She Strengthens

Elevate Your Cocktail Party with Crispy, Cheesy Bites

When it comes to impressing your guests, nothing beats a platter of crispy, cheesy puffs that burst with flavor. Typically, these French delights, known as gougères, are made with Gruyère and choux pastry dough. However, we’ve given this classic recipe a twist by incorporating aged Manchego, Parmesan, and a hint of black pepper, resulting in addictive bites that will be the star of your next gathering.

Advance Preparation: A Game Changer

One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be prepared up to two days in advance, making it a perfect addition to your party planning arsenal. Simply store the puffs at room temperature until you’re ready to serve.

Recipe Highlights

This recipe has been featured in our Academy Awards Cocktail Party menu and Bar Snacks photo gallery, and for good reason. With a yield of about 60 puffs and a medium level of difficulty, it’s a great option for those looking to impress without breaking a sweat.

The Essentials

To make these cheesy wonders, you’ll need:

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded aged (3 to 6 months) Manchego cheese
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Heat your oven to 375°F and arrange racks in the upper and lower third. Line two baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.
2. Combine and Cook: Combine milk, butter, salt, and pepper in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, add flour all at once, and stir vigorously until well incorporated.
3. Mix and Beat: Transfer dough to a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat in eggs one at a time on medium-low speed, letting the first one completely incorporate before adding the next.
4. Add Cheese and Mix: Reserve 3 tablespoons of the shredded Manchego cheese. Add remaining Manchego and Parmesan cheese to dough and mix on low until incorporated.
5. Shape and Bake: Drop tablespoon-size rounds of dough on the prepared baking sheets, about 1/2 inch apart. Evenly sprinkle reserved Manchego cheese over top. Bake, rotating halfway through baking time, until puffed and golden brown, about 30 to 35 minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature, and get ready for the oohs and aahs from your guests!