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Cheese Puffs Recipe: Easy Homemade Snack for Perfect Party Appetizers

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These homemade cheese puffs are light, airy, and packed with cheesy flavor—perfect for parties, snacks, or any occasion. With simple ingredients and a foolproof method, you’ll have golden, crisp, and pillowy puffs in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (100 g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  3. Once the butter has melted and the mixture is bubbling, add the flour all at once.
  4. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides (about 1-2 minutes).
  5. Remove from heat and let the dough cool for 3-5 minutes until warm but not hot.
  6. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
  7. Stir in grated cheddar, Parmesan, and any optional seasonings (cayenne, garlic powder).
  8. Transfer dough to a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip, or use a spoon. Pipe or dollop tablespoon-sized mounds onto the baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart (makes 18-20 puffs).
  9. Sprinkle extra cheese or chopped herbs on top if desired.
  10. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Do not open the oven door early.
  11. Puffs should feel light and hollow with a crisp shell. If pale, bake a few minutes longer.
  12. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, use block cheese and grate it yourself. Don’t open the oven door while baking to prevent collapse. Cheese puffs are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You can freeze baked puffs and reheat straight from frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese puffs, gougères, party appetizer, snack, easy cheese puffs, homemade cheese puffs, savory pastry, choux pastry, cheddar, parmesan, finger food

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/cheese-puffs-recipe-easy-homemade-snack-for-perfect-party-appetizers/