Description
These Cheese Puffs are light, airy, and packed with rich Gruyère cheese flavor. Perfect as a savory appetizer or snack, they are made from a choux pastry dough baked until golden and puffed to perfection. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they are delightful for entertaining or whenever you crave a cheesy treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquid Base and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 Tbsp. butter
- 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. freshly ground white pepper (optional)
Dough and Cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Gruyère cheese, plus more for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
- Make the Dough Base: In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, sugar, and optional white pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms. Continue cooking and stirring until the dough pulls away from the pan and forms a ball with a film at the bottom, about 2 minutes.
- Incorporate Eggs and Cheese: Transfer the dough to a bowl and stir briefly to cool slightly for about 1 minute. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each to achieve a thick batter that falls slowly from the spoon. Fold in the grated Gruyère cheese evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape and Bake: Transfer the dough to a piping bag or use a small cookie scoop to place inch-wide mounds spaced about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, press the top of each mound with a wet fingertip to smooth peaks. Sprinkle additional Gruyère on top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Remove and serve warm.
Notes
- For best results, do not open the oven door during baking as this may cause the puffs to collapse.
- You can substitute Gruyère with other cheeses like Parmesan or cheddar for different flavors.
- Use room temperature eggs to ensure better incorporation into the dough.
- The white pepper is optional but adds a subtle warmth without overpowering the cheese flavor.
- Cheese puffs are best enjoyed fresh; however, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated briefly in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese puff
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
