and keep it in the fridge; it's amazing on burgers, grilled cheese, even just with crackers!
I'm a busy mom of three, and finding time to cook anything beyond the mundane is a challenge. But when I want to impress – whether it's my family or friends – I reach for this recipe. The result? Pure culinary magic! It's that kind of dish that elevates a simple gathering to something special. The aroma alone fills the kitchen with comforting warmth, promising a delicious adventure to anyone who walks in.
The Mac & Cheese: Creamy, Cheesy Perfection
The macaroni and cheese is the heart of the slider. Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s the perfect counterpoint to the sweet and tangy bacon, beer, and tomato jam. I experimented with different cheeses – sharp cheddar, white cheddar – and found that the blend adds a wonderful depth of flavour. The addition of a touch of chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, and nutmeg is totally optional but adds a hint of smokiness and warmth, elevating the mac and cheese to another level. But hey, if you’re not feeling adventurous, you can easily skip it!
The Bacon, Beer, and Tomato Jam: A Flavor Explosion
This is where the magic truly happens. The slow-cooked bacon, beer, and tomato jam are a game-changer. The sweetness of the brown sugar, balanced by the tanginess of the apple cider vinegar, perfectly complements the richness of the bacon and tomatoes. I used Goose Island Honker's Ale, but feel free to experiment with your favorite beer. Just make sure it's something with a bit of flavor – you want that beeriness to shine through!
Assembly and the Final Touch
Putting the sliders together is a breeze. I like to use a baguette, sliced fairly thinly, but you can use any kind of bread you prefer. Butter one side, layer on the cheese, mac and cheese, jam, and another slice of bread. Then, pan-fry them until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. The result is an absolute symphony of taste and texture. Crispy bread, creamy mac and cheese, sweet and tangy jam, and smoky bacon. It's a match made in heaven!
This recipe is truly special; it’s something that brings family and friends together. It’s a dish that tells a story – a story of love, laughter, and delicious food. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready for a culinary adventure that will leave you feeling satisfied and full of joy. Trust me, it’s worth every delicious bite!
Tips and Tricks:
- Make the bacon, beer, and tomato jam ahead of time. It gets even better with age!
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses.
- Adjust the spices to your liking.
- Use a good quality baguette for the best results.
Ingredients List (Reminder):
salt and pepper to taste, 1 baguette, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes, 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, 4 cloves garlic smashed, butter for frying the grilled cheese, 10 slices white cheddar cheese broken in half, ½ lb elbow macaroni, ½ cup half and half or milk, 6 oz beer, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, and nutmeg (optional), 2 cups grated white cheddar cheese, 1 lb smoked bacon, ½ cup yellow sweet onion finely diced, 12 oz beer
