Cheese Puffs Recipe
Cheese puffs are light, airy, and cheesy baked snacks made from a dough of milk, butter, flour, eggs, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfectly golden on the outside with a soft and cheesy interior, these puffs are ideal as appetizers or savory treats for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cheese puffs 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or paprika
Dairy and Eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (or mix of Gruyère and cheddar)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Heat Liquids and Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, unsalted butter, and salt. Heat the mixture until it just begins to simmer, ensuring the butter is fully melted into the milk.
- Add Flour: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the all-purpose flour all at once. Mix vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth ball.
- Cool Dough: Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes to prevent the eggs from cooking when added.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This process ensures the dough becomes smooth, glossy, and elastic enough to trap air during baking.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Gently fold in the grated sharp cheddar cheese along with any optional seasonings like garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
- Shape Puffs: Using a tablespoon, drop portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart to allow room for puffing.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese puffs are golden brown and puffed up.
- Serve: Serve the cheese puffs warm for the best texture, or cool them on a rack if preparing ahead.
Notes
- For a stronger cheese flavor, use a mix of Gruyère and sharp cheddar.
- Make sure to beat in the eggs thoroughly to help achieve the perfect puff.
- Do not open the oven during baking to prevent the puffs from collapsing.
- Cheese puffs are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a warm oven before serving.
- Experiment with herbs or spices like paprika or garlic powder to add more flavor complexity.
Keywords: Cheese puffs, savory snacks, baked cheese treats, gougères, appetizer recipe
Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/cheese-puffs-recipe/
