Cheese Puffs Recipe

Introduction

Cheese puffs are light, airy bites packed with cheesy goodness and a delicate crisp exterior. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they bring a comforting, savory flavor that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 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)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or paprika

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, heat the milk, butter, and salt over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
3. Step 3: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the flour all at once. Mix vigorously until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4. Step 4: Let the dough cool for 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
6. Step 6: Fold in the grated cheese and any optional seasonings like garlic powder or paprika.
7. Step 7: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart.
8. Step 8: Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
9. Step 9: Serve warm or cool on a rack for later use.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of cheeses like Gruyère and cheddar for a richer flavor.
• For extra crispiness, avoid opening the oven door during baking.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
• Serve with a dipping sauce such as spicy mustard or a creamy herb dip.

Storage

Store cheese puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them crisp, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy. For longer storage, freeze baked puffs in a sealed container for up to 1 month and reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make cheese puffs ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake them in advance and store at room temperature for a day or freeze them for longer. Reheat in the oven to restore their crispiness.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. Sharp cheddar works well, but mixing in Gruyère, Parmesan, or even a bit of mozzarella can add great flavor and texture.

Cheese Puffs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 62 reviews

Delightfully airy and cheesy, these Cheese Puffs are a classic French-inspired snack or appetizer perfect for any occasion. Made with a choux pastry base infused with sharp cheddar cheese, they bake up golden and puffed, delivering a crisp exterior with a soft, cheesy inside. Easy to prepare and irresistible to eat, these cheese puffs are ideal served warm or at room temperature.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cheese puffs 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or paprika

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 large eggs

Cheese

• 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of Gruyère and cheddar)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cheese puffs don’t stick while baking.
2. Heat Liquid Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, unsalted butter, and salt. Heat until the mixture just begins to simmer, allowing the butter to melt fully and flavors to meld.
3. Add Flour: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the flour all at once. Mix vigorously until the dough forms a smooth ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan, indicating it is ready.
4. Cool Dough: Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. This step is essential to prevent the eggs from cooking when incorporated.
5. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the dough, beating well after each addition. Continue until the dough is smooth, glossy, and well combined.
6. Fold in Cheese and Seasonings: Gently fold in the grated sharp cheddar cheese and any optional seasonings like garlic powder or paprika to add extra flavor.
7. Shape Puffs: Using a tablespoon, drop spoonful-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart to allow for expansion.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese puffs are puffed up and golden brown.
9. Serve: Serve the cheese puffs warm for the best flavor and texture, or cool them on a wire rack to enjoy later.

Notes

• You can substitute sharp cheddar with a mix of Gruyère and cheddar for a more complex flavor.
• Ensure the dough cools slightly before adding eggs to avoid scrambling them.
• For a spice twist, add paprika or garlic powder to the dough.
• Serve cheese puffs immediately for the best texture—they tend to lose puffiness over time.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.

Keywords: Cheese puffs, Gougères, French snack, Appetizer, Cheese pastry