Introduction
Philly cheesecake sliders are a delightful fusion of savory and sweet, featuring creamy cheesecake nestled between soft slider buns. This fun, handheld dessert is perfect for parties or as a unique treat that combines the flavors of classic Philadelphia cheesecake with the convenience of sliders.
The History of Cheesecake
Cheesecake dates back to ancient Greece, where it was served to athletes at the first Olympic Games. The modern version evolved in the United States, particularly in Philadelphia, which became renowned for its rich, creamy style made with cream cheese. This culinary evolution led to creative adaptations, like the cheesecake slider, making it accessible and fun for all occasions.
Ingredients Breakdown
A typical Philly cheesecake slider includes:
- Slider Buns: Soft, sweet rolls or Hawaiian rolls work best.
- Cream Cheese: The star ingredient that creates the cheesecake filling.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cream cheese mixture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the filling.
- Toppings: Common choices include fruit preserves, chocolate, or whipped cream.
Optional Ingredients
- Sour Cream: For added creaminess and tang.
- Lemon Juice: A splash for a refreshing twist.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Philly Cheesecake Slider Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 slider buns (Hawaiian or sweet rolls)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fruit preserves (strawberry, blueberry, or your choice)
- Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Slice Buns: Carefully slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping them attached as a whole.
- Assemble Sliders: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom half of the buns. Top with fruit preserves, then place the top half of the buns back on.
- Bake: Place the assembled sliders in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for about 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Add whipped cream if desired!
Tips for the Perfect Sliders
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This ensures a smooth filling with no lumps.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the sliders to avoid drying them out.
- Customize Toppings: Experiment with different fruit preserves or toppings for variety.
Variations and Customizations
- Chocolate Cheesecake Sliders: Add cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture for a chocolate twist.
- Fruit Swirl: Incorporate fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries into the cream cheese filling.
- Nutty Additions: Mix in crushed nuts or a drizzle of caramel for extra texture and flavor.
- Savory Option: For a unique twist, consider a savory filling with herbs and spices instead of sweet toppings.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
To make sliders a bit healthier:
- Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese: This reduces calories and fat content.
- Limit Sugar: Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your taste.
- Whole Grain Buns: Opt for whole grain slider buns for added fiber.
Nutritional Value (Per Slider)
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fat: 7-10g
FAQ
Q: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to assemble.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Q: Can I freeze these sliders?
A: Yes, they freeze well! Wrap individually and store in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Q: What can I serve with these sliders?
A: They pair well with fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal.
Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 1 large green pepper thinly sliced
- 1/2 pound of fresh shaved steak
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 – 12 pack of sweet bread buns
- 6 slices of provolone cheese
- 1 tablespoon of melted butter
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme not ground
- 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large pan, heat oil and add in onions and green peppers. Cook over medium high heat, stirring occasionally until peppers and onions have softened.
- Next, add shaved steak, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Cook steak, breaking it apart with two forks to prevent steak from clumping. Cook until the steak is no longer red. Set pan to the side.
- Slice sweet rolls in half horizontally, while keeping the 12 pack of buns intact. Place onto a baking sheet. Spread steak mixture over the bottom half of the buns, evenly. Top with cheese slices and the top half of the buns.
- In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, dried thyme, and Worcestershire sauce together. Brush butter mixture generously over the top of the buns.
- Place sliders in the oven and bake for 17-20 minutes or until the top of the buns are golden and the cheese has melted. Serve and enjoy!