Homemade Cheddar Cheese Puffs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Homemade Cheddar Cheese Puffs are both simple and delicious. The light, fluffy texture paired with the deep, cheesy flavor of the cheddar makes them incredibly satisfying. The dough is easy to make and doesn’t require any special equipment, so you can enjoy warm, freshly baked puffs in no time. Whether you serve them at a party, make them for your family, or indulge in a few on your own, these cheese puffs will be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re customizable! You can experiment with different cheeses or add herbs and spices to tailor the flavor to your liking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup water

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 4 large eggs, beaten

Directions

Making the Dough:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

2. Heat the water and butter: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt (and garlic powder if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter has melted and the mixture comes to a simmer.

3. Add the flour: Once the butter has melted and the water is simmering, add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or spatula until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a dough ball. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Continue to cook the dough for another minute, stirring constantly.

4. Cool the dough slightly: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. This step is important because it allows the dough to cool slightly before adding the eggs, which helps prevent them from scrambling.

Adding the Eggs and Cheese:

1. Add the eggs: Slowly add the beaten eggs, one at a time, into the dough mixture, stirring after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough will seem a bit sticky at first but will smooth out as you add the eggs. The dough should be thick but sticky, and it will hold its shape when spooned.

2. Stir in the cheese: Once the eggs are fully incorporated, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt slightly into the dough, creating that rich, cheesy flavor.

Shaping the Cheese Puffs:

1. Spoon the dough: Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you prefer uniform puffs, you can use a piping bag, but spooning them works perfectly fine!

2. Shape the puffs (optional): If desired, you can smooth the tops of the puffs with the back of a spoon to make them a bit more uniform in shape, but this is optional.

Baking the Cheese Puffs:

1. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese puffs are golden brown and puffed up. They should be crispy on the outside but soft and airy on the inside.

2. Cool slightly: Let the puffs cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, but they’ll still be delicious at room temperature.

Serving:

Serve your Homemade Cheddar Cheese Puffs as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. They’re perfect with a variety of dips, or you can enjoy them on their own. Pair them with a glass of wine or a refreshing beverage for a delightful treat.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 20-24 cheese puffs

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Herbed Cheese Puffs: Add dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the dough for extra flavor.

• Spicy Cheese Puffs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dough for a spicy kick.

• Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère, mozzarella, or Parmesan to customize the flavor.

• Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cheese puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they will keep well for a short time.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the puffs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. You can also microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, but they may lose some of their crispiness.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the dough and bake as instructed.

Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, you can experiment with other flours, such as gluten-free all-purpose flour, for a gluten-free version. Just be sure to use a good gluten-free blend.

How do I prevent the puffs from collapsing?

Make sure the dough is thick enough to hold its shape, and avoid overmixing the eggs. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking to allow the puffs to rise properly.

Can I freeze these cheese puffs?

Yes, you can freeze the puffs before baking. Arrange the uncooked puffs on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, cook them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I make these cheese puffs smaller?

Yes, you can make smaller cheese puffs by using a teaspoon or smaller cookie scoop. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, checking them after 15-18 minutes.

Conclusion

Homemade Cheddar Cheese Puffs are a wonderfully savory and satisfying treat that will make any occasion special. With their rich, cheesy flavor and light, airy texture, they’re perfect for snacking or as a delicious appetizer. Whether you serve them at a party, as a side dish, or enjoy them as a snack on their own, these puffs will be sure to impress everyone who takes a bite. Plus, they’re easy to make and customizable, so you can experiment with different flavors to suit your tastes. Enjoy these cheesy delights fresh from the oven or reheated for a quick snack—either way, they’re sure to be a hit!

Homemade Cheddar Cheese Puffs

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• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 20-24 cheese puffs
• Category: Snack, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Homemade Cheddar Cheese Puffs are a light, airy, and cheesy delight that’s perfect for any occasion. With a crispy golden exterior and a soft, cheesy interior, these easy-to-make puffs are sure to be a hit as a snack or appetizer. Made with real cheddar cheese, they pair wonderfully with wine or can be enjoyed on their own for a savory treat.

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup water

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 4 large eggs, beaten

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Instructions

• Making the Dough:

  • Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

  • Heat the water and butter: In a saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a simmer.

  • Add the flour: Once the butter has melted, add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 2-3 minutes. Continue cooking for another minute.

  • Cool the dough slightly: Remove the pan from the heat and let the dough cool for about 5 minutes.

• Adding the Eggs and Cheese:

  • Add the eggs: Gradually add the beaten eggs, one at a time, stirring after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough should be thick and sticky.

  • Stir in the cheese: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly mixed.

• Shaping the Cheese Puffs:

  • Spoon the dough: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

  • Shape the puffs (optional): If desired, smooth the tops with a spoon for a more uniform shape.

• Baking the Cheese Puffs:

  • Bake: Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up.

  • Cool: Allow the puffs to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

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Notes

Make-Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.Variations: Add herbs like rosemary or thyme, or experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère or mozzarella for variety.