Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Special equipment needed:
- Piping bag with a large round tip
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Add flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and black pepper until well combined.
6. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
7. Pipe 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each puff.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
400°F (200°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 24 puffs
Nutritional information:
Calories: 102
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 138mg
Sugar: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of hard cheese instead of Parmesan cheese.
- You can add herbs or spices to the mixture for extra flavor.
Variations:
- You can make mini puffs by piping smaller balls onto the baking sheet.
- You can add chopped cooked bacon or ham to the mixture for a savory twist.
- You can make sweet puffs by omitting the Parmesan cheese and black pepper and adding sugar and vanilla extract instead.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to beat the mixture well after adding each egg to ensure a smooth and glossy texture.
- Don't open the oven door while the puffs are baking, as this can cause them to deflate.
- You can freeze the unbaked puffs for up to a month and bake them straight from the freezer when needed.
Storage instructions:
Store the cooled puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the puffs, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Parmesan cheese puffs on a platter with fresh herbs and cherry tomatoes for a colorful and appetizing presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish the puffs with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Pairings:
The Parmesan cheese puffs pair well with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the puffs with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too runny, add a little more flour until it forms a ball.
- If the puffs are not rising properly, make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature and don't open the oven door while they are baking.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to store the puffs in an airtight container to prevent contamination and discard any leftovers that have been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
Cheese puffs are a popular French snack known as "gougères" and are traditionally made with Gruyère cheese.
Flavor profiles:
The Parmesan cheese puffs are savory, cheesy, and slightly peppery.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Parmesan cheese puffs as an appetizer or snack at a party or as a side dish for a family dinner.
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Region: Italian