When Has More Cheese Ever Been Wrong?
Sliders are the perfect bite-sized burgers for any gathering. Their small size means less mess than a traditional quarter-pounder and leaves room for other snacks and sides. However, if you’ve ever found sliders to be a bit underwhelming, Chef John’s new recipe is here to change that.
Introducing Cheese Puff Sliders—the cheesiest burger you’ll ever eat, but not in the way you might think.
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What Are Cheese Puff Sliders?
Cheese Puff Sliders take the traditional slider to the next level by replacing the bread bun with a crispy, cheesy puff. Chef John has crafted a way to sandwich a juicy burger between two golden, airy cheese puffs made from a combination of Cheddar and Gruyere cheese.
These cheese puffs are inspired by the French pastry called Gougère, a savory cheese puff often served as an appetizer. While typically stuffed with ingredients like beef, mushrooms, or ham, here they serve as a rich and flavorful burger bun.
Even if you don’t make sliders with them, these cheese puffs can be served on their own as an irresistible appetizer.
How to Make Cheese Puff Sliders
Making Chef John’s Cheese Puff Sliders involves three key components: the cheese puffs, the burger patties, and the secret sauce. While a detailed recipe and video tutorial are available, here’s a quick breakdown of the process:
1. Make the Cheese Puffs
- Prepare the dough by combining butter, flour, eggs, water, seasonings, and cheese.
- Use an ice cream scoop to portion the dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake until golden brown and crispy.
2. Prepare the Burger Patties
- Season and shape the ground beef into small patties.
- Cook them to your preferred doneness in a skillet or on a grill.
3. Make the Secret Sauce
- Mix the ingredients for Chef John’s special sauce (details in the full recipe).
- Spread the sauce onto the cheese puffs before assembling the sliders.
4. Assemble and Serve
- Place the cooked patties between two cheese puffs.
- Add your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, or pickles.
- Enjoy the cheesiest sliders ever!
Conclusion
Cheese Puff Sliders are a game-changer for burger lovers. By replacing traditional buns with cheesy, crispy gougères, these sliders offer a rich and decadent twist on a classic favorite. Whether you serve them at a party or enjoy them as a special treat, they’re guaranteed to impress.
FAQ
1. Can I use different cheeses?
A: Yes! While Cheddar and Gruyere create a balanced flavor, you can experiment with Parmesan, Swiss, or even Pepper Jack for a spicy kick.
2. Can I make the cheese puffs ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cheese puffs in advance and reheat them in the oven before serving to maintain their crispiness.
3. What’s in the secret sauce?
A: Chef John’s secret sauce typically includes a blend of mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, and spices. Check the full recipe for exact measurements.
4. Can I make these sliders gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the flour in the cheese puff recipe with a gluten-free alternative that works for pâte à choux-style dough.
5. What other fillings can I use?
A: While beef patties are traditional, you can use chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian patty to customize your sliders.
Get ready to indulge in the cheesiest, most delicious sliders you’ve ever had!