Elevate your appetizer game with these irresistibly airy and flavorful Spicy Cheese Puff Appetizers! Infused with a hint of cayenne pepper, these golden-brown delights pack just the right amount of heat, balanced perfectly by the rich blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Prepared with a classic French pΓ’te Γ choux dough, these puffs are wonderfully light on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside. Fresh chives add a touch of brightness, making them the perfect gourmet snack for parties, holiday gatherings, or even casual get-togethers. Ready in under an hour, these cheesy bites are best served warm but can be enjoyed at room temperature, making them as convenient as they are delicious. Prepare to wow your guests with this impressive yet surprisingly simple recipe!
Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, water, salt, and cayenne pepper. Heat over medium-high until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a rolling boil.
Reduce the heat to low, add the flour all at once, and vigorously stir with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together in a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 2 minutes.
Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Let it cool for 3-4 minutes to prevent the eggs from cooking when added.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough should be smooth, glossy, and slightly sticky.
Fold in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped chives until evenly distributed.
Transfer the dough to a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip, or use a spoon to drop small mounds (about 1 tablespoon each) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese puffs are golden brown and puffed.
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Calories |
1728 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 117.3 g | 150% | |
| Saturated Fat | 66.2 g | 331% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1028 mg | 343% | |
| Sodium | 2878 mg | 125% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 100.0 g | 36% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.3 g | ||
| Protein | 81.0 g | 162% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.6 mcg | 23% | |
| Calcium | 1398 mg | 108% | |
| Iron | 10.5 mg | 58% | |
| Potassium | 555 mg | 12% | |
*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.