📝 About This Recipe
These bite-sized wonders take the classic American trio of bacon, lettuce, and tomato and shrink them down into a whimsical, kid-friendly format. Perfectly sized for small hands, each slider features crispy, oven-baked bacon and juicy cherry tomatoes nestled between buttery toasted brioche buns. It’s a crunchy, salty, and fresh explosion of flavor that makes lunchtime feel like a special occasion.
🥗 Ingredients
The Foundation
- 12 pieces Mini Brioche Slider Buns (split in half)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened)
The Crispy & Fresh Fillings
- 6 slices Thick-cut Smoked Bacon (cut in half to make 12 smaller strips)
- 3-4 large leaves Romaine Lettuce (washed and torn into slider-sized squares)
- 6 pieces Large Cherry Tomatoes (thickly sliced into rounds)
- 1 pinch Sea Salt (for seasoning the tomatoes)
Kid-Friendly Herb Mayo
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (full fat preferred for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Chives (very finely snipped)
- 1/2 teaspoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 teaspoon Honey (to balance the acidity for kids)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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2
Lay the bacon strips onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
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3
While the bacon cooks, prepare the herb mayo by whisking together the mayonnaise, snipped chives, lemon juice, and honey in a small bowl. Set aside in the fridge.
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4
Slice the cherry tomatoes into rounds and place them on a paper towel. Sprinkle very lightly with sea salt to draw out excess moisture and intensify the flavor.
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5
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the cut sides of the mini brioche buns.
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6
Place the buns cut-side down in the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes until they are beautifully golden and slightly crisp.
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7
Begin assembly by spreading a generous teaspoon of the herb mayo onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
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8
Place a square of crunchy romaine lettuce on top of the mayo to act as a barrier, keeping the bun from getting soggy.
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9
Fold each half-slice of crispy bacon in half again and place it atop the lettuce.
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10
Add a slice of cherry tomato over the bacon, followed by another tiny dollop of mayo to act as 'glue'.
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11
Place the top bun over the tomato and secure each slider with a colorful toothpick or bamboo skewer.
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12
Serve immediately while the buns are warm and the bacon is at its peak crunchiness.
💡 Chef's Tips
Oven-baking the bacon ensures it stays flat and perfectly sized for sliders. Pat the tomatoes dry with a paper towel after slicing to prevent a soggy sandwich. If your kids dislike green bits, swap the chives for a tiny pinch of garlic powder in the mayo. Use brioche buns rather than standard dinner rolls for a sweeter, softer texture that kids love. To make ahead, prep all components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain the crunch.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of sweet potato fries or veggie straws for extra crunch. Pair with a cold glass of apple juice or a fruit-infused sparkling water. Add a side of sliced cucumbers or baby carrots with ranch dip. For a fun presentation, serve in a colorful bento box or on a wooden cutting board. These also pair beautifully with a small cup of creamy tomato soup for dipping.