Description
Chef John’s Party Cheese Puffs are delightful, airy, and cheesy bite-sized treats perfect for gatherings and celebrations. These golden puffs combine sharp Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses baked into a crisp, hollow shell made from a buttery choux dough. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they make a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Puff Dough
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Heat Liquid Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water, unsalted butter, salt, and cayenne pepper if using. Bring the mixture to a full boil.
- Add Flour: Reduce heat to low and add all the flour at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth ball.
- Dry Out Dough: Continue stirring and cooking the dough for 1 to 2 minutes to remove excess moisture and slightly dry the dough. Remove the pan from heat.
- Cool Dough Slightly: Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes to prevent cooking the eggs when added in the next step.
- Incorporate Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing each egg into the dough before adding the next. The dough should become smooth and shiny.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in the shredded sharp Cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Using a tablespoon, drop mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for puffing.
- Initial Bake at High Temperature: Bake the puffs in the preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. This high heat helps the cheese puffs rise quickly and form a crisp outer shell.
- Lower Temperature and Continue Baking: Without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese puffs are golden brown and dry on the inside.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cheese puffs from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Do not open the oven door during the initial high temperature bake to prevent collapsing.
- The cayenne pepper is optional but adds a nice subtle heat.
- Use fresh eggs for best consistency when incorporating into the dough.
- Cheese puffs can be made ahead and reheated briefly in the oven for freshness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in a warm oven to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
