Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or Gruyère, Parmesan, or a mix)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried chives or herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a medium saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low. Add all flour at once, stirring quickly until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides.
- Transfer dough to a mixing bowl and let cool for 3–5 minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until dough becomes smooth and glossy.
- Stir in shredded cheese, herbs, and pepper if using. The dough should be thick and sticky.
- Drop tablespoon-sized mounds onto prepared baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and light. Do not open the oven during the first 15 minutes.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Use a mix of cheeses for extra depth of flavor.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before baking for a crunchy twist.
- Add Dijon mustard, sautéed onion, or spinach for variation.
- Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes.
- Freeze baked or unbaked dough for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
