01 -
Preheat the oven to 190°C and grease a 12-cup mini muffin tin. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Fold wet ingredients into dry just until combined to avoid toughness. Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling about 75%.
02 -
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until tops are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cups cool in the tin for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly to prevent sogginess from the hot filling.
03 -
In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving rendered fat in the pan. Reduce heat to low, add butter, and fry halved eggs for about 2 to 3 minutes until whites are set but yolks remain runny. Season with black pepper and smoked paprika.
04 -
Place a spoonful of shredded cheddar into each cornbread cup. Add one fried egg half, then sprinkle with bacon. Top with another cornbread cup and press lightly to adhere. Arrange sliders on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
05 -
Bake sliders for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until cheese melts and edges deepen in color. Remove from oven and let rest for 1 minute. Finish with a pinch of fresh chives and serve immediately while yolks are luscious and cornbread tender.