Cheese Puffs Recipe

Introduction

Cheese puffs are light, airy snacks bursting with cheesy flavor. These golden delights are perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a savory treat any time of day.

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 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.
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

• For a stronger cheese flavor, substitute half the cheddar with Gruyère or Parmesan.
• Adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika can give a subtle kick to your cheese puffs.
• Make sure to beat the eggs thoroughly for a smooth, glossy dough that puffs up nicely in the oven.
• Use a piping bag to shape the puffs evenly if you want a more uniform appearance.

Storage

Store cooled cheese puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

Whole milk provides the best richness and texture, but you can use low-fat milk if needed. The cheese puffs may be slightly less tender.

Can I make cheese puffs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and bake the puffs in advance. Store them as described, and reheat before serving for the best taste and texture.

Cheese Puffs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 118 reviews

Deliciously light and airy cheese puffs made with a perfect choux pastry base combined with sharp cheddar cheese. These cheesy bites are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, ideal for appetizers or snacks.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 cheese puffs 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Puffs 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. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Heat milk mixture: In a saucepan, heat milk, butter, and salt over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, ensuring the butter is fully melted and combined.
3. Add flour: Remove the saucepan from the heat, stir in the flour all at once, and mix vigorously until the dough forms a smooth ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4. Cool the dough: Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes so that the eggs don’t cook when added.
5. Add eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition until the dough becomes smooth and glossy.
6. Fold in cheese and seasonings: Gently fold in the grated cheese along with optional garlic powder or paprika if using, ensuring even distribution.
7. Shape the puffs: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart to allow room for puffing.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and have risen nicely.
9. Serve: Enjoy the cheese puffs warm for best flavor and texture, or cool them on a rack for later serving.

Notes

• You can mix Gruyère cheese with cheddar for a more complex flavor.
• Optional garlic powder or paprika adds a subtle extra kick.
• Be sure not to open the oven during baking to prevent the puffs from collapsing.
• If you want crispier puffs, leave them in the turned-off oven for a few minutes after baking.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to retain crispness.

Keywords: cheese puffs, gougères, cheddar cheese, appetizer, party snack, French pastry, cheesy bites