Savory Choux Buns with Bacon and Walnuts
Category: Appetizers
Serves: 4
These savory choux buns, enriched with smoky bacon and crunchy walnuts, are the perfect bite-sized appetizer to impress your guests. The crispy exterior gives way to a soft and flavorful interior filled with the richness of cheese and the savory goodness of pancetta. Topped with sesame seeds and walnuts, these buns are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 125g |
| All-purpose flour | 80g |
| Butter | 60g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Fine salt | 3g |
| Grana Padano DOP cheese (grated) | 20g |
| Smoked pancetta (diced) | 100g |
| Walnuts (chopped) | 10 |
| Sesame seeds | to taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Protein | ~10g |
| Fat | ~22g |
| Carbohydrates | ~20g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Choux Pastry:
In a saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture begins to form a dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the flour is thoroughly incorporated. -
Cool the Dough:
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool slightly. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking vigorously with a hand whisk or electric mixer after each addition. Make sure each egg is completely incorporated before adding the next one. The dough should be smooth and glossy, with a thick consistency. -
Add the Flavorings:
Once the eggs are fully incorporated, add the grated Grana Padano cheese and diced pancetta. Mix everything together thoroughly. -
Shape the Buns:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using two spoons or a small ice cream scoop, form small mounds of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each for expansion during baking. Flatten the tops of the mounds slightly with the back of a spoon. -
Add Toppings:
Top each bun with a walnut half and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For a more rustic look, you can leave some of the pancetta cubes aside to add on top of the buns before baking. -
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as the baking time can vary depending on your oven. -
Cool and Serve:
Once the buns are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them slightly warm, and enjoy the crisp, savory goodness of these delicious savory choux buns.
These delightful bites are perfect for cocktail parties, as an appetizer for a festive meal, or as a savory snack any time. The combination of crispy, cheesy, and smoky flavors with the crunch of walnuts and the subtlety of sesame seeds will have everyone reaching for more.
