Description
These Cheese Puff Sliders feature light and airy cheese puff buns filled with juicy, seasoned beef patties and fresh toppings, combined with a tangy secret sauce. Perfect for an impressive appetizer or a fun party meal, these sliders blend savory cheese and perfectly cooked meat inside a fluffy choux pastry bun.
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 mat. In a pot, bring the water, butter, and salt to a simmer. Stir in the flour until a dough forms, then stir vigorously for 2-3 minutes to cook the dough. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then fold in half of the shredded Gruyere and Cheddar cheese mixture. Scoop 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, or until the buns are golden brown. Allow to cool completely.
- Make the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. Stir well until smooth. Set the sauce aside to let flavors meld while you prepare the sliders.
- Cook the Sliders: Shape the ground beef into 12 small patties, seasoning both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side to achieve medium-rare doneness. Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate and let them rest for 2-3 minutes to retain their juices.
- Assemble the Sliders: Carefully slice each cheese puff bun horizontally. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the secret sauce evenly on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a cooked beef patty, then add a pickle, a tomato slice, and a lettuce leaf. Finish by placing the top half of the bun on each slider. Serve the sliders immediately while the buns are still fresh and the patties are warm.
Notes
- You can prepare the cheese puff buns a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add a dash of hot sauce to the secret sauce.
- Ensure the beef patties are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Use a mix of Gruyere and Cheddar cheese for balanced flavor, but feel free to substitute with your favorite melting cheeses.
- Resting the beef patties before assembling locks in juices and improves flavor.
