13 Apr 2025
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter
1 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
4 eggs
3 slices prosciutto
1/3 cup cheddar cheese
Prosciutto and cheese puffs are a delightful appetizer or snack that combine the savory flavors of prosciutto and cheddar cheese in a light and airy pastry. They are perfect for entertaining or just enjoying a delicious treat at home. Follow this simple recipe to create these tasty puffs and impress your family and friends.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure your puffs don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Prosciutto and Cheese: Finely chop the prosciutto into small pieces. Grate the cheddar cheese and set both aside for later use.
3. Make the Choux Pastry Dough:
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 cup of butter. Heat over medium heat until the butter is completely melted and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the 1 cup of all-purpose flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the dough to cool slightly for about 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate the Eggs:
- Add the eggs one at a time to the dough mixture, stirring vigorously after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy. The dough should be thick but should still drop off the spoon easily.
5. Add the Prosciutto and Cheese: Once the dough is smooth and well mixed, fold in the finely chopped prosciutto and grated cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
6. Pipe or Spoon the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip (or you can simply use a tablespoon if you do not have a pastry bag).
- Pipe or spoon small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart to allow for expansion.
7. Bake:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crisp.
- Avoid opening the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking as this may cause the puffs to collapse.
8. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the puffs from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful appetizer or snack.
Tips:
- Ensure that the butter is fully melted before adding the flour to achieve the right dough consistency.
- Mix the flour into the butter and water mixture quickly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Allow the dough to cool slightly before adding the eggs to prevent them from cooking prematurely.
- Chop the prosciutto and cheese into small pieces for even distribution in the puffs.
- Use a piping bag or spoon to form the puffs on the baking sheet for consistency in size and shape.
- Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary. The puffs should be golden brown and firm to the touch when done.
With these simple steps and helpful tips, you can create delicious prosciutto and cheese puffs that are sure to be a hit. Whether you're hosting a party or looking for a savory treat, these puffs offer a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Enjoy them warm from the oven and watch them disappear quickly!