23 Trendy Brunch Bao-Slider Recipes for New Year That Stand Out

Posted on December 13, 2025

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Introduction

Bao sliders are a fun way to bring soft, pillowy texture and bold flavor to your New Year brunch table. These mini steamed buns pair beautifully with eggs, crispy proteins, fresh veggies, and sauces you already love. Use these recipes as a guide for building a spread that feels playful, colorful, and easy to share.

1. Crispy Chicken & Slaw Bao-Sliders

Crispy chicken and crunchy slaw tucked into soft bao make a crowd-friendly brunch slider.

Ingredients

  • Steamed bao buns: 8
  • Chicken tenders: 8 pieces
  • Flour: ½ cup
  • Egg: 1, beaten
  • Panko crumbs: ½ cup
  • Oil for frying: 1 cup
  • Shredded cabbage: 1 cup
  • Carrot (julienned): ½ cup
  • Mayo: 3 tbsp
  • Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
  • Salt: ¼ tsp
  • Pepper: ¼ tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) to keep chicken warm.
  2. Coat chicken in flour, then egg, then panko.
  3. Fry in hot oil until golden, about 4–5 minutes; place on a tray and keep warm in the oven.
  4. Mix cabbage, carrot, mayo, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for slaw.
  5. Steam bao buns for 3–4 minutes until soft.
  6. Fill each bao with chicken and a spoonful of slaw.

How to Serve It

Top with extra lemon zest or fresh parsley for brightness.

2. Smoked Salmon & Herbed Cream Cheese Bao-Sliders

This slider gives classic bagel-and-lox vibes in soft bao form.

Ingredients

  • Steamed bao buns: 8
  • Smoked salmon: 6 oz
  • Cream cheese: ½ cup
  • Lemon zest: 1 tsp
  • Dill (chopped): 2 tbsp
  • Capers: 2 tbsp
  • Thin red onion slices: ¼ cup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C) and warm a serving plate.
  2. Stir cream cheese with lemon zest and dill.
  3. Steam bao for 3–4 minutes until fluffy.
  4. Spread herbed cream cheese inside each bao.
  5. Add smoked salmon, red onion, and capers.

How to Serve It

Garnish with extra dill and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

3. Soft Scramble & Cheddar Breakfast Bao-Sliders

Soft scrambled eggs and melted cheese make these cozy and familiar.

Ingredients

  • Steamed bao buns: 8
  • Eggs: 6
  • Milk: 2 tbsp
  • Butter: 2 tbsp
  • Cheddar (shredded): ¾ cup
  • Chives (chopped): 2 tbsp
  • Salt: ¼ tsp
  • Pepper: ¼ tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C) to keep eggs warm.
  2. Whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook slowly in butter over low heat, stirring until soft.
  4. Stir in cheddar until just melted; transfer to a warm dish.
  5. Steam bao for 3 minutes.
  6. Fill bao with scrambled eggs and chives.

How to Serve It

Serve with hot sauce or chili flakes for extra kick.

4. Maple Bacon & Arugula Bao-Sliders

Sweet-salty bacon and peppery greens bring great balance.

Ingredients

  • Steamed bao buns: 8
  • Bacon: 8 slices
  • Maple syrup: 3 tbsp
  • Arugula: 1 cup
  • Mayo: ¼ cup
  • Dijon mustard: 1 tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lay bacon on a parchment-lined tray, brush with maple syrup.
  3. Bake 12–15 minutes until crisp; keep warm at 250°F (120°C).
  4. Mix mayo and mustard.
  5. Steam bao for 3 minutes.
  6. Spread sauce inside bao, add arugula and bacon.

How to Serve It

Finish with a little black pepper on top for aroma.

5. Korean-Style Bulgogi Beef Bao-Sliders

Thinly sliced sweet-savory beef gives these sliders bold flavor.

Ingredients

  • Steamed bao buns: 8
  • Thinly sliced beef: 10 oz
  • Soy sauce: 3 tbsp
  • Brown sugar: 1½ tbsp
  • Garlic (minced): 2 cloves
  • Sesame oil: 1 tbsp
  • Sesame seeds: 1 tbsp
  • Scallions (sliced): 2 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Marinate beef with soy, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil for 20 minutes.
  2. Heat a pan over medium-high and cook beef 4–5 minutes.
  3. Keep warm in a 250°F (120°C) oven.
  4. Steam bao for 3–4 minutes.
  5. Fill bao with beef, sprinkle sesame seeds and scallions.

How to Serve It

Serve with quick cucumber slices or kimchi on the side.

6. Crispy Tofu & Kimchi Bao-Sliders (Vegan-Friendly)

Crispy tofu and punchy kimchi bring a fun plant-based option.

Ingredients

  • Steamed bao buns: 8
  • Firm tofu (cubed): 10 oz
  • Cornstarch: 3 tbsp
  • Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
  • Oil: 3 tbsp
  • Kimchi (chopped): ½ cup
  • Scallions: 2 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) to keep tofu crisp.
  2. Toss tofu in cornstarch and soy sauce.
  3. Pan-fry in oil until golden; transfer to a tray and keep warm.
  4. Steam bao 3–4 minutes.
  5. Fill bao with tofu, kimchi, and scallions.

How to Serve It

Add sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil for extra flavor.

7. Hoisin Duck & Cucumber Bao-Sliders

This slider channels classic duck pancake flavors in bao form.

Ingredients

  • Steamed bao buns: 8
  • Cooked duck meat (shredded): 10 oz
  • Hoisin sauce: ¼ cup
  • Cucumber (julienned): ½ cup
  • Scallions (cut into strips): ¼ cup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Toss duck with hoisin and warm in a small baking dish for 10 minutes.
  3. Steam bao for 3 minutes while duck warms.
  4. Fill bao with duck, cucumber, and scallions.

How to Serve It

Top with a tiny squeeze of lime for a fresh edge.

8. Spicy Breakfast Sausage & Egg Bao-Sliders

A playful twist on the classic breakfast sandwich.

Ingredients

  • Steamed bao buns: 8
  • Breakfast sausage (crumbled): 8 oz
  • Eggs: 4
  • Milk: 2 tbsp
  • Cheddar (shredded): ½ cup
  • Oil or butter: 1 tbsp
  • Salt & pepper: pinch each

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
  2. Cook sausage in a pan until browned; keep warm in the oven.
  3. Scramble eggs with milk in butter or oil until just set; mix in cheese.
  4. Steam bao 3 minutes.
  5. Fill bao with sausage and egg mixture.

How to Serve It

Serve with hot sauce or chili crisp on the side.

9. Teriyaki Chicken & Pineapple Bao-Sliders

Sweet pineapple and savory chicken bring a cheerful tropical touch.

Ingredients

  • Steamed bao buns: 8
  • Chicken thighs (cubed): 10 oz
  • Teriyaki sauce: ¼ cup
  • Pineapple chunks: ½ cup
  • Sesame seeds: 1 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook chicken in a pan until no longer pink; add teriyaki and simmer 3 minutes.
  3. Transfer chicken to a baking dish, add pineapple, and bake 8 minutes.
  4. Steam bao for 3 minutes.
  5. Fill bao with chicken and pineapple; sprinkle sesame seeds.

How to Serve It

Add thinly sliced scallions for color.

10. Mushroom, Spinach & Goat Cheese Bao-Sliders

An earthy, creamy combo that feels cozy yet light.

Ingredients

  • Steamed bao buns: 8
  • Mushrooms (sliced): 1½ cups
  • Spinach: 1 cup
  • Goat cheese (crumbled): ½ cup
  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp
  • Garlic (minced): 1 clove
  • Salt & pepper: pinch each

Instructions

  1. Sauté mushrooms in olive oil with garlic until browned.
  2. Add spinach and cook until just wilted.
  3. Keep warm in a 250°F (120°C) oven.
  4. Steam bao for 3–4 minutes.
  5. Fill bao with mushroom-spinach mix and goat cheese.

How to Serve It

Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves for aroma.

11. BBQ Pulled Pork & Slaw Bao-Sliders

Slow-cooked pork meets crunchy slaw in soft buns.

Ingredients

  • Steamed bao buns: 8
  • Pulled pork (cooked): 2 cups
  • BBQ sauce: ⅓ cup
  • Shredded cabbage: 1 cup
  • Apple cider vinegar: 1 tbsp
  • Mayo: 2 tbsp
  • Salt & pepper: pinch each

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Toss pulled pork with BBQ sauce and warm in an oven dish for 15 minutes.
  3. Mix cabbage, vinegar, mayo, salt, and pepper for slaw.
  4. Steam bao for 3 minutes.
  5. Add pulled pork to bao and top with slaw.

How to Serve It

Garnish with pickled red onions for extra tang.

12. Crispy Shrimp & Sriracha Mayo Bao-Sliders

Crispy shrimp and spicy mayo bring a fun, seafood-forward bite.

Ingredients

  • Steamed bao buns: 8
  • Shrimp (peeled, deveined): 12 large
  • Flour: ½ cup
  • Egg: 1, beaten
  • Panko crumbs: ½ cup
  • Oil: 1 cup
  • Mayo: ¼ cup
  • Sriracha: 1–2 tbsp
  • Shredded lettuce: 1 cup

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Coat shrimp in flour, egg, then panko; fry until golden, 2–3 minutes.
  3. Keep fried shrimp warm in the oven.
  4. Mix mayo and sriracha.
  5. Steam bao for 3–4 minutes.
  6. Fill bao with lettuce, shrimp, and sriracha mayo.

How to Serve It

Finish with lime wedges and cilantro leaves.

13. Avocado, Egg & Tomato Brunch Bao-Sliders

These sliders feel fresh, colorful, and simple to build.

Ingredients

  • Steamed bao buns: 8
  • Avocado (sliced): 1 large
  • Soft-boiled eggs: 4, halved
  • Cherry tomatoes (halved): ½ cup
  • Salt & pepper: pinch each

Instructions

  1. Boil eggs for 6–7 minutes, cool, and peel.
  2. Slice avocado and tomatoes.
  3. Steam bao 3 minutes.
  4. Layer avocado, egg halves, and tomatoes inside each bao.
  5. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

How to Serve It

Add a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of chives.

14. Sweet Chili Chicken Bao-Sliders

Sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy chicken makes these sliders very snackable.

Ingredients

  • Steamed bao buns: 8
  • Chicken breast (sliced): 10 oz
  • Sweet chili sauce: ¼ cup
  • Oil: 1 tbsp
  • Sesame seeds: 1 tbsp
  • Cilantro (chopped): 2 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook chicken in oil until done, about 6–7 minutes.
  3. Toss with sweet chili sauce and bake in a dish for 5 minutes.
  4. Steam bao for 3–4 minutes.
  5. Fill bao with chicken; top with sesame seeds and cilantro.

How to Serve It

Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

15. Miso Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Bao-Sliders

Savory miso mushrooms and sweet onions bring deep flavor.

Ingredients

  • Steamed bao buns: 8
  • Mushrooms (sliced): 1½ cups
  • Onion (sliced): 1 large
  • Butter or oil: 2 tbsp
  • White miso paste: 1 tbsp
  • Water: 2 tbsp
  • Sesame seeds: 1 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Cook onions slowly in 1 tbsp butter/oil over low heat until caramelized, 15–20 minutes.
  2. In another pan, sauté mushrooms in remaining butter/oil until browned.
  3. Stir miso into water and pour over mushrooms; simmer 2 minutes.
  4. Combine mushrooms and onions; keep warm at 250°F (120°C).
  5. Steam bao 3–4 minutes.
  6. Fill bao and sprinkle sesame seeds.

How to Serve It

Add chopped scallions for a fresh top note.

16. Breakfast BLT Bao-Sliders

A BLT-style slider with the softness of bao instead of toast.

Ingredients

  • Steamed bao buns: 8
  • Bacon: 8 slices
  • Lettuce leaves: 8 small pieces
  • Tomato slices: 8
  • Mayo: ¼ cup
  • Lemon juice: 1 tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake bacon on a tray 12–15 minutes until crisp; keep warm at 250°F (120°C).
  3. Mix mayo with lemon juice.
  4. Steam bao for 3 minutes.
  5. Spread sauce in bao; add lettuce, tomato, and bacon.

How to Serve It

Sprinkle with cracked black pepper just before serving.

17. Chorizo, Potato & Egg Bao-Sliders

A hearty Spanish-inspired brunch bite in soft buns.

Ingredients

  • Steamed bao buns: 8
  • Chorizo (crumbled): 6 oz
  • Potato (diced small): 1 cup
  • Oil: 2 tbsp
  • Eggs: 3
  • Milk: 2 tbsp
  • Salt & pepper: pinch each

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Pan-fry potatoes in oil until golden and tender; set aside.
  3. Cook chorizo until browned; keep both warm in the oven.
  4. Scramble eggs with milk over low heat until soft.
  5. Steam bao 3–4 minutes.
  6. Fill bao with potatoes, chorizo, and egg.

How to Serve It

Top with chopped cilantro or parsley.

18. Tofu Scramble & Veggie Bao-Sliders (Vegan)

A plant-based brunch slider with cheerful color and texture.

Ingredients

  • Steamed bao buns: 8
  • Firm tofu (crumbled): 10 oz
  • Turmeric: ½ tsp
  • Nutritional yeast: 1 tbsp
  • Bell pepper (diced): ½ cup
  • Spinach: 1 cup
  • Oil: 1 tbsp
  • Salt & pepper: pinch each

Instructions

  1. Sauté bell pepper in oil for 2–3 minutes.
  2. Add crumbled tofu, turmeric, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper; cook 4–5 minutes.
  3. Stir in spinach until just wilted.
  4. Keep warm at 250°F (120°C).
  5. Steam bao 3 minutes.
  6. Fill bao with tofu scramble mixture.

How to Serve It

Serve with avocado slices or vegan mayo on the side.

19. Honey-Soy Glazed Salmon Bao-Sliders

Flaky salmon and a glossy glaze make these feel special yet simple.

Ingredients

  • Steamed bao buns: 8
  • Salmon fillet: 10 oz
  • Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
  • Honey: 1½ tbsp
  • Garlic (minced): 1 clove
  • Oil: 1 tsp
  • Scallions (sliced): 2 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place salmon on a lined tray; mix soy, honey, garlic, and oil, and brush over salmon.
  3. Bake 12–15 minutes until flaky.
  4. Flake salmon and keep warm.
  5. Steam bao for 3–4 minutes.
  6. Fill bao with salmon and scallions.

How to Serve It

Add a squeeze of lime or lemon just before serving.

20. Char Siu Pork Bao-Sliders

Sweet, roasted pork works perfectly with soft bao buns.

Ingredients

  • Steamed bao buns: 8
  • Char siu pork (sliced): 10 oz (store-bought or homemade)
  • Cucumber (thin strips): ½ cup
  • Scallions: 2 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Place char siu slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 10–12 minutes.
  3. Slice cucumber and scallions.
  4. Steam bao 3–4 minutes.
  5. Fill bao with pork, cucumber, and scallions.

How to Serve It

Brush a little extra char siu sauce inside the bao for extra flavor.

21. Coconut-Crusted Chicken & Mango Slaw Bao-Sliders

Crunchy coconut chicken and juicy mango slaw bring a sunny vibe to brunch.

Ingredients

  • Steamed bao buns: 8
  • Chicken tenders: 8 pieces
  • Flour: ½ cup
  • Egg: 1, beaten
  • Shredded coconut: ½ cup
  • Oil: 1 cup
  • Shredded cabbage: ½ cup
  • Mango (julienned): ½ cup
  • Lime juice: 1 tbsp
  • Salt: ¼ tsp

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Coat chicken in flour, egg, then shredded coconut.
  3. Fry in hot oil 4–5 minutes until golden; keep warm in the oven.
  4. Mix cabbage, mango, lime juice, and salt for slaw.
  5. Steam bao for 3–4 minutes.
  6. Fill bao with coconut chicken and mango slaw.

How to Serve It

Add cilantro leaves and lime wedges for a fresh finish.

22. Brie, Apple & Honey Bao-Sliders

A soft, sweet-savory slider with creamy cheese and crisp apple.

Ingredients

  • Steamed bao buns: 8
  • Brie (sliced): 6 oz
  • Apple (thinly sliced): 1 medium
  • Honey: 2 tbsp
  • Black pepper: pinch

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place brie slices on a small tray and warm for 5 minutes until soft.
  3. Slice apple thinly.
  4. Steam bao for 3 minutes.
  5. Fill bao with brie and apple; drizzle honey and add pepper.

How to Serve It

Sprinkle with chopped walnuts for crunch if you like.

23. Nutella, Banana & Peanut Crunch Bao-Sliders

A dessert-style bao slider that works well for a fun brunch finale.

Ingredients

  • Steamed bao buns: 8
  • Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread: ½ cup
  • Banana (sliced): 2
  • Roasted peanuts (crushed): ¼ cup

Instructions

  1. Warm Nutella slightly in a microwave-safe bowl for 10–15 seconds.
  2. Slice bananas into rounds.
  3. Steam bao 3–4 minutes until soft.
  4. Spread Nutella inside each bao, add banana slices, and sprinkle peanuts.

How to Serve It

Dust with a little powdered sugar or cocoa for a festive look.

Conclusion

Bao sliders bring a fun mix of texture and flavor to any New Year brunch spread. You can keep things simple, mix savory and sweet, or set up a build-your-own bao bar so guests can choose their favorite fillings. Save a few recipes to try, double up for a bigger crowd, and enjoy sharing soft, tasty bites all season long.

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