Cheese Puffs with Salsa Cream Filling is a delightful recipe that seamlessly blends the richness of cheese with the zesty flavors of salsa, creating a Southwestern-inspired treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering with friends or simply craving a savory snack, these cheese puffs will surely tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. With a total preparation time of just 45 minutes, including 25 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is both convenient and satisfying, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends alike.
To embark on this culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of grated Swiss cheese
- 1 cup of salsa
- 4 ounces of cream cheese
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these scrumptious cheese puffs with salsa cream filling:
| Preparation Time | Action |
|---|---|
| 20 minutes | Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease two baking sheets to prevent sticking. |
| In a heavy 2-quart saucepan, combine 1 cup of water with the unsalted butter, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. | |
| Once the butter has melted and the water is boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and swiftly beat in the flour with a wooden spoon until a cohesive ball forms. | |
| If the mixture doesn’t form a ball initially, return the saucepan to low heat and continue beating for 1 to 2 minutes until the desired consistency is achieved. | |
| Off the heat, beat in the eggs one at a time until each egg is fully incorporated into the dough. | |
| Stir in 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the dough. | |
| Transfer the dough to a pastry bag fitted with a plain 1/2-inch tip. | |
| Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, forming rounds approximately 1 inch in diameter and 1 inch high, leaving about 2 inches of space between each puff. | |
| Carefully brush the tops of the dough rounds with some of the beaten egg wash, taking care not to allow any drips onto the baking sheets, as this may interfere with puffing during baking. | |
| Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the tops of the rounds, adding an extra layer of savory goodness. | |
| Cooking Time | Bake the cheese puffs in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn a golden hue and become delightfully crisp. |
| Once baked, remove the puffs from the oven and switch off the heat. | |
| Using a small, sharp knife, pierce the top side of each puff to allow steam to escape during the drying process. Return the baking sheets to the turned-off oven and let the puffs dry for an additional 10 minutes. | |
| After drying, transfer the cheese puffs to wire racks to cool completely while you prepare the delicious salsa cream filling. | |
| While the cheese puffs are baking or cooling, it’s time to prepare the filling. Begin by draining the salsa to remove excess liquid. | |
| In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese with half of the drained salsa, blending them together until smooth and creamy. | |
| Adjust the salsa quantity to your taste preferences, adding more if desired for extra zestiness. | |
| With a small, sharp knife, carefully slice off the top half of each cheese puff to create an opening for the filling. | |
| Spoon the prepared salsa cream filling into each puff, ensuring they are generously filled with the flavorful mixture. | |
| Gently place the tops of the cheese puffs back onto the filled bottoms, creating perfect little sandwiches of cheesy goodness. |
Once assembled, these Cheese Puffs with Salsa Cream Filling are ready to be served and enjoyed by all. With their crispy exterior and creamy, flavorful interior, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a delightful snack for yourself. Indulge in the rich blend of cheeses and zesty salsa, and savor each delectable bite of this irresistible treat! 🧀🌶️
