Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese Puffs Recipe

If you’re a true cheese lover or just a fan of delightfully crisp and airy bites, you absolutely need these Cheese Puffs in your life! Each golden pillow bursts with tangy cheddar, a gentle hint of spice, and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture you’ll be dreaming about long after your last bite. These classic French-inspired snacks—also called gougères—are shockingly easy to make and even easier to devour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cheese Puffs come together with a handful of thoughtfully chosen pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a starring role—ensuring rich flavor, perfect puff, and that signature cheesy color and aroma. Here’s how everything fits together in this irresistible recipe:

• Milk (or Water): Milk adds a richer, almost luxurious flavor to the puffs, but water will work if you want something lighter.
• Unsalted Butter (1 stick): The heart of flaky pastries, butter infuses every bite with tenderness and wonderful flavor.
• Salt: Just a hint, but it’s essential for drawing out the savory depth of the cheese.
• Cayenne Pepper (optional): Adds a subtle, addictive heat—feel free to leave it out, but a pinch adds lovely complexity.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is what gives Cheese Puffs their structure and airy middle once they bake up.
• Eggs: The secret to that glorious puff and glossy golden color—bring them to room temperature for best results!
• Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar, Finely Shredded: The hero of this story! Sharp cheddar brings vibrant flavor and those crispy cheese edges that everyone craves.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Cheese Puffs is how easily they welcome a personal touch! Go classic, tweak for your tastes, or tailor them to dietary preferences—these beauties are made for customization:

• Different Cheeses: Try Gruyère, parmesan, or a smoky gouda for a new flavor adventure each time you bake.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of smoked paprika or a bit more cayenne for true heat lovers.
• Herb-Infused: Finely chop fresh chives, rosemary, or thyme and fold them in with the cheese—herby Cheese Puffs are truly next-level.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to make these a treat for everyone at the table.

How to Make Cheese Puffs

Step 1: Prep Your Tools & Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to keep sticking at bay and ensure even baking—it’ll make cleanup a breeze, too!

Step 2: Make the Choux Base

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk (or water), butter, salt, and a pinch of cayenne over medium heat. Let it all come to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, lower the heat, dump in the flour all at once, and stir vigorously. Keep mixing until the dough forms a smooth ball and easily pulls away from the pot sides—this usually takes 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Cool and Add Eggs

Take your pan off the heat and give the dough about 5 minutes to cool. Meanwhile, whip all the eggs together in a separate bowl and set aside 2 tablespoons for the egg wash. Slowly work the eggs into the cooled dough, a little at a time, stirring well after each addition. This step makes the dough glossy and extra fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Fold in the finely shredded cheddar. Be generous—the cheese should melt into the dough while leaving irresistible little pockets that crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Step 5: Pipe & Bake

Spoon your mixture into a large piping or freezer bag and snip off the tip. Pipe small circles (about 1 inch wide and 3/4 inch high) onto your baking sheets. Wet your fingers and gently smooth out the tops—this helps the puffs rise evenly and look picture-perfect. Brush each one with the reserved egg wash and sprinkle with more cheese if you like. Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (don’t open the oven!) and cook for another 18–19 minutes, until gorgeously puffed and golden.

How to Serve Cheese Puffs

Garnishes

I love to finish Cheese Puffs with an extra dusting of sharp cheddar just before baking for irresistible cheddary peaks. A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh chives or a twist of cracked black pepper out of the oven adds color and a fresh pop, too—don’t hold back!

Side Dishes

Cheese Puffs are sensational on their own but absolutely shine alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or as part of a brunch spread with eggs and fruit. For dinner parties, plate them as a playful side to roast chicken or grilled steak—the contrast is mouthwatering.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Cheese Puffs in a rustic basket lined with linen for casual gatherings, or stack them on a tiered tray for an elegant hors d’oeuvre table. For a festive twist, thread them onto skewers with roasted veggies, or use as sliders with a swipe of mustard and a ham slice. They’re showstoppers, however you share them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep Cheese Puffs fresh, store cooled leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay crisp on the outside while remaining pillowy inside. After that, a quick refresh in the oven brings them right back to delicious life.

Freezing

Need to prepare in advance? Absolutely! Freeze unbaked Cheese Puffs directly on the baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen (add a minute or two to the bake time)—they’re just as airy and cheesy as freshly made.

Reheating

To revive leftover Cheese Puffs, simply pop them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes. This re-crisps the outside and makes them taste as if they just left the oven—good as new!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When you pull a batch of Cheese Puffs from the oven and inhale their cheesy, golden aroma, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them every weekend. Go on—give them a try, and let these airy, irresistible bites steal the show at your next gathering. I promise, smiles are guaranteed!

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