Petite Party Cream Puffs
Delightful bite-sized cream puffs with light, airy shells perfect for parties or appetizers, filled with savory chicken salad or other favorite fillings. Ideal for entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat water and butter in a saucepan until boiling.
- Mix in flour all at once and stir constantly until the mixture leaves the side of the pan and forms into a ball, about 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Beat eggs one at a time into the mixture, beating until smooth after each addition.
- Whip the mixture until velvety and smooth.
- Drop level teaspoonfuls of the batter onto a lightly greased cookie sheet to form small mounds.
- Bake in a hot 400°F oven for about 20 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Cool the puffs, then split open and fill with chicken salad or your favorite sandwich filling.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best texture for your cream puffs, ensure that the batter is well-beaten after each egg addition, resulting in a smooth and velvety consistency. If you're out of butter, margarine can be a great substitute. For added flavor, consider infusing the water with herbs or spices before boiling.
Serving Suggestions
These petite cream puffs make delightful appetizers or party snacks. Serve them alongside a refreshing salad like Strawberry Freeze Salad or as a fun finger food at gatherings. For a sweet twist, fill them with whipped cream and fruit or a chocolate mousse inspired by Quickie Chocolate Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cream puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to reheat them, place the puffs in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness before filling them.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Petite Party Cream Puffs contains roughly 44 calories, with 0g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before baking to ensure even puffing.
What can I use to fill the cream puffs?
You can fill cream puffs with a variety of fillings such as chicken salad, tuna salad, or even sweet fillings like pastry cream or whipped cream. Experiment with your favorites to find the perfect match.
Why did my cream puffs not rise?
If your cream puffs did not rise, it could be due to undercooking the batter or not allowing enough steam to develop during baking. Ensure your oven is properly preheated and avoid opening the door during the first 15 minutes of baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).