Candied Bacon BLT Sliders (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Slider Components

01 - 9 sweet slider buns (King's Hawaiian or brioche)
02 - 1 lb thick-cut center-cut bacon
03 - 1/4 head iceberg lettuce, cut into slider portions
04 - 2-3 Roma tomatoes, sliced thick
05 - Mayonnaise (about 1 tbsp per slider)
06 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Candied Bacon Coating

07 - 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
08 - 2 tsp smoked paprika
09 - 2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
10 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes

→ Garlic Butter Spread

11 - 5 tbsp butter
12 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
13 - 2 tsp fresh parsley, minced

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne, and 1 teaspoon of cracked pepper until it's well combined. This sweet and spicy mixture is what makes the bacon so special.
02 - Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lay the bacon strips on the rack and generously sprinkle the brown sugar mixture on both sides, rubbing it in well. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the bacon during the last 10 minutes. Look for dark brown edges - that's when you know it's perfect.
03 - Remove the bacon from the wire rack and let it rest on a plate. Don't worry if it seems a bit soft - it'll crisp up beautifully as it cools down.
04 - In a small bowl, combine the butter, minced garlic, and parsley. Pop it in the microwave for about 20 seconds until it's softened and partially melted. This garlic butter is going to make your buns absolutely incredible.
05 - Slice your slider buns in half and spread the garlic butter mixture on the inside of both halves. Heat a large skillet over low heat and toast the buns butter-side down until golden brown, then flip and lightly toast the other side for about a minute.
06 - While the buns are toasting, cut each bacon strip into thirds so you'll have three pieces per slider. Wash and dry your lettuce, and slice your tomatoes into thick rounds that will fit nicely on the sliders.
07 - Spread mayo on the bottom buns, then layer on the lettuce and a thick tomato slice. Season the tomatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper. Top with three pieces of candied bacon, add more mayo to the top bun, and crown each slider. Serve immediately while everything is still warm and crispy.

# Notes:

01 - The bacon will continue to crisp up as it cools, so don't worry if it seems slightly soft when hot
02 - Using a wire rack prevents the bacon from sitting in its own grease while baking
03 - Toasting the buns with garlic butter adds amazing flavor and prevents them from getting soggy
04 - These sliders are best served immediately while the bacon is still warm and crispy

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