Cheese Puff Sliders Recipe

Name: Cheese Puff Sliders
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 90 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded gruyere cheese; 1/2 cup water; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into slices; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; pinch cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 large eggs; 6 tablespoons mayonnaise; 3 tablespoons ketchup; 3 tablespoons mustard; 24 ounces ground beef; salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 6 cherry tomatoes, cut in 4 slices each; 12 slices bread and butter pickle; heart of romaine lettuce leaves (optional)

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

Cheese Puff "Buns"

1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into slices
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs

Secret Sauce

6 tablespoons mayonnaise
3 tablespoons ketchup
3 tablespoons mustard

Sliders

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6 cherry tomatoes, cut into 4 slices each
12 bread and butter pickle slices
Heart of Romaine lettuce leaves

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450F (235C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat.
Combine the cheeses: Toss the Gruyere and Cheddar cheeses together in a small bowl. Set aside.
Prepare the dough: In a pot, stir together water, butter, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat and stir in the flour with a wooden spoon. Continue stirring until a paste-like dough forms (about 2 to 3 minutes). Youll notice a film forming on the bottom of the pan; continue cooking for 1 more minute, scraping up the film.
Deglaze and cool: Turn off the heat and continue stirring vigorously, scraping the bottom of the pan for about 1 minute. The moisture from the dough will help deglaze the pan, incorporating the film into the dough. Transfer the dough to a bowl and allow it to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
Add eggs and seasoning: Stir in one egg, cayenne, and black pepper until fully incorporated. The mixture may separate, but continue stirring until it comes together. Add the second egg and mix until smooth. Fold in half of the cheese mixture.
Scoop and top: Using a small scoop, drop 12 equal-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Top each ball with the remaining cheese mixture.
Bake the puffs: Place the baking sheet in the center of the preheated oven. Immediately reduce the temperature to 375F (190C) and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed. Allow them to cool on the pan for 3 to 4 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely (about 10 minutes).
Prepare the secret sauce: In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. Set aside.
Form the sliders: Divide the ground beef into 12 equal balls (about 2 ounces each) and flatten them into 1/4-inch thick patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Cook the patties: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties undisturbed until a good crust forms on the bottom (about 2 to 3 minutes). Flip the patties and cook on the other side until the meat springs back when touched and juices begin to leak out (about 2 to 3 minutes for medium-rare). Let the patties rest for 2 to 3 minutes.
Assemble the sliders: Slice each puff open like a bun. Spread 1 tablespoon of the secret sauce on the inside of each puff. Top with a burger patty, followed by a slice of pickle, tomato, and lettuce. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 969
Total Fat: 68g (87% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 22g (109% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 218mg (73% Daily Value)
Sodium: 1019mg (44% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 44g (16% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 4g
Protein: 46g (91% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 14mg (16% Daily Value)
Calcium: 303mg (23% Daily Value)
Iron: 5mg (28% Daily Value)
Potassium: 1267mg (27% Daily Value)

The Origins of Cheese Puff Sliders

Cheese puff sliders are a modern twist on two classic culinary traditions: the French cheese puff, or gougre, and the American slider. Gougres originated in the Burgundy region of France as light, airy pastries made with choux dough and cheese, typically Gruyre. They were served at social gatherings and elegant dinners as finger foods. The slider, a miniaturized version of the hamburger, became popular in the United States in the mid-20th century, especially at diners and casual parties. Combining these two elements, cheese puff sliders offer a sophisticated yet playful take on bite-sized sandwiches, merging French technique with American casual dining culture.

Regional Variations and Influences

While the recipe presented uses Gruyre and Cheddar cheeses, regional variations can be found depending on local cheese preferences. In France, a Comt or Emmental might be used instead of Gruyre. In the United States, sliders often incorporate local cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby. Some regions experiment with adding herbs such as thyme or chives into the puff dough to enhance flavor, while others focus on different meats or vegetarian patties. Coastal areas may pair sliders with seafood or crab cakes, highlighting regional ingredients in this versatile snack.

Distinguishing Features from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional sliders, which use standard bread buns, cheese puff sliders replace the bun with an airy, cheesy choux pastry. This gives the slider a unique texture: crisp and golden on the outside, soft and light on the inside. Compared to regular cheese puffs, these sliders are savory and substantial, incorporating a protein elementtypically a small beef pattyand fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles. This combination makes them both a novelty appetizer and a satisfying main dish, bridging the gap between pastry and sandwich.

Common Serving Occasions

Cheese puff sliders are frequently served at cocktail parties, holiday gatherings, or upscale casual events due to their elegant appearance and easy-to-eat size. They are also popular at brunches or as hors d'oeuvres in restaurants that emphasize creative finger foods. Their playful miniaturized format makes them ideal for buffets or tasting menus, where presentation and convenience are key. Some chefs even feature them as part of themed menus, offering seasonal variations to match local produce or festive occasions.

Interesting Facts and Culinary Insights

One interesting fact about cheese puff sliders is that the choux pastry, despite being doughy at first, puffs up dramatically during baking due to the high moisture content turning into steam. This technique is identical to that used in making clairs or cream puffs. Additionally, the combination of cheeses not only enhances flavor but also creates structural integrity, helping the bun hold the slider together without becoming soggy. Chef John Mitzewich, credited with popularizing this recipe online, recommends a secret sauce combining mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard to balance the rich cheese and savory meat, demonstrating the blend of culinary traditions from different cultures in a single bite.

FAQ about Cheese Puff Sliders Recipe

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also store the individual components (puffs, burgers, toppings) separately for better freshness. Reheat the puffs in the oven for a few minutes to retain their texture.

Yes, you can freeze the baked cheese puff buns. Once they have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake them from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through.

Yes, you can prepare the cheese puff buns in advance. Bake the buns ahead of time and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the oven before assembling the sliders.

Absolutely! While Cheddar and Gruyère are the recommended cheeses for a rich flavor, you can experiment with other types of cheese like mozzarella, fontina, or even a sharp blue cheese for a different taste.

To add some spice to the secret sauce, you can mix in a small amount of hot sauce, sriracha, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust the spice level to your preference.

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other ground meats like turkey, chicken, or lamb. Be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly based on the type of meat you choose.

If you want to reduce the greasiness of the buns, try using less butter in the dough and ensure that you properly drain any excess fat from the burgers after cooking them. You can also use a leaner cut of beef for the patties.

If you prefer not to use mayonnaise, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even avocado to create a different flavor profile. For a dairy-free option, try using a vegan mayo alternative.

If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought slider buns instead of making the cheese puff buns. While it won’t have the same unique cheese flavor, it will still work well for this recipe.

You can prepare the slider patties and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before cooking. It’s best to cook the sliders fresh right before serving to ensure they stay juicy and flavorful. However, you can assemble the sliders (without the sauce and toppings) and store them in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

Comments

Lacyanne

06/17/2025 03:06:38 PM

These little treats look so impressive but are pretty simple. They came together surprisingly easily. Next time I would add some additional cheese to the burger patty even though it seems like a ton of cheese, there still could have been more cheese flavor. This is a great recipe in case you realize you don't have buns when you have decided to make burgers for dinner. These are a definite keeper and I will be making them for a party in the future. Thanks, Chef John!

Rebecca Torres

01/08/2025 04:16:55 PM

Everyone thought it took hours to make.

Cook Time: 1 minute

Sesame-Seared Tuna Recipe

View Recipe

audio version

Cook Time: 15 minutes