I tried 8 new items at The Cheesecake Factory. Here's how they ranked, from worst to best.

• The Cheesecake Factory is known for its massive menu and even bigger portion sizes.
• I tried the chain’s newest items and was surprised by my favorites.
• The chicken and waffles were addictive, and the new sliders might be the best burger on the menu.

The pigs in a blanket were a little underwhelming.

My second-favorite new menu item was the Modern Cheesesteak sandwich.

It costs $26.95, excluding tax, making it the most expensive new item on the menu.

This cheesesteak was unbelievably filling and flavorful.

The Modern Cheesesteak kept things simple with thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, grilled onions, and green pepper on a toasted sesame roll. The onions added a mellow sweetness, while the cheese melted evenly throughout the meat, making each bite satisfyingly rich.

I also liked the sesame roll, which was soft enough to hold everything together without getting soggy.

It may not be the most traditional cheesesteak, but it was warm, savory, and reliably comforting.

My favorite new menu item was the Double Smash Cheeseburger Bites.

An order of two sliders costs $11.50, excluding tax.

The sliders packed double patties, double cheese, grilled onions, and special sauce into a snackable format.

They were incredibly moist and cheesy, melting in my mouth with each bite. The flavors reminded me of a really satisfying fast-food burger, from the savory beef to the tangy sauce to the soft, grilled onions.

They’d easily fulfill a burger craving, but their smaller size makes them especially ideal if you also want room to try some of The Cheesecake Factory’s other mouthwatering menu items.