Puff Shells
Light, flaky puff shells with a crispy exterior and airy interior, perfect for stuffing with salads, sweet fillings, or savory ingredients, ideal for entertaining or snack time.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat water and margarine until the margarine melts and the water boils.
- Remove from heat.
- Immediately add 1 cup of flour and stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan.
- Cool for 5 minutes.
- With a wooden spoon, beat in eggs one at a time, until each is thoroughly blended into the mixture.
- Place the mixture in a large bowl and repeat the entire process for another batch.
- Add all batches together.
- Let cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking sheet.
- Drop the mixture into mounds of desired size onto the sheet.
- Bake until lightly browned and fluffy.
- Adjust baking time as needed for your oven.
- Fill with chicken salad or any filling you prefer.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh eggs at room temperature to achieve a light and airy texture. If you want a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsalted butter. Ensure your water is boiling before adding the flour to create the right consistency. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute plain flour with a gluten-free blend; however, results may vary.
Serving Suggestions
Puff shells are versatile and can be filled with various fillings, such as chicken salad or creamy dips like Tom'S Blue Cheese Dip. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or as part of a buffet spread. They also pair beautifully with a light soup for a comforting meal. Consider browsing more vegetarian recipes to complement your menu.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover puff shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, place frozen shells in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Puff Shells contains roughly 772 calories, with 8g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value) and protein (17% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 479mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
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 in advance. After combining the ingredients, let it cool completely, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Before baking, allow the mixture to come to room temperature and give it a quick stir.
What can I use to fill the puff shells besides chicken salad?
You can fill puff shells with a variety of options! Consider using a mix of sautéed vegetables, cheese, or even sweet fillings like custard or whipped cream. For a unique twist, try a savory filling like A Tart Sauce For Broccoli, Asparagus, Cauliflower, Etc.
Why did my puff shells not rise properly?
If your puff shells did not rise, it may be due to undercooking or not using enough eggs. Make sure to beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Baking at the correct temperature is also crucial; an oven thermometer can help ensure accuracy.
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).