Breakfast sliders with maple syrup are a sweet-and-savory handheld breakfast that layers fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon or sausage, and melted cheese on soft slider buns, all finished with a drizzle of warm maple syrup. The combination of salty, rich, and sweet flavors makes these sliders an irresistible morning treat that comes together quickly for a weekend brunch or a crowd-pleasing breakfast gathering.
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns (or 12 dinner rolls, such as King’s Hawaiian)
- 8 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, divided
- 12 slices bacon (about 12 oz / 340 g) OR 12 small breakfast sausage patties (about 1 lb / 450 g)
- 6 slices cheddar or American cheese, cut in half (or 12 slices if using smaller buns)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) pure maple syrup, plus more for serving
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact (i.e., cut as a single slab if using rolls that are connected). Place the bottom halves in a 9×13-inch baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cook the bacon or sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes per side, or cook the sausage patties until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. If using bacon, chop into 2-inch pieces.
- Scramble the eggs: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Pour in the egg mixture and cook, stirring gently with a spatula, until the eggs are softly set but still moist, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat immediately (they will finish cooking in the oven).
- Assemble the sliders: Evenly distribute the scrambled eggs over the bottom buns. Layer the bacon or sausage on top of the eggs. Place a half-slice of cheese over each slider (or a full slice if you prefer extra cheesy).
- Add the tops and butter: Place the top buns over the filling. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and brush it over the tops of the buns.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops are lightly golden.
- Add maple syrup: Remove from the oven and drizzle the 1/2 cup of maple syrup evenly over the tops of the sliders (or serve it on the side for individual drizzling). Garnish with chives if desired.
- Serve: Let rest for 2 minutes, then separate the sliders and serve warm.
Tips
- Use soft, slightly sweet rolls: Brioche, Hawaiian, or potato rolls work best because they hold up to the filling and complement the maple syrup. If your rolls are crusty, they may become tough when baked.
- Don’t overcook the eggs: Scramble them just until they are set but still soft; they will finish cooking in the oven. Overcooked eggs become rubbery.
- Warm the maple syrup: Maple syrup straight from the fridge can make the sliders cold. Heat it in a small saucepan or microwave for 20-30 seconds before drizzling.
- Make ahead: You can assemble the sliders the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sliders as the star of a brunch buffet alongside fresh fruit salad, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad. They also pair wonderfully with a side of crispy hash browns or a fruit smoothie. For a savory contrast, offer hot sauce or sriracha on the side.
Variations
- Sausage and egg: Use breakfast sausage patties instead of bacon for a heartier slider.
- Veggie version: Sauté spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers and add them to the eggs, omitting the meat.
- Spicy kick: Add a slice of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to each slider before baking.
- Different cheese: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, Swiss, or provolone.
- Maple-glazed bacon: Brush the bacon with a little extra maple syrup before baking to make it caramelized.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, or microwave individual sliders for 30-45 seconds. The buns may soften slightly upon reheating, but they will still taste delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use egg substitute or egg whites? Yes, you can substitute 2 cups of liquid egg substitute or 8 egg whites for the whole eggs. The texture will be slightly less rich, but they will still work well.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the sliders, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time, then proceed with the uncovered step.
What if I don’t have slider buns? You can use regular dinner rolls, or even cut a loaf of French bread into slider-sized pieces. Just adjust the baking time slightly if the bread is thicker.
Can I freeze these sliders? Yes, they freeze well. Wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
Is it necessary to use pure maple syrup? Pure maple syrup gives the best flavor, but you can use a maple-flavored pancake syrup if that’s what you have. The taste will be sweeter and less complex.
Can I use a different meat? Definitely. Cooked ham, Canadian bacon, or even shredded leftover pork or chicken work great. Just make sure any meat is fully cooked before assembling.
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