Here’s a Cheddar Crumbly Puffs recipe 🧀✨—savory, cheesy, and perfectly crumbly, like little melt-in-your-mouth bites.
Ingredients (makes 12–15 puffs)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper (optional)
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2–3 tbsp cold water (as needed)
- Optional: pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper (and optional spices).
- Cut in butter:
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix butter into the flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add cheese:
- Stir in shredded cheddar until evenly distributed.
- Form dough:
- Gradually add cold water, 1 tbsp at a time, just until dough comes together (should be slightly crumbly, not sticky).
- Shape puffs:
- Roll small portions into balls or drop spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten slightly if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake 15–20 minutes, until golden and firm.
- Cool & serve:
- Let cool slightly; serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- Extra cheesy: Mix in Parmesan or Gruyère with the cheddar.
- Herby flavor: Add chopped chives, thyme, or rosemary to the dough.
- Spicy twist: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or paprika in the dough.
- Mini version: Make bite-sized puffs for appetizers.
I can also give a super-easy one-bowl version that’s crumbly and cheesy without needing to cut in butter if you want.
Do you want me to do that?