There’s something magical about freshly baked Cheddar Cheese Puffs—crispy on the outside, airy and soft inside, with melted cheese and a touch of herbs in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing an appetizer for guests, or just craving a warm, savory snack, these bite-sized delights will disappear faster than you can bake them! These puffs are made from a classic French-style choux pastry (pâte à choux), but instead of sweet cream, we load them with sharp cheddar and fragrant herbs. The result? A perfect balance of buttery richness, cheesiness, and crunch. Serve them warm straight out of the oven for the ultimate cheesy indulgence. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Plus, they can be customized with different cheeses, herbs, or spices—making them a versatile treat for any occasion.
🧈 Ingredients
- 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons or 4 ounces)
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (4 ounces) grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme or rosemary
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Bring to a Boil:
In a medium saucepan, bring the water, butter, and salt to a boil over high heat.
2. Make the Dough:
Once boiling, reduce heat to medium. Add the flour all at once and stir quickly until the mixture forms a smooth dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
3. Add the Eggs:
Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes. Then beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth and glossy.
4. Add Cheese and Herbs:
Stir in the cheddar cheese, thyme (or rosemary), and a pinch of freshly ground pepper.
5. Form the Puffs:
Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until golden, puffed, and crisp.
⏱️ Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Servings: 12–16 puffs
- Calories: ~120 kcal per puff
💡 Tips for Perfect Cheese Puffs
- For extra flavor, sprinkle parmesan or paprika on top before baking.
- Want more stretch? Try mixing in mozzarella or gruyère cheese.
- These puffs taste amazing fresh, but can also be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cheddar Cheese Puffs are golden, fluffy, and packed with cheesy goodness. They make the perfect snack, side dish, or party appetizer—and you can flavor them your way with garlic, herbs, or even a touch of chili for spice.
Would you try adding your own twist—maybe smoked cheddar or jalapeño? 🔥
Tell us your favorite variation in the comments below! 👇
#CheeseLovers #CheddarPuffs #SavorySnacks #BakingAtHome #EasyAppetizers #PartyFood #HomemadeGoodness #SnackIdeas #ComfortFood