Description
Savory Nun’s Puffs are a twist on the classic French chou pastry, transformed into a rich, cheesy, and buttery appetizer. Made by cooking flour, eggs, butter, and milk into a thick pâte à choux dough, these puffs are combined with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh herbs, then baked to golden crispness. The result is a cloud-like, airy pastry with a crisp exterior and a fluffy, cheese-perfumed center. Ideal for entertaining, these puffs are versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for serving warm or at room temperature alongside wine or cocktails.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin pan with paper liners or grease lightly.
- In a medium saucepan, combine milk and butter over medium heat. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Add in the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth, cohesive ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 5 minutes.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Fold in cheddar cheese, chives, salt, and black pepper until evenly incorporated.
- Divide the dough evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about halfway.
- Bake for 28-32 minutes, until puffs are deeply golden and crisp. Do not open the oven during baking.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
You can substitute Gruyère, Parmesan, or a plant-based cheese for cheddar. For a herby twist, use parsley or dill instead of chives. Prepare the puffs a day ahead, reheat in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to regain crispness. Store cooled puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. If puffs collapse, ensure dough was thick enough before adding eggs; avoid opening the oven during baking, as steam loss can flatten them. For gluten-free, use a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg