Cheese Puffs Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://kochenmitviktoria.com/cheese-puffs-recipe/
