Rich Cheese Puffs
Cheese puffs with rich, savory flavors, combining cheddar and cream cheese for a delightful snack or appetizer suitable for gatherings and cheese lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, blend butter and cream cheese.
- Beat in eggs and hot sauce until light and fluffy.
- Blend in shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Stir in flour and salt.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
- On a generously floured board, roll half of the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut with a 1 3/4 to 2-inch cookie cutter.
- Repeat with remaining dough.
- Place puffs close together on 3 ungreased baking sheets.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your butter and cream cheese are well softened before blending. If you want to spice things up, consider adding more hot pepper sauce or even some diced jalapeños. You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with a mix of Gruyère and Parmesan for a gourmet twist. Chill the dough properly to make it easier to roll and cut.
Serving Suggestions
These cheese puffs are perfect as an appetizer or party snack and pair beautifully with a tangy dipping sauce or a fresh salad. For a delightful meal, serve them alongside a hearty soup or alongside the Fruit Crisp Dessert for a sweet finish. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheese puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy. This method helps maintain their flaky texture, ensuring they taste fresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rich Cheese Puffs contains roughly 1317 calories, with 17g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 116g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (39% of the Daily Value), calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1799mg per serving (78% 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 freeze the cheese puffs before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the cut-out cheese puffs. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. When ready to bake, you can cook them straight from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
While Cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile. A mix of cheeses can also enhance the taste, creating a unique twist that suits your preference.
How do I prevent the cheese puffs from sticking to the baking sheet?
To prevent sticking, ensure you are using ungreased baking sheets as specified in the recipe. You can also dust the sheets lightly with flour before placing the puffs on them, or use parchment paper for easy removal. Keeping the dough chilled also helps maintain their shape.
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).