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Cheese Puffs Recipe: Easy Homemade Snacks for Party Success

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These light, crisp cheese puffs are packed with real cheesy goodness and come together quickly for a crowd-pleasing snack. Perfect for parties, brunches, or cozy nights in, they’re based on classic French gougères with easy tweaks for home bakers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup water (120ml)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (60g)
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour (75g), spooned and leveled (or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (90g, packed; sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or parmesan)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried mustard (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)
  • 2–3 tablespoons extra shredded cheese (for topping, optional)
  • Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine water and butter. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until butter is melted.
  3. Reduce heat to low. Add flour, salt, pepper, and dried mustard (if using) all at once. Stir vigorously until dough forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides (about 1-2 minutes).
  4. Remove from heat and let dough cool for 3 minutes.
  5. Beat eggs lightly in a small bowl. Add to dough a little at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition until a glossy, sticky batter forms.
  6. Fold in shredded cheese and chopped herbs (if using) until evenly distributed.
  7. Use a small cookie scoop or two teaspoons to drop tablespoon-sized mounds onto the lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  8. Sprinkle reserved cheese, sesame, or poppy seeds on top if desired.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until puffed and deep golden brown. Cheese puffs should feel light and hollow when tapped.
  10. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese and real butter. You can customize with different cheeses, herbs, or spices. Freeze unbaked puffs for easy party prep. Bake one tray at a time for best rise. Cheese puffs are best served warm but can be reheated in the oven. For gluten-free, use a cup-for-cup blend; for dairy-free, use plant-based butter and cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese puffs, gougères, party snacks, easy appetizer, homemade, savory baking, gluten-free option, cheddar, Gruyère, finger food

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/cheese-puffs-recipe-easy-homemade-snacks-for-party-success/