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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://annakocht.com/cheese-puffs-recipe/