Fluffy, golden cheese puffs with savory flavor and light texture, perfect for appetizers or party snacks.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Dough Base
01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
02 - 1 cup whole milk
03 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
→ Flavorings
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - Fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped, to taste
→ Binding and Cheese
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, or combination)
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for nonstick surface.
02 - Melt unsalted butter with milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fully melted and mixture just begins to simmer. Immediately remove from heat.
03 - Add flour, salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and baking powder to the warm milk-butter mixture. Stir briskly with a wooden spoon until dough forms and pulls away from sides.
04 - Let the dough cool for 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until dough is glossy and cohesive.
05 - Fold in grated cheese and herbs until fully integrated and evenly mixed.
06 - Using a spoon or piping bag, form dough balls approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter, spacing each portion on prepared sheet.
07 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cheese puffs are deeply golden, puffed, and crisp on the exterior.
08 - Remove from oven and allow to cool briefly on wire rack before serving warm.
