Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders

Ingredients:
1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 is ideal for flavor)
12 slider buns
12 slices American cheese (or your preferred cheese)
6-8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup finely diced onion (optional, for mixing into patties)
1/4 cup pickles, thinly sliced
Lettuce, shredded
Slider sauce (e.g., mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, a dash of pickle juice)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetable oil or butter for the griddle
Instructions:
Prepare the Patties: Divide the ground beef into 12 equal portions. Gently form them into small, thin patties, slightly larger than your slider buns. If using, mix the finely diced onion into the ground beef before forming the patties. Season both sides of the patties generously with salt and pepper.
Preheat the Griddle: Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat. Add a little vegetable oil or butter to the cooking surface.
Cook the Bacon (if not pre-cooked): If you’re cooking bacon fresh, lay the strips on the griddle and cook until crispy. Remove, chop into bits, and set aside.
Cook the Patties: Place the slider patties on the hot griddle. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness.
Toast the Buns: While the patties are cooking, you can butter the cut sides of the slider buns and toast them on a cooler part of the griddle for a minute or two until golden.
Add Cheese: Once the patties are almost done, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. You can cover the patties with a basting dome or a metal bowl for 30 seconds to help the cheese melt perfectly.
Assemble the Sliders:
Spread your slider sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun.