Make Pav Bhaji into sliders with these Cheesy Bhaji Sliders

Cheesy Bhaji sliders are a fusion Indian slider recipe that will make everyone happy! This delectable fusion of Indian flavors and classic sliders is an absolute must-try for all food lovers. A mouthwatering bhaji, layered with gooey cheddar cheese with a delightful crunch with slaw and onions, and to elevate the experience, a heavenly combination of chutneys in buttery slider buns. these sliders are baked to perfection with a luscious butter mixture poured over them, enhancing the flavors and ensuring each bite is a taste of pure bliss. Whether it's a party, a casual gathering, or simply a day to indulge in scrumptious delights, these Cheesy Bhaji Sliders will steal the show. You can make the Bhaji from before and keep it as well. Perfect for hosting picnics, tiffins, meals, snacks, hosting, Diwali, Holi you name it! 

Happy Cooking!

Servings: 12 sliders

Prep Time: 15-20 mins

Cooking Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1.5 hours

Ingredients: 

Bhaji:

• 4-5 medium potatoes; boiled, peeled and roughly mashed

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1/2 medium red onion finely chopped

• 3-4 scallions. whites and greens separated

• 2 green chili chopped

• 2 tbsp Ginger garlic paste 

• 1/2 bell pepper finely chopped

• 1 tomato finely chopped

• 1/2 cup green peas

• 1 cup cauliflower cut into florets and steamed, check notes

• 1/3 cup shredded carrots chopped

• 1.5-2 Tbsp pav bhaji masala

• 1-2 tsp Salt as per taste

• 1/2 tsp Sugar 

• 1/2 tsp Turmeric

• 2 tsp red chili powder; I used half Kashmiri powder and deghi mirchi powder

• 1/2 tbsp Kasuri methi

Spicy Chutney Mix:

• 1/4 cup spicy coriander chutney

• 2 tbsp tamarind chutney

Assembly:

• 12 Savory butter slider buns

• 3/4 cup shredded slaw (cabbage with carrots) mix 

• 5-9 cheddar cheese slices

• 1/2 medium red Onions sliced

Butter Mixture:

• 1/2 stick of unsalted butter

• 1/2 tbsp Chaat masala 

• 1 tbsp kalonji (nigella seeds)

• 1/2 tbsp spicy maggi style sauce

• 1/2-3/4 tbsp chili flakes

• 1 tsp pav bhaji masala

• 1/2 tsp brown sugar 

Directions: 

1. Bhaji: You can make this from before and keep it. It will last well in the fridge for about 2 days.

   1. Put a pan on low-medium heat and add butter.

   2. Once warm add the chopped onions, whites of the scallions, and green chilis and saute for 3-4 mins till the onions become translucent.

   3. Add the chopped peppers and ginger garlic paste and cook for 2-4 mins until they soften.

   4. Once cooked add the chopped tomatoes and all the spices- red chili powder, turmeric, salt, sugar, and pav bhaji masala and cook for 5-6 minutes.

   5. Add the carrots, peas, and softened cauliflower, and mix well. Cook for 3-4 minutes till it all incorporated.

   6. Add the mashed potatoes and scallion greens. Mix it well, cooking for 4-6 mins.

   7. Add 1/3-1/2 cup water and mix well to combine.

   8. Add crushed kasuri methi and mix.

   9. Let it cook on low for 5-8 minutes. Everything should be mixed toagther well. It should be liquidy. The bhaji filling is ready.

   10. Let it cool before layering.

2. Spicy Chutney Mix: Mix the spicy coriander chutney and tamarind chutney. Keep aside.

3. Preheat the oven to 375F.

4. Assembly: Assemble the buns on a parchment-lined baking tray to make it easier.

   1. Slice slider buns horizontally in half.

   2. On both the bottom and top halves of the buns spread the spicy chutney sauce.

   3. On the bottom half top the shredded slaw mixture.

   4. Layer with 4-5 cheddar cheese slices.

   5. Then spread the cooled bhaji over it.

   6. Layer with 4-5 cheddar cheese slices.

   7. Top a layer of sliced onions.

   8. Sandwich the slider buns over the cheese slices.

   9. Using a toothpick poke holes in the slider buns. be sure to get all the buns all over.

   10. Butter mixture- Melt butter and mix chaat masala, kajoni, Maggi sauce, pav bhaji masala, chili flakes, and brown sugar.

   11. Pour the butter mixture over the buns and spread it all over.

5. Cover the buns with foil and bake for 15 mins at 375F and then 15-20 mins at 350F. The base should be slightly crisp.

6. Let it rest for 3-5 mins once out of the oven.

7. Remove the foil, cut, and serve.

8. You can serve these with any condiments you like, but it’s not needed as these are saucy themselves.

Notes/Tips:

• Use savory slider buns. Sweet buns can make this recipe too sweet. I used Kings Hawaiian Savory rolls for this recipe.

• Ideally, use cheddar cheese. You could use mozzarella cheese if you like.

• You can make the bhaji filling from before and keep it. It will last well in the fridge for about 2 days. I like to make it the previous night or the same day in the morning so it cools. If it dries out, add a tbsp of water.

• Do NOT forget to poke the holes in the slider buns.

• Covering with foil is a must.

• The bhaji has to cool before layering or it will become soggy!

• I like to steam the cauliflower in the microwave or blanch them. For blanching add them to boiling water for 3 mins till soft and then put the forest in cold water.