Cheese Puffs

Ingredients

Contains: egg, milk, wheat (auto-detected from the ingredients and method; we can miss things, so check labels)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 stick butter (cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
• 6 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
• 3/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese
• 1 ounce pepperoni, diced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Method written by CompKitchen from the ingredient list. Not the original author's method, not kitchen-tested.

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Whisk the flour, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, chili powder and cayenne pepper together in a bowl.

3. Combine the 1 cup milk and the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a full boil.

4. Remove the pan from the heat and add the flour mixture all at once. Stir vigorously until a smooth ball forms, then return to low heat for 1 minute.

5. Transfer the dough to a bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time until the dough is smooth and glossy.

6. Stir in the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Romano, the 3/4 cup grated Gruyere, and the diced pepperoni if using.

7. Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared sheets, spacing them apart. Whisk the 2 tablespoons milk and brush the tops, then sprinkle with the 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan.

8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until deep golden, puffed and firm, making sure the centers are set. Serve warm.