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Basic Cheese Puffs Recipe

These irresistible savory cheese puffs are the perfect party appetizer or picnic snack! Imagine crispy, golden-brown puffs, easily customizable to your taste. Serve them plain, or elevate them with a creamy filling of softened cream cheese, chives, and smoked salmon (recipe ideas included!). This recipe, originally from "Perfect Picnics," is easily doubled and freezes beautifully for future gatherings. Get ready to impress!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Calories 314.2 kcal
Protein 20g
Rating 4.0 (4 Reviews)
Basic Cheese Puffs 98

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Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Basic Cheese Puffs

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How to Make Basic Cheese Puffs

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 cup water.
  3. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift 1 cup all-purpose flour. Off the heat, quickly whisk the flour into the boiling butter mixture until a smooth, thick paste forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  5. Return the pan to medium heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon for 1 minute, until the mixture is dry and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  6. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
  7. Beat in 2 large eggs and 1 large egg yolk, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, a pinch of cayenne pepper (or more, to taste), and 1 cup grated cheddar cheese.
  8. Using a spoon or piping bag, drop rounded teaspoonfuls of the mixture onto a nonstick baking sheet, leaving space between each puff.
  9. Bake for 10 minutes at 425°F (220°C).
  10. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
  11. Let cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Serve plain or fill with your favorite savory mixture (see description for suggestions).

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

16 g

Sugar

1g

Fat

53g

Carbs

8g

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Preparation Occasion Low Protein Very Low Carbs Appetizers Breads Easy Dinner Party Finger Food Picnic Rolls Biscuits Dietary Low Sodium Low Cholesterol Low Saturated Fat Low Calorie Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Low Carb Low In Something Brunch Taste Mood Savory To Go Number Of Servings Presentation