Cheese Puffs Recipe

Introduction

Cheese puffs are delightful little snacks with a crispy exterior and a light, cheesy interior. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, appetizers, or a savory snack any time you crave something cheesy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or paprika (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by measuring everything out and grating the cheese. Bring the butter, milk, and eggs to room temperature for easier mixing.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, butter, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts completely and the mixture starts to gently simmer.
3. Step 3: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the flour all at once. Mix vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a smooth ball.
4. Step 4: Let the dough cool for five minutes to prevent scrambling the eggs. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough becomes thick, glossy, and uniform.
5. Step 5: Fold the grated cheese into the dough evenly. Taste the dough and adjust seasoning with additional salt, garlic powder, or paprika if desired.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the sheet, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart.
7. Step 7: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese puffs are golden brown, crisp on the outside, and light inside. Serve warm for best texture.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting texture and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Try mixing different cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan for unique flavors.
• For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped fresh herbs like chives.
• Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature to help the dough come together smoothly.

Storage

Store cheese puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze cheese puffs?

Yes, you can freeze baked cheese puffs. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month. Reheat in the oven from frozen for best results.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, other flavorful cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or a mix can add interesting depth to your cheese puffs.

Cheese Puffs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 120 reviews

Cheese Puffs are delightful, golden-brown bite-sized snacks made from a light and airy dough enriched with sharp cheddar cheese. These savory treats have a crisp exterior with a soft and cheesy interior, perfect for serving as appetizers, party snacks, or alongside soups. The recipe combines classic choux pastry techniques with cheese and subtle seasoning, resulting in a flavorful puff that melts in your mouth.

• Author: Viktoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: About 20 cheese puffs 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Base Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)

Cheese and Seasoning

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Additional salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Pre-measure all ingredients and set them out for easy access. Grate the cheese freshly as it melts better than pre-shredded cheese. Ensure the butter, milk, and eggs are at room temperature to help them combine more smoothly during mixing.
2. Make the Dough Base: In a medium saucepan, combine milk, butter, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat until the butter fully melts and the mixture starts to gently simmer. Remove from heat and immediately stir in all the flour at once. Use a wooden spoon to mix vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a smooth ball, indicating it is well combined.
3. Cool Slightly, Then Add Eggs: Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes so the eggs don’t scramble upon addition. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Initially, the dough might look slippery or separated; continue mixing until it transforms into a thick, glossy, and uniform batter.
4. Fold in the Cheese: Gently fold in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until evenly mixed. Taste a small amount to check seasoning and adjust with extra salt, garlic powder, or paprika if desired to enhance flavor.
5. Shape and Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon, drop portions of dough onto the sheet, leaving about 1.5 inches of space between each puff. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the puffs are golden brown, crisp on the outside, and light and airy inside. Remove and serve warm.

Notes

• Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides superior flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Allowing the dough to cool before adding eggs prevents scrambling and ensures a smooth dough.
• Spacing the puffs properly on the baking sheet allows even cooking and puffing.
• Serve cheese puffs warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
• Variations can include adding herbs like chives or substituting cheeses for different flavors.

Keywords: cheese puffs, savory snack, appetizer, choux pastry, cheddar cheese, party food, baked cheese snack