Description
Delightfully cheesy and airy, these homemade cheese puffs are a perfect snack or appetizer that are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or a mix)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh herbs (like chives or parsley) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water and unsalted butter. Place it over medium heat and bring it to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to help the butter melt completely.
- Once the mixture is boiling, remove it from the heat and add the all-purpose flour, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial because adding the eggs to a hot mixture can cook them, which we definitely want to avoid!
- After the dough has cooled slightly, add the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy. It may look a bit separated at first, but keep mixing, and it will come together beautifully.
- Once all the eggs are incorporated, stir in the shredded cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for achieving that golden, crispy exterior.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cheese puffs from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Using a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off), pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Aim for small mounds, about 1 inch in diameter, spaced about 2 inches apart. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can also use a spoon to scoop out the dough, but piping gives a nicer shape.
- If you want to make them extra fancy, you can sprinkle a little extra cheese on top of each mound before baking.
- Once your oven is preheated, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want them to puff up and turn a lovely golden brown. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking, as this can cause them to deflate.
- After 20-25 minutes, check for doneness. They should be puffed up and golden brown. If they are still pale, give them a few more minutes in the oven.
- Once they are done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cheese puffs cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them maintain their crispiness.
Notes
- These cheese puffs are best served warm, right out of the oven. They make a fantastic snack or appetizer for any gathering.
- Consider serving them with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or spicy sriracha mayo for an extra flavor boost.
- For a touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes