Cheese Puffs

Cheese Puffs Recipe from France - Gruyère and Parmesan Cheese Pastry Turnovers

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Cheese puffs are a delicious and savory snack that are perfect for any occasion. These light and airy puffs are filled with cheesy goodness and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Cheese puffs, also known as gougeres, originated in France and are a popular appetizer or snack in French cuisine. They are typically made with choux pastry dough, which is a light and airy dough that puffs up when baked.

Ingredients

1 cup milk
0.25 lb (113 g) unsalted butter (1 stick)
1 tsp kosher salt
0.13 tsp freshly ground black pepper
pinch of nutmeg
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 extra-large eggs
0.5 cup grated gruyère cheese, plus extra for sprinkling
0.25 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 egg beaten with 1 tsp water, for egg wash

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a saucepan, heat the milk, butter, salt, pepper, and nutmeg over medium heat until scalded.
Add the flour all at once and vigorously beat it with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes together.
Cook, stirring constantly, over low heat for 2 minutes.
The flour will begin to coat the bottom of the pan.
Dump the hot mixture into the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade.
Immediately add the eggs, gruyère, and Parmesan, and pulse until the eggs are incorporated and the dough is smooth and thick.
Spoon the mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a large plain round tip.
Pipe mounds that are 1.25 inches wide and 0.75 inches high onto the baking sheets.
With a wet finger, lightly press down the swirl at the top of each puff (you can also use 2 spoons to scoop out the mixture and shape the puffs with damp fingers).
Brush the top of each puff lightly with egg wash and sprinkle with a pinch of gruyère.
Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown outside but still soft inside.

Variations

Add herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or chives to the dough for added flavor.
Use different types of cheese such as cheddar, gruyère, or gouda for a unique twist.
Fill the puffs with savory fillings such as ham, bacon, or sautéed mushrooms.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to scald the milk mixture before adding the flour to ensure the dough comes together properly.

- Be sure to beat the dough vigorously to incorporate the eggs and cheese evenly.

- Pipe the dough onto the baking sheets in uniform mounds to ensure even baking.

- Press down the swirl at the top of each puff with a wet finger to help them bake evenly.

- Brush the tops of the puffs with egg wash for a shiny and golden brown finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve cheese puffs warm as an appetizer or snack with a glass of wine or champagne.

Cooking Techniques

Scald the milk mixture before adding the flour to ensure the dough comes together properly.

- Beat the dough vigorously to incorporate the eggs and cheese evenly.

- Pipe the dough onto the baking sheets in uniform mounds for even baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of cheese puffs.

- Use plant-based milk and cheese for a dairy-free version of cheese puffs.

- Use a different type of fat such as vegetable oil or margarine instead of butter.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for cheese puffs ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

- You can also freeze unbaked cheese puffs and bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Presentation Ideas

Serve cheese puffs on a platter with fresh herbs for garnish. - Arrange cheese puffs in a decorative pattern on a serving tray. - Serve cheese puffs in individual mini muffin cups for easy serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair cheese puffs with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

- Serve cheese puffs with a light salad or soup for a complete meal.

- Pair cheese puffs with a charcuterie board for a delicious appetizer spread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover cheese puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat cheese puffs in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of cheese puffs contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of cheese puffs contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of cheese puffs contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of cheese puffs contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cheese puffs are a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D.

Alergens

Cheese puffs contain dairy (milk, cheese, butter), eggs, and wheat (flour).

Summary

Cheese puffs are a delicious and indulgent snack that are relatively high in fat and calories. They are best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Cheese puffs are a delicious and indulgent snack that are perfect for any occasion. These light and airy puffs are filled with cheesy goodness and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them warm as an appetizer or snack with a glass of wine or champagne.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was a simple, yet delicious recipe for Cheese Puffs that I had never seen before. The recipe had been passed down to me by my dear friend Martha, who had learned it from her grandmother many years ago.

I remember the day Martha showed me how to make these Cheese Puffs. We were sitting in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the warm aroma of freshly baked bread. Martha had a twinkle in her eye as she pulled out the recipe card and began to explain the steps to me.

"First, we need to preheat the oven to 375 degrees," Martha instructed. "Then, we'll need to gather our ingredients: flour, butter, cheese, and a pinch of salt."

As Martha measured out the ingredients, she shared with me the story of how her grandmother used to make these Cheese Puffs for special occasions. She told me about the time her grandmother had baked a batch for a family gathering and how everyone had raved about how delicious they were.

As we mixed the ingredients together, Martha explained the importance of using high-quality cheese and butter to ensure that the Cheese Puffs turned out light and fluffy. She also shared with me a few tips and tricks that her grandmother had taught her over the years.

Once we had finished mixing the dough, Martha showed me how to shape the Cheese Puffs into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. As we slid the tray into the oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement at the prospect of tasting these delectable treats.

As the Cheese Puffs baked, Martha and I chatted about our shared love of cooking and the joy it brought us to share our favorite recipes with one another. Before long, the Cheese Puffs were ready, and we eagerly pulled them out of the oven.

The aroma that filled the kitchen was heavenly, and I could hardly wait to taste the Cheese Puffs. As I bit into one, I was met with a burst of cheesy goodness that melted in my mouth. The texture was light and airy, and the flavor was rich and savory.

Martha and I shared a laugh as we indulged in these delicious Cheese Puffs, savoring every bite. I couldn't believe how simple it was to make such a delightful treat, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

From that day on, I made it a point to share the recipe for Cheese Puffs with my friends and family. I loved seeing the smiles on their faces as they tasted these delicious morsels and heard the story of how I had learned to make them from Martha.

Over the years, I have continued to make these Cheese Puffs for special occasions and gatherings, just like Martha's grandmother used to do. Each time I bake a batch, I am reminded of the time spent in Martha's kitchen, learning this cherished recipe that has become a treasured part of my culinary repertoire.

And so, as I pass on this recipe for Cheese Puffs to future generations, I hope that they too will experience the same sense of awe and joy that I felt the first time I saw it. Cooking is not just about preparing food; it is about creating memories and sharing love with those we hold dear. And for me, these Cheese Puffs will always hold a special place in my heart as a reminder of the power of a simple recipe to bring people together.