Indulge in the symphony of flavors with Cacio e Pepe Cheese Puffs, a delectable treat that marries the classic Roman pasta dish with the irresistible allure of airy cheese puffs. These bite-sized morsels are a culinary masterpiece, combining the nutty, cheesy flavors of Pecorino Romano and Parmesan with a touch of black pepper for a delightful burst of spice. Experience a crispy exterior that yields to a soft, gooey center, tantalizing your taste buds with every bite. Our comprehensive guide features three tempting variations to cater to your preferences: the classic Cacio e Pepe Cheese Puffs, a zesty Lemon and Black Pepper variation, and a tantalizing Truffle and Parmesan combination. Embark on a flavor journey that will leave you craving more.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
CACIO E PEPE CHEESE PUFFS
When friends come over for dinner and I have a lot to cook, I serve the simplest appetizers: shards of aged Parmesan, slices of good salami and a bowl of salty Marcona almonds. But when I invite people to come for just a drink, I go all out and make something special like these cheese puffs, inspired by ones I had at Missy Robbins's restaurant Lilia in Brooklyn. Everyone always loves them!
Provided by Ina Garten
Categories appetizer
Time 40m
Yield 35 to 40 puffs
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425˚ F. Arrange two racks evenly spaced in the oven.
- In a medium (4 1/2-inch-diameter by 6-inch-high) saucepan, heat the milk, butter, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper over medium heat, just until the milk is scalded (see Cook's Note). Add the flour all at once and beat it vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes together. Lower the heat and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Dump the mixture into the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Immediately add the eggs, 1/2 cup of Pecorino and the Parmesan and pulse until the eggs and cheeses are completely incorporated.
- Working in batches, spoon the mixture into a large pastry bag fitted with a plain 5/8-inch round pastry tip. Pipe the dough in mounds 1 1/4 inches wide and 3/4 inch high (1 inch apart) on two sheet pans lined with parchment paper. (They should look like huge Hershey's Kisses.) With a wet finger, lightly press down the swirl on top of each puff. (You can also use two spoons to scoop the mixture and shape the puffs.) Brush the top of each puff lightly with the egg wash and sprinkle with Pecorino, salt and pepper. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until browned. Rotate the pans halfway through so they brown evenly. Serve hot.
CACIO E PEPE CHEESE PUFFS
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk, butter, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper over medium heat, just until scalded. Add the flour all at once and beat it vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes together. Lower the heat and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Dump the mixture into the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Immediately add the eggs, Pecorino, and Parmesan and pulse until the eggs are incorporated and the dough is smooth and thick.
- Spoon the mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a large, plain 5/8-inch round pastry tip. Pipe the dough in mounds 1 1/4 inches wide and 3/4 inch high (1 inch apart) onto the prepared baking sheets. With a wet finger, lightly press down the swirl at the top of each puff. (You can also use two spoons to scoop the mixture and shape the puffs with damp fingers.) Brush the top of each puff lightly with the egg wash, and sprinkle with Pecorino, salt, and pepper. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown outside but still soft inside. Serve hot.
Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients, especially the cheese. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will give the cheese puffs the best flavor. - Don't overmix the dough. Overmixing will make the cheese puffs tough. - Be careful not to overcook the cheese puffs. They should be golden brown and slightly puffed up. - Serve the cheese puffs immediately. They are best when they are hot and fresh. - For a more intense flavor, use a combination of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses. - If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. - To make the cheese puffs ahead of time, bake them according to the recipe and then let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the cheese puffs for 10-12 minutes, or until they are warmed through.Conclusion
Cacio e pepe cheese puffs are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. They are perfect for parties or potlucks, and they are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a truly special and flavorful treat. So next time you're looking for a new recipe to try, give these cacio e pepe cheese puffs a try. You won't be disappointed!
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