Elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible Cheese Puffs, a bite-sized delight that's crisp on the outside and airy on the inside. Combining a rich pâte à choux dough with the bold flavors of Gruyère, Cheddar, or Parmesan cheese, these golden treats are perfect for snack lovers and party hosts alike. With just a handful of pantry staples—like butter, flour, and eggs—this recipe comes together quickly, highlighting the subtle warmth of nutmeg and a dash of black pepper for a sophisticated edge. Easy to prep in under 20 minutes and oven-baked to perfection, these cheesy bites are ideal for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or as an elegant finger food for any occasion. Serve them warm for ultimate indulgence or enjoy them at room temperature—they’re guaranteed to disappear in seconds!
Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat until the butter is melted.
Reduce the heat to low, add the flour all at once, and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon. Continue to stir until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 2-3 minutes.
Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl and let it cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
Beat in the eggs one at a time using an electric mixer or by hand, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. The dough should be smooth and glossy.
Stir in the grated cheese, ground black pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until well combined.
Using a pastry bag fitted with a round tip or a spoon, pipe or drop tablespoon-sized rounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180°C (356°F) and continue baking until the puffs are golden brown and crisp, about 15 minutes more.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Calories |
2072 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 156.8 g | 201% | |
| Saturated Fat | 84.4 g | 422% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1123 mg | 374% | |
| Sodium | 3596 mg | 156% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 102.4 g | 37% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.2 g | ||
| Protein | 75.1 g | 150% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.2 mcg | 21% | |
| Calcium | 1253 mg | 96% | |
| Iron | 11.2 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 595 mg | 13% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.