Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Puffs are a delicious, easy-to-make snack that blends the irresistible crunch of a puff pastry with a cheesy, savory filling. These little bites are golden on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside, making them a perfect treat for parties, gatherings or a lazy afternoon snack. What makes them stand out is the balance of flavor-cheddar cheese provides a tangy richness while herbs like rosemary add an aromatic kick. It’s an elevated snack with minimal effort, thanks to Jamie’s straightforward approach. No deep-frying needed; they’re baked which gives them that crispy, light texture everyone loves.
Jamie Oliver Cheese Puffs Recipe
Ingredients Needed
- Puff Pastry: This is the foundation of the recipe. You can either buy it pre-made or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. It needs to be cold when you start working with it.
- Cheddar Cheese: The sharpness of cheddar works best for a punchy flavor. If you want a mix, feel free to add a bit of mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
- Mustard Powder: Just a dash of this adds a subtle tang that enhances the cheese’s flavor.
- Rosemary: A fresh herb that provides a fragrant, slightly piney contrast to the richness of the cheese.
- Egg: For brushing over the pastry before baking. It gives the puffs a lovely golden color and a nice shine.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the filling and the pastry.
You can also experiment by adding extra ingredients like Parmesan or a touch of garlic if you want to mix things up.
Equipment Needed
- Baking Tray: You’ll need a baking tray lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Pastry Brush: To brush the egg wash over the pastries and achieve that golden finish.
- Sharp Knife or Pastry Cutter: To cut the puff pastry into manageable squares or rectangles.
- Grater: For freshly grating the cheese-always better than pre-grated for texture and flavor.
- Rolling Pin: If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, it might need a light roll to smooth it out before you start cutting.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Puffs
- Prep the Pastry: If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, roll it out slightly to ensure an even thickness. You want it to be about 3-4mm thick. If you’re using homemade, then, of course, you’re already ahead! Cut the pastry into squares or rectangles-whatever shape you like, though squares are traditional.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: Grate the cheddar and mix it with a teaspoon of mustard powder and a pinch of salt and pepper. You can finely chop a little rosemary and add that for extra flavor. If you’re adding mozzarella or any other extras, now’s the time to mix them in.
- Fill the Pastry: Take each square of pastry and spoon a small amount of the cheese mixture onto the center. Don’t overstuff-it should be just enough so that when you fold it, the cheese doesn’t spill out.
- Seal the Puffs: Fold the pastry over the filling to make a little pocket. Pinch the edges together to seal them. You can crimp the edges with a fork to ensure they stay closed while baking.
- Egg Wash: Beat an egg and brush it over the tops of the pastry. This gives them that gorgeous golden brown finish as they bake.
- Bake: Place the puffs on the prepared baking tray and bake at around 200°C (about 400°F) for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden, puffed up and crisp on the outside.
- Enjoy: Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. But be warned, they’re best eaten straight from the oven when they’re hot and gooey on the inside!
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Puffs was a surprisingly simple experience that yielded impressive results. The biggest takeaway was how versatile the recipe is. You don’t have to stick strictly to cheddar or rosemary. you can use whatever cheese you have on hand and you can even get creative with the herbs. I also realized how crucial the egg wash is. It’s easy to skip but it really elevates the look and texture of the puffs. And even though the recipe calls for a fair amount of cheese, it never feels overly greasy. The puff pastry manages to keep everything light, giving you the perfect crunch with each bite.
One thing I learned the hard way was not to overfill the puffs. If you stuff them too much, the filling can spill out during baking, leaving a mess in your oven. So, it’s better to be conservative with the amount of filling.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Puffs
Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Puffs are already delicious but a little customization can take them to the next level! Here are a few tweaks that you can try:
- Cheese Varieties: While the recipe typically uses a combination of cheddar and parmesan, you can experiment with different cheeses to add complexity. Gruyère adds a nutty flavor while a bit of blue cheese will give it an extra bite. If you’re into softer cheeses, brie can make the puffs creamy and indulgent.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary or even chives can be mixed into the dough. This infuses a fragrant herby flavor that complements the richness of the cheese. Try adding a sprinkle on top of the puffs before baking for a fresh, fragrant touch.
- Spicy Kick: If you like things a little spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika. A dash of chili powder will give the puffs a subtle heat that pairs nicely with the cheese’s creaminess. You can also toss in some finely chopped fresh chili for a more intense flavor.
- Smoked Cheese: Swap out regular cheddar for smoked cheddar or smoked mozzarella. The smoky flavor can give your cheese puffs a depth that elevates the overall taste. If you’re not into too much smoke, try adding a touch of smoked paprika instead.
- Flaky Finish: To create an even flakier puff, brush the tops with melted butter or an egg wash before baking. This will give them a golden, shiny finish and make them extra crispy on the outside.
- Add Garlic: Minced or roasted garlic can add an amazing depth to the flavor profile. A little garlic powder mixed in with the cheese is a nice alternative if you’re looking for something a bit more subtle.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers (though let’s be real, that’s not always the case with something this tasty), storing them properly can help keep them fresh and crispy.
- Cool Before Storing: Let your cheese puffs cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. This prevents condensation which could make them soggy when reheated.
- Store in an Airtight Container: Place the cooled puffs in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper between each one. This helps preserve their crispiness while preventing them from sticking together.
- Refrigeration: If you plan to eat them within a couple of days, you can store them in the fridge. Just be sure to reheat them properly for the best results. You don’t want them to lose their texture.
- Freezing for Later: Cheese puffs can be frozen too! Before baking, you can freeze the puffs on a tray in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once they’re solid. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheat for Crispiness: To bring back the crispy edges, don’t microwave them. Instead, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through. For extra crispiness, you can pop them under the broiler for a minute or so but keep a close eye on them!
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Puffs?
Cheese puffs are delightful on their own but they can also shine when paired with the right dishes. Here are a few suggestions to take your meal to the next level:
- Salads: Pair your cheese puffs with a light, crisp salad to balance out the richness of the cheese. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette (think lemon or balsamic) works wonderfully. The acidity helps cut through the creaminess.
- Soup: These puffs are an excellent side to a warm, comforting bowl of soup. A classic tomato soup or a rich, velvety potato leek soup would complement the cheesy goodness perfectly.
- Charcuterie Board: Cheese puffs make an incredible addition to a charcuterie board. Pair them with a variety of cheeses, some cured meats like prosciutto or salami and a selection of olives and nuts. It’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
- Dips: If you want to make it even more indulgent, serve the puffs with a dip. A smoky chipotle mayo or a tangy ranch dip adds a creamy contrast that works beautifully with the cheesy puffs.
- Drinks: If you’re sipping something while munching on these, a glass of crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay is a fantastic match. If you’re into non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a twist of lemon will keep things refreshing.
FAQs
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Puffs Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready!
What Type Of Cheese Works Best For Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Puffs?
A sharp cheese like cheddar is perfect, but feel free to mix in some parmesan for extra flavor!
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Puffs Gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and they’ll turn out great.
