When it comes to appetizers that are real crowd pleasers, Thyme Cheese Puffs steal the show. These delicious bite-sized delights combine the aroma of fresh thyme with the savory and nutty flavor of Grana Padano cheese in a light and fluffy pastry puff.
This recipe is made with just a handful of simple ingredients but creates a truly elegant appetizer. Whether your are hosting a fancy dinner party or just looking for a savory snack, these irresistible treats are sure to please.
This recipe is my adaptation of a recipe by Kathy Casey for Rosemary Cheese Puffs that appeared in a book called Star Palate: Celebrity Cookbook for a Cure by Kathy Casey and Tami Agassi. I modified Kathy's recipe for my taste, but I got the idea from her.
By the way, her original recipe is really good. So is the book.
For another baked bread treat, try making these Cheesy Garlic Rolls. They are fantastic.
Ingredients
- Water
- Milk
- Sweet butter
- Fresh thyme
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Grand Padano cheese
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
This recipe is very easy to make. Start by placing the water, milk, butter, thyme, salt and garlic in a saucepan and bringing the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, add the flour and stir it in. The mixture will become thick and stiff. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer and mix on medium speed. Add the eggs and the cheese and it's done.
Drop small scoopfuls onto a parchment lined baking sheet and bake. That's all there is to it. Pour yourself a glass of wine and wait for the aroma of the thyme and cheese to fill your kitchen. These are just impossible to resist.
Variations
Lookup Kathy's original recipe that uses rosemary and parmesan. If you do, I suggest cutting the recipe in half, unless you need 50 puffs.
Storage
Don't worry about, there won't be any leftovers.
Top tip
Make the balls small, about the ¾" in diameter. They will double in size as they cook.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this recipe.
📖 Recipe
Thyme Cheese Puffs Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Place the water, milk, butter, thyme, salt and garlic in a medium-sized saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the flour and stir it in quickly. Keep stirring, the mixture will become thick and stiff. Keep stirring and turning over for about 1 minute. This step is important because the mixture needs to dry out a bit.
- Transfer the mixture to the mixing bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on medium speed. Carefully add 1 egg. As soon as the egg is partially incorporated, increase the mixer speed to high. Add the remaining egg. Mixture will be smooth. Mix in the Grand Padono.
- Preheat oven to 400℉. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Place small scoopfuls the mixture onto the parchment paper. This recipe should make about 20-25 puffs.
- Bake on upper rack of oven for 18-22 minutes, or until puffs are golden brown. Watch them closely to prevent over-browning, particularly on the bottom. Serve warm.
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