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Chef John's Cheddar Cheese Puffs

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PREP TIME
15 min
COOKING TIME
20 min
TOTAL TIME
40 min
SERVINGS
12 servings
Snack French
Chef John's Cheddar Cheese Puffs
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to its highest temperature setting, which is 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius. Next, place a silicone baking mat on a baking sheet to prevent the dough from sticking.
2
To begin making the dough, combine water, butter, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the ingredients are well combined, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a lower setting and continue stirring until flour is fully incorporated into the butter mixture. This should take around 2 to 3 minutes, at which point a smooth dough will form.
4
Allow the dough to rest and cool for 5 to 10 minutes, during which time it will warm up slightly. This step is crucial in helping the dough come together.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 egg, thyme, and black pepper until the egg is fully incorporated into the dough. Add a second egg and continue whisking until it's completely combined with the rest of the ingredients.
6
At this stage, stir 3/4 of the cheese into the dough until it's evenly distributed. The remaining cheese will be added on top of each ball of dough later.
7
Using your hands or a spoon, shape the dough into small balls that are approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place these balls onto the prepared baking sheet.
8
Finally, top each ball of dough with the remaining cheese and bake in the preheated oven until it's golden brown and puffed, taking around 15 to 20 minutes.