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Cheddar Cheese Puffs

Freshly baked Cheddar Cheese Puffs are crispy on the outside and soft inside, filled with melted cheese and herbs, making them a perfect appetizer or snack.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 16 puffs
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: French
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons or 4 ounces) Use unsalted butter for best results.
  • 1 cup water You can use vegetable broth for added flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Sifted flour yields lighter puffs.
  • 4 large eggs Eggs should be at room temperature.
For the Filling
  • 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (4 ounces) Feel free to experiment with other cheeses.
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme or rosemary Other herbs can be substituted based on preference.
  • to taste Freshly ground black pepper Add more if you prefer a spicier flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water, butter, and salt to a boil over high heat.
Making the Dough
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Stir in the cheddar cheese, thyme (or rosemary), and a pinch of freshly ground pepper.
Forming and Baking
  1. Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  2. 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.

Notes

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.