This delicious Julia Child Cheese Puffs recipe is a quick and easy appetizer that’s light, airy, and packed with cheesy goodness. Made with simple ingredients like butter, eggs, and sharp cheddar, these crispy bites are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them warm, fresh from the oven, or pair them with soups and salads for extra flavor!
Ingredients Needed
- 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons or 4 ounces)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (4 ounces) grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme or rosemary
- Freshly ground pepper
How To Make Cheese Puffs
- Boil the Water, Butter, and Salt: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Add the Flour: Reduce the heat to medium and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a dough ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Cook the Dough: Continue to cook the dough for 2 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon. It should be thick and smooth.
- Let the Dough Cool: Remove the pan from the heat and let the dough cool for 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to help it cool evenly.
- Add the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, stirring after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough will become smooth and creamy.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, thyme (or rosemary), and freshly ground pepper.
- Shape the Puffs: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Using a spoon, scoop heaping tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese puffs are golden and puffed up.
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Recipe Tips
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: When adding the eggs, be sure to mix just until the dough becomes smooth and creamy. Overmixing can make the puffs dense rather than light and airy.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary will give the cheese puffs a burst of flavor. Dried herbs won’t provide the same fresh taste.
- Watch Your Oven Temperature: The initial high temperature (425°F) helps the puffs rise. Be sure to reduce the heat to 350°F to finish baking and prevent them from browning too quickly.
- Cool the Dough Slightly Before Adding Eggs: Let the dough cool for 2-3 minutes before adding the eggs. If the dough is too hot, the eggs may cook too fast and create an odd texture.
- Space Them Out on the Sheet: Make sure to leave at least 1 inch between each spoonful of dough on the baking sheet. This gives the puffs room to expand and rise.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Place leftover cheese puffs in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Freeze: Place leftover cheese puffs in a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat.
- Reheating: To reheat, place leftover cheese puffs on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until they are warmed through and crispy.
Nutrition Fact
Serving Size: 1 serving (28 grams)
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 3mg
- Sodium: 23mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 17g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 2g
More Julia Child Recipes:
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Julia Child Cheese Puffs
Description
This delicious Julia Child Cheese Puffs recipe is a quick and easy appetizer that’s light, airy, and packed with cheesy goodness. Made with simple ingredients like butter, eggs, and sharp cheddar, these crispy bites are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them warm, fresh from the oven, or pair them with soups and salads for extra flavor!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the Water, Butter, and Salt: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Add the Flour: Reduce the heat to medium and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a dough ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Cook the Dough: Continue to cook the dough for 2 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon. It should be thick and smooth.
- Let the Dough Cool: Remove the pan from the heat and let the dough cool for 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to help it cool evenly.
- Add the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, stirring after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough will become smooth and creamy.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, thyme (or rosemary), and freshly ground pepper.
- Shape the Puffs: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Using a spoon, scoop heaping tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese puffs are golden and puffed up.
Notes
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: When adding the eggs, be sure to mix just until the dough becomes smooth and creamy. Overmixing can make the puffs dense rather than light and airy.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary will give the cheese puffs a burst of flavor. Dried herbs won’t provide the same fresh taste.
- Watch Your Oven Temperature: The initial high temperature (425°F) helps the puffs rise. Be sure to reduce the heat to 350°F to finish baking and prevent them from browning too quickly.
- Cool the Dough Slightly Before Adding Eggs: Let the dough cool for 2-3 minutes before adding the eggs. If the dough is too hot, the eggs may cook too fast and create an odd texture.
- Space Them Out on the Sheet: Make sure to leave at least 1 inch between each spoonful of dough on the baking sheet. This gives the puffs room to expand and rise.