Description
Cheddar Cheese Puffs are delightful, golden-brown savory treats that feature a crisp exterior and a light, airy interior packed with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack, these French-inspired gougères combine a buttery choux pastry dough with rich, melty cheese for an irresistible bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
Cheese and Herbs
- 1 1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Dough Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, water, salt, black pepper, and optional garlic powder. Heat over medium until the mixture comes to a rolling boil, which helps melt the butter and dissolve the seasonings.
- Add the Flour: Remove the saucepan from heat, then add the all-purpose flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball of dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan, which typically takes 1 to 2 minutes.
- Cool the Dough: Let the dough cool for 3 to 5 minutes to prevent the eggs from cooking when added.
- Incorporate the Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition. The dough should become smooth and glossy as the eggs are fully incorporated.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped herbs if using, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the Puffs: Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for puffing.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the puffs are puffed up, golden brown, and crisp on the outside.
- Serve: Enjoy the cheddar cheese puffs warm or at room temperature as a savory appetizer or snack.
Notes
- These puffs are best served the day they are made for optimal crispness and flavor.
- Reheat leftover puffs in a hot oven for a few minutes to refresh their crisp texture.
- You can freeze unbaked scoops on a baking sheet and store them in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2 to 3 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Optionally add herbs like chives or parsley to enhance the flavor and presentation.
