Cheese Puff

30 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 20 m Total: 35 m Beginner
5.0/5 (1)
Cheese Puff
An appetizer for all seasons and all parties with sharp cheddar cheese, butter, and a hint of cayenne. They can be prepared ahead of time and cooked right before serving—perfect for potlucks and game day gatherings.

Ingredients

30 servings
  • 1/2 pound butter, softened
  • 2 cups flour, sifted
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 pound grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 tsp dry mustard
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp green onions, chopped
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp baking powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Sift flour, salt, mustard, cayenne, garlic powder and baking powder into a bowl, then add the softened butter. Beat the butter and the flour mixture together with an electric mixer until smooth.
  2. Stir in the cheese and green onions until combined completely. Form dough into 3/4-inch balls.
  3. Place on cookie sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
  4. Bake at 350°F until lightly browned, approximately 20 minutes.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Can I freeze these before baking?

A: Yes! Form the balls and freeze them on a cookie sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the cooking time.

Q: My dough is too crumbly to form balls. What went wrong?

A: Make sure your butter is properly softened (not melted) and that you've beaten it thoroughly with the flour mixture. If it's still too dry, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of cold water.

Q: Can I make these spicier?

A: Absolutely! Increase the cayenne to 1/2 teaspoon, or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the dough for extra kick.

Tips and Techniques

For the best texture, use freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese rather than pre-shredded—it melts better and has superior flavor. These freeze beautifully, so consider making a double batch and keeping extras on hand for unexpected guests.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • sharp cheddar cheese: Gruyere or smoked gouda
  • cayenne pepper: white pepper or paprika
  • green onions: chives or finely minced regular onions

Equipment Needed

  • Electric mixer
  • Cookie sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Plastic wrap or storage container

Historical Context

Cheese puffs like these became popular in the South during the 1950s and 60s as cocktail party food. The Louisiana version typically adds cayenne pepper and green onions, reflecting the Cajun influence on Southern entertaining.