Seafood or Chicken Puffs are a delightful savory treat that blends the flaky goodness of pastry with rich, flavorful fillings. Whether you opt for a seafood medley or a hearty chicken filling, these puffs are perfect for lunch, snacks, or even a light dinner. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, they make for a versatile addition to any gathering or mealtime spread.
Recipe Overview
- Name: Seafood or Chicken Puffs
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
- Keywords: Chicken, Poultry, Cheese, Meat, < 30 Mins, Oven, Easy
- Servings: 8 puffs
- Rating: 5 (based on 2 reviews)
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful puffs:
-
For the Dough:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup Swiss cheese, grated
- Dash of salt
- 1/4 cup boiling water
-
For the Fillings:
-
Chicken Filling:
- 2/3 cup cooked chicken, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp chopped pimiento
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
-
Seafood Filling:
- 2/3 cup seafood (shrimp and/or lobster), cooked and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
-
Instructions
Dough for Puffs:
- Preparation: Begin by melting butter in 1/4 cup of boiling water in a saucepan.
- Mixing: Add flour and a dash of salt to the butter-water mixture, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball that doesn’t separate from the sides of the pan.
- Cooling: Remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Adding Egg: Once cooled slightly, add the egg to the mixture and beat vigorously until smooth.
- Incorporating Cheese: Stir in the grated Swiss cheese until well combined.
Baking:
- Preparing Puffs: Drop the dough onto a greased baking sheet, using approximately 1 level teaspoon of dough for each puff.
- Baking: Bake the puffs in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffy.
- Cooling and Splitting: Remove the puffs from the oven and allow them to cool. Once cooled, split each puff horizontally.
Filling the Puffs:
- Chicken Filling: In a bowl, combine the finely chopped chicken, celery, chopped pimiento, and mayonnaise to create the chicken filling.
- Seafood Filling: For the seafood filling, mix together the cooked and chopped seafood (shrimp and/or lobster), finely chopped lettuce, and mayonnaise.
Assembly:
- Filling Process: Fill each puff with approximately 2 teaspoons of your chosen filling. The recipe yields enough filling for one batch of puffs.
- Variety: If you wish to make both chicken and seafood fillings, simply double the recipe quantities for the dough and make enough filling for each type.
Tips and Notes:
- Versatility: These puffs can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them suitable for parties, picnics, or as a quick snack.
- Storage: Store any leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven to maintain their crispiness.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the fillings to your liking by adding herbs, spices, or other ingredients that complement the main proteins.
- Presentation: For a fancier presentation, garnish the puffs with a sprinkle of finely chopped herbs or a drizzle of sauce before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 63
- Total Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.6g
- Cholesterol: 34mg
- Sodium: 74.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 3.5g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Protein: 2.2g
Conclusion
Whether you opt for the creamy richness of chicken or the delicate flavors of seafood, these Seafood or Chicken Puffs are sure to impress. With a simple yet flavorful pastry dough and versatile fillings, they’re perfect for any occasion where you want to add a touch of elegance and homemade goodness to your table. Enjoy experimenting with different fillings and share these delightful puffs with family and friends at your next gathering!
