Parisian with cheese

Cheese Puffs: The Perfect Treat for School or Work Lunches

Looking for a savory snack that’s easy to carry and brings smiles to the faces of your loved ones? Cheese puffs are the ideal choice! These delightful and fluffy treats are perfect for including in a school lunch or enjoying at the office. With a rich cheese filling and a fine dough, they are not only tasty but also nutritious. Let’s discover together how to prepare them!

Total Preparation Time: 1 hour (including rising)
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Number of Servings: 12 cheese puffs

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 350 g all-purpose flour (ideal for baking to achieve a fluffy texture)
- 200 ml warm milk (make sure it’s not too hot to avoid killing the yeast)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 50 ml oil (you can use olive oil for a stronger flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (helps activate the yeast)
- Salt to taste (a pinch of salt will enhance the flavors)

For the filling:
- Cream cheese (about 150 g for a salty and creamy taste)
- Telemea cheese (about 150 g for a stronger note)
- 1 stick of butter (for a creamy consistency)
- 1 egg (to bind the filling and to brush the puffs)
- Sesame and poppy seeds (for decoration and added texture and flavor)

Preparation:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add the yeast cube and the teaspoon of sugar. Pour in 100 ml of the warm milk and mix gently. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture, oil, and the remaining milk. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

3. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 30 minutes until it doubles in size.

4. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, telemea cheese, and butter. You can also add a bit of freshly ground pepper for a stronger taste. Ensure the filling is smooth and easy to spread.

5. Shaping the puffs: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a sheet about 1 cm thick. Cut out rectangular or square shapes (about 10x10 cm). Place a spoonful of the cheese filling on each piece of dough.

6. Forming the puffs: Fold the dough over the filling to create a package. Make sure the edges are well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during baking. Place the puffs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

7. Second rising: Cover the tray with a towel and let them rise for another 20 minutes. This step helps the dough become even fluffier.

8. Preparing for baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Beat the egg and brush the puffs with it, then sprinkle sesame and poppy seeds on top. These will not only add an attractive appearance but also a crunchy texture.

9. Baking: Place the tray in the oven and bake the puffs for 30 minutes or until they turn golden and brown. In the meantime, enjoy the delicious aroma that fills the house.

10. Serving: Once they are ready, let the puffs cool slightly before serving. They are delicious warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy them plain or with a fresh salad on the side.

Useful Tips:

- If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use other types of cheese like ricotta or feta for a different taste.
- Add herbs like dill or parsley to the filling for an extra touch of freshness.
- These puffs can be frozen. If you want to save them for later, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and keep them in the freezer. When you want to consume them, you can bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Benefits:

Cheese puffs are a good source of protein due to the cheeses used. The all-purpose flour adds carbohydrates, providing energy, and the olive oil contributes healthy fats. They are ideal for a filling snack, but it’s best to enjoy them in moderation, especially if you are watching your calories.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
- Yes, but the dough will have a different, denser texture. You can combine all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a balanced result.

2. What other fillings can I use?
- You can experiment with ham and cheese, spinach and feta, or even chocolate for a sweet version.

3. How can I enhance the flavor of the puffs?
- By adding spices like paprika, garlic powder, or sautéed onions to the filling, you can achieve a more complex flavor.

Let your imagination run wild and enjoy the cooking process. Cheese puffs are not only easy to make but will surely bring a touch of joy to every lunchbox! Enjoy your meal!