Cheese Puffs

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for the perfect appetizer, or just craving a savory treat, these Cheese Puffs are guaranteed to impress. Combining the gooey goodness of mozzarella with the sharpness of Parmesan, these puffs are a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite. Follow this simple recipe to create a batch of these irresistible treats that are sure to disappear from the plate in no time.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup water
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup plain flour
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon minced Italian parsley
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Preparation Starts: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cheese puffs won’t stick.
2. Creating the Dough: In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and ground black pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil, then add the flour. Stir vigorously until it forms a smooth dough. This step is crucial for getting the perfect texture. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes to dry out the dough slightly, making it easier to handle.
3. Adding the Eggs: Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for a short while. You don’t want the eggs to cook upon contact. Slowly incorporate the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well blended into the dough before adding the next.
4. Cheese and Parsley Mix: Fold in the grated mozzarella cheese and minced Italian parsley into the dough. This step infuses the dough with flavors that are both rich and aromatic.
5. Shaping and Baking: Using two tablespoons, scoop and shape the dough into balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1.5″-2″ apart to allow room for expansion. Sprinkle the tops with grated Parmesan cheese for that extra hit of flavor and a beautiful golden crust.
6. Final Bake: Bake in the preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes. Then, lower the temperature to 380°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs turn golden brown and puff up. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!

Serving:

Serve these Cheese Puffs warm, straight out of the oven, to enjoy the full extent of their gooey, cheesy goodness. They make a perfect appetizer for gatherings, or a tasty snack for those moments when you crave something savory.

Nutritional Information:

Each Cheese Puff comes in at approximately 80 kcal, making them a delightful treat that won’t weigh heavily on your calorie count. This recipe yields about 18 gougeres, perfect for sharing or saving for later!

Crafting these Cheese Puffs is more than just cooking; it’s an experience. The process is simple, but the result is anything but basic. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, mixed with a hint of parsley, creates a flavor that is both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to elevate your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process, relish the flavors, and watch as these Cheese Puffs become a new favorite in your home.

Print