BBQ, Bacon, and Caramelized Onion Cheeseburger Sliders

Directions

1. Thinly slice 2 large yellow onions. In a small saute pan, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, and cook for about 5 minutes, until the onions are beginning to soften and develop a little color. Add a pinch of salt, and reduce heat to medium-low. Continue cooking for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the onions begin to stick to the pan, add a tiny splash of water and move them around. Continue cooking until the onions are soft and a deep, tawny brown. Set aside.
2. Meanwhile, Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange strips of ½ pound of bacon on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until the bacon is uniformly crispy and nicely browned.
3. Preheat a griddle pan (or work in batches using your largest saute pan) until it’s very hot but not smoking. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef, 2 tablespoons Duke’s Georgia Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Divide the mixture evenly into 8 portions, and flatten them to create small patties. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side, set aside on a warm plate.
4. To assemble, without tearing them apart, slice 8 slider buns in half. Top each slider bottom with a burger patty, a dollop of Duke’s Georgia Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce, bacon, and a spoonful of caramelized onions. Top with slices of Swiss cheese. Place the tops on the buns, and brush with melted butter. Bake sliders in a preheated oven for 15 minutes. Serve immediately.