Description
Cheese Puff Sliders combine light, airy cheese puff buns with juicy seasoned beef patties and a tangy secret sauce, making a deliciously unique and satisfying appetizer or snack. These sliders feature homemade Gruyere and Cheddar cheese puffs baked to golden perfection, layered with fresh pickles, tomato, and lettuce for a gourmet twist on classic sliders.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Puff Buns
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Secret Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
Sliders
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 small pickles
- 12 small tomato slices
- 12 small lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Puff Buns: Preheat your oven to 450°F (235°C) and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat. In a pot, bring water, unsalted butter, and salt to a simmer. Stir in the all-purpose flour until a dough forms. Continue to stir vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes to cook the dough evenly, then remove from heat and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Beat in the eggs, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Fold in half of the shredded Gruyere and Cheddar cheese. Using a spoon or scoop, form the dough into 12 balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Top each ball with the remaining cheese. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 35 minutes until the buns are golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely.
- Make the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. Mix thoroughly until smooth and set the sauce aside.
- Cook the Sliders: Shape the ground beef into 12 small patties, seasoning each with salt and pepper to taste. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 2 to 3 minutes per side, aiming for medium-rare doneness. Once cooked, let the patties rest for 2 to 3 minutes to retain their juices.
- Assemble the Sliders: Slice the cooled cheese puff buns in half horizontally. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the secret sauce onto each bottom bun half. Layer each with a cooked beef patty, one small pickle, a slice of tomato, and a lettuce leaf. Complete each slider by placing the top half of the cheese puff bun on top. Serve immediately while the buns are light and fresh.
Notes
- Cooling the cheese puff buns completely before slicing helps prevent them from crumbling.
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter slider option.
- For a spicier kick, add additional cayenne pepper to the dough or a dash of hot sauce to the secret sauce.
- Additional toppings such as sliced onions or bacon can be added to customize the sliders.
- These sliders are best enjoyed fresh due to the light texture of cheese puff buns, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to one day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
