Cheese Puff Sliders Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of a cheeseburger that’s both elegant and wildly fun, Cheese Puff Sliders are here to make all those cravings a reality. Think juicy mini burger patties hugged by golden, light-as-air gougère buns, punched up with a double dose of sharp Cheddar and Gruyère. Each bite bursts with a buttery cheese flavor and a hint of peppery spice, giving you a slider that’s playful, practically melt-in-your-mouth, and absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking to dazzle your weeknight dinner crew, Cheese Puff Sliders turn even the most ordinary meal into a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Cheese Puff Sliders is a breeze, and every item plays a starring role. From the gooey, sharp cheeses to the pillowy dough and all the zippy fixings, these elements come together to deliver sliders with loads of character and color.
- Shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (½ cup): For bold flavor and fantastic melt, you can’t skip this classic cheese.
- Shredded Gruyère cheese (½ cup): Adds nutty richness and a sophisticated twist—balance is everything here.
- Water (½ cup): Essential for forming your dough and creating that irresistible puff.
- Unsalted butter, cut into pieces (¼ cup): Butter brings richness and helps those cheese puffs bake up ultra-tender.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances every cheesy, beefy, tangy component.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): The foundation for your airy gougère buns—simple and reliable.
- Pinch cayenne pepper: Just enough to keep things interesting with a warm, subtle kick.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds bite and balances the cheeses.
- Large eggs (2): The secret to a gloriously puffy dough that won’t deflate.
- Ground beef (1½ pounds): Go for an 80/20 blend for juicy, flavorful patties that shine.
- Salt and pepper: For simple seasoning—don’t skimp on either for perfectly balanced bites.
- Mayonnaise (6 tablespoons): The creamy base for that classic burger sauce.
- Ketchup (3 tablespoons): Sweet and tangy, this gives your sauce that familiar burger-shop taste.
- Mustard (3 tablespoons): For an extra layer of bold zing in your sauce.
- Lettuce leaves: Fresh crunch and a little color for tempting sliders.
- Sliced cherry tomatoes: Their juiciness and sweetness balance the savory notes perfectly.
- Bread-and-butter pickle slices: That touch of sweet-and-sour makes each slider sing.
How to Make Cheese Puff Sliders
Step 1: Make the Cheese Puff Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and kosher salt; bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, stir in the flour all at once. Keep stirring until the mixture forms a smooth dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan—this should take about two to three minutes. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl, and let it cool slightly so the eggs won’t scramble when you add them.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Cheese
With the dough just warm (not hot), beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Fold in half of your shredded Cheddar and Gruyère, plus a pinch of cayenne and all that black pepper. The dough will be sticky, and that’s exactly what you want for airy, cheesy puffs.
Step 3: Shape and Bake Cheese Puffs
Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, dollop the dough into 12 evenly spaced mounds on your prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining shredded cheese for that fabulous crust. Slide the sheet into the oven, reduce the temperature to 375°F, and bake until the puffs are golden and gloriously puffed—about 30 to 35 minutes. Cool them slightly before slicing open for assembly.
Step 4: Whip Up the Special Sauce
While the cheese puffs bake, stir together your mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard in a small bowl until smooth. This simple sauce is the perfect creamy, tangy complement to the cheesy, beefy sliders.
Step 5: Cook the Burger Patties
Form the ground beef into 12 small, thick patties, seasoning both sides generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the patties for about two to three minutes per side, or until they’re just cooked through with a hint of pink in the center. You want them juicy and flavorful for the best Cheese Puff Sliders experience.
Step 6: Assemble the Cheese Puff Sliders
Slice the cheese puffs in half—carefully, since they’re delicate. Spread a generous dollop of sauce inside each puff, then add a beef patty, a crisp lettuce leaf, a sweet and tangy bread-and-butter pickle slice, and a couple slices of cherry tomato. Sandwich it all together and serve immediately while the puffs are still slightly crisp on the edges.
How to Serve Cheese Puff Sliders
Garnishes
A handful of fresh herbs, like chopped chives or a sprinkle of microgreens, adds a pop of green and lively flavor. If you want to amp up the visual appeal, a touch of flaky sea salt on top of each slider does wonders.
Side Dishes
These Cheese Puff Sliders are delicious alongside crisp French fries, a zippy coleslaw, or even a lightly dressed salad for balance. For something extra indulgent, serve with sweet potato fries or homemade potato chips for a crunchy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your sliders platter-style for sharing, or serve each one nestled in a mini cupcake liner for a playful, mess-free appetizer. For parties, thread them onto cocktail picks or bamboo skewers and arrange on a tiered tray—watch your guests swoon at the sight!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (by some miracle) you have leftover Cheese Puff Sliders, store the puffs and patties separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days. Assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
Cheese puffs freeze beautifully! Once fully cooled, place them in a single layer in a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature or gently in a low oven. For best texture, freeze the buns separately and add fresh-cooked patties when serving.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked magic, pop cheese puffs in a 350°F oven for five to eight minutes until crisp. Warm the cooked patties gently in a skillet over low heat, then assemble your sliders while everything is still hot and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses in the Cheese Puff Sliders?
Absolutely! While Cheddar and Gruyère are a dream team for flavor and melt, you can swap in Swiss, Fontina, or even a bit of smoked Gouda for your own twist. Just keep the total amount the same for best results.
What’s the secret to keeping cheese puffs from deflating?
Bake them until deeply golden and crisp so they hold their shape. Letting them cool slightly before slicing also helps prevent steam-related collapse. Using room temperature eggs will also create a better rise.
Can these sliders be made vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the beef patties for a slice of grilled portobello mushroom, a falafel patty, or your favorite plant-based burger. The cheese puff buns complement all sorts of fillings.
How can I make mini Cheese Puff Sliders for parties?
Simply scoop smaller mounds of dough (about a heaping tablespoon) to get bite-sized puffs, and shape your patties accordingly. They’re perfect for passing around at gatherings and look adorable on a platter.
Do I have to serve them immediately?
For the very best texture, serve Cheese Puff Sliders as soon as possible after assembling. If needed, you can keep the puffs warm in a low oven until ready to fill and serve to keep them crisp.
Final Thoughts
Cheese Puff Sliders are pure joy, whether you’re whipping them up for friends, family, or honestly, just yourself. They’re proof that a little extra effort in the kitchen leads to unbelievably flavorful, crowd-pleasing bites you’ll crave again and again. Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and treat yourself to the cheesy, puffy magic soon—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Cheese Puff Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cheese Puff Sliders are a delightful twist on classic sliders, featuring light and airy gougère buns filled with juicy beef patties, tangy sauce, and fresh toppings.
Ingredients
Cheese Puff Buns:
- ½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- pinch of cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
Beef Patties:
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 3 tablespoons mustard
Toppings:
- lettuce leaves
- sliced cherry tomatoes
- bread-and-butter pickle slices
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Cheese Puff Buns: In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a simmer, then stir in flour. Cook until a dough forms, then transfer to a bowl to cool slightly. Beat in eggs, then fold in half the cheese, cayenne, and black pepper. Scoop onto baking sheet, top with remaining cheese, and bake at 375°F until golden and puffed.
- Make Sauce: Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard together.
- Cook Beef Patties: Form ground beef into small patties, season, and cook in a skillet.
- Assemble Sliders: Slice open cheese puffs, add sauce, a patty, lettuce, pickles, and tomatoes. Serve warm.
Notes
- These slider buns are made from gougère dough, giving them a light, airy texture.
- For best results, serve the sliders immediately while the cheese puffs are still crisp.
- You can experiment with different cheeses or add caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sliders
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
