Cheese flowers

Cheese Puffs: A Fluffy and Delicious Treat

If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make recipe, cheese puffs are the perfect choice. These little delights are versatile, able to be filled with both sweet and savory cheese, and they please everyone, from kids to adults. Discover how to make them step by step and enjoy a perfect result every time!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 12 puffs

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 600 g flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 4 tablespoons oil
- 1 egg
- 200 ml warm milk
- 150 ml warm water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 20 g fresh yeast

*For the filling:*
- 300 g sheep cheese or any other type of cheese you prefer (whether sweet or savory)

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast in the warm milk and water. Add the sugar and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, until a foam forms on top. This step is essential to activate the yeast, ensuring that your dough will rise beautifully.

2. Sift the flour into another bowl, add the salt and oil. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.

3. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the yeast mixture. Add the beaten egg. Mix all the ingredients until you have a smooth dough. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour.

4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes, until it becomes elastic and smooth. This process is important for developing the gluten, which will give the puffs a fluffy texture.

5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Shaping the puffs

1. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide it into 12 equal balls.

2. Take each ball and roll it out into a disc about 10 cm in diameter.

3. Place the cheese filling in the center of each disc. You can use sheep cheese, but feel free to experiment with other types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, for a different flavor.

4. Gather the edges of the dough around the filling and form a ball. Then, roll the dough ball out into a disc again, being careful not to disturb the filling.

5. Use a knife to cut the discs into four, then each quarter into two. Take two petals and twist them so that the filling is facing up.

6. Arrange the puffs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. If you're using a non-stick tray, parchment paper is not necessary, but it's always good to prevent sticking.

7. Let the puffs rise for another 30 minutes, covered with a towel.

Step 3: Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.

2. Before placing them in the oven, brush the puffs with a beaten egg to give them a golden and appetizing crust.

3. Bake for 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Every oven is different, so check them at 15 minutes to ensure they don't burn.

Serving suggestions:

Cheese puffs are delicious and warm, served alongside a glass of buttermilk or yogurt. These drinks not only complement the flavor of the cheese but also add a refreshing note.

Sweet variation:

If you prefer a sweeter version, you can replace the cheese with a filling of sweet cheese mixed with sugar and vanilla. These puffs will become a wonderful dessert, perfect for an afternoon snack.

Nutritional benefits:

Cheese provides an excellent source of calcium, protein, and vitamins, while whole wheat flour, if you choose to use it, adds essential fiber to your diet. These puffs are a good choice for a nutritious snack.

Calories:

A serving of cheese puffs contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the type of cheese used and the portion size. It's a snack that will give you energy without feeling too heavy.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to adjust the amount, using about 7 g of dry yeast to replace 20 g of fresh yeast.

2. How can I store the puffs for the next day? Keep the puffs in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to reheat them, you can put them in the oven for a few minutes.

3. Can I add herbs or spices? Absolutely! You can add herbs like dill or oregano to the filling for an extra flavor boost.

Cheese puffs are not just a simple recipe but also a wonderful way to bring family and friends together for delicious moments. I recommend you try them and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!