I remember the first time I made Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Puffs. It was a rainy Saturday, and I was searching for something to nibble on while binge-watching a cooking show marathon. When I found this recipe, I was skeptical. Cheese puffs? How hard could they be? Turns out, these little bites of goodness were far more addictive than I expected. They were crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and perfectly paired with a glass of wine. Since then, this recipe has become a regular in my kitchen-easy, indulgent, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Puffs Recipe
Jamie’s take on cheese puffs is genius in its simplicity. He uses a puff pastry base, which makes it foolproof and allows for the kind of buttery crispiness you’d expect from something you’d find at a café or bakery. What stands out in this recipe is the careful balance of sharp cheese and herbs, making each bite a little surprise of flavor. The dough comes together fast, and before you know it, you’ve got warm, cheesy puffs ready for munching.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to bring these cheesy puffs to life:
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Puff Pastry
- This is the foundation. You can buy it pre-made, but I highly recommend using high-quality puff pastry for that extra flakiness.
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Cheese
- The star of the show. A blend of strong cheddar and Parmesan is typically used. The cheddar gives it the creamy sharpness, and the Parmesan offers that nutty, salty kick.
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Butter
- A little butter helps the pastry crisp up beautifully and adds richness to the flavor.
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Eggs
- These help bind everything together and give the puffs a lovely golden color once baked.
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Herbs
- Fresh thyme or rosemary really enhance the flavor of the puffs. They also bring a savory note that balances the richness of the cheese.
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Seasoning
- Salt and pepper are essential, but you can also sprinkle in some chili flakes for a slight kick.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Puffs
This recipe is as straightforward as they come, which is probably why it’s become one of my go-tos. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (or 400°F).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. You want it nice and thin, but not so thin that it tears easily.
- Mix your cheeses. Grate a generous amount of sharp cheddar and Parmesan into a bowl. Add a little salt, pepper, and your choice of chopped herbs (fresh thyme or rosemary works wonders).
- Butter the pastry. Brush a thin layer of melted butter over the surface of the rolled-out pastry. This gives it that delicious golden color and extra crispiness.
- Add the cheese mixture. Evenly sprinkle the cheese over the buttered pastry.
- Fold the pastry. Fold the pastry in half, like a book, to trap the cheese inside.
- Cut the pastry into strips. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice the pastry into 1-inch wide strips.
- Twist each strip into a spiral or a simple twist, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush with egg wash. Beat an egg and brush the tops of the twisted pastry strips for a golden finish.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up.
When they come out of the oven, they should be crispy and cheesy, with just the right amount of flaky crunch. You’ll be surprised at how quickly they disappear!
Ingredient Science Spotlight
I love delving into the science behind ingredients, especially when something tastes so good. Here’s the breakdown:
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Puff Pastry
Puff pastry is all about layers. When you bake it, the layers separate and puff up due to steam. This results in the crispy texture you crave. The key to a successful puff is the cold butter. When it’s added in chunks, it creates layers of fat that trap air, which expands during baking.
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Cheese
The combination of cheddar and Parmesan is a match made in cheese heaven. Cheddar melts beautifully, providing a creamy texture, while Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor. The two complement each other perfectly.
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Eggs And Butter
Eggs provide structure, helping the puffs hold together, while butter gives them the crispiness and richness. The combination of fat (from the butter) and protein (from the eggs) helps create that golden, flaky texture we all love.
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Herbs
Fresh herbs, like thyme and rosemary, not only add flavor but their essential oils release during baking, giving the puffs a fragrant aroma that elevates the whole dish.
Expert Tips
To get these cheese puffs perfect every time, here are a few insider tips:
- Chill the pastry: If your puff pastry gets too soft, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes before cutting and twisting. This helps it hold its shape and prevents the butter from melting too quickly.
- Use sharp cheese: A sharp cheddar really elevates the flavor. You want something that will contrast with the buttery pastry.
- Experiment with herbs: You can mix and match herbs based on your preference. Dill, sage, or even a bit of garlic powder can take these to a whole new level.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Give each puff space to puff up. If they’re too close together, they’ll bake unevenly.
Recipe Variations
While Jamie’s original recipe is amazing, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up:
- Spicy Cheese Puffs: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the cheese mix for a spicy twist.
- Caramelized Onion Puffs: Sauté onions until golden and mix them into the cheese for added sweetness and depth.
- Bacon and Cheese: Who doesn’t love bacon? Add some cooked, crumbled bacon to the cheese mixture for a savory, smoky version.
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free puff pastry, vegan cheese, and a flax egg for a plant-based version.
Final Words
Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing snacks for movie night, or just craving something cheesy, these puffs are a winner. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility-add your personal twist and make it your own. They’re guaranteed to impress anyone you serve them to, but don’t be surprised if they disappear in minutes!
FAQs
How Do I Make Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Puffs?
To make Jamie Oliver’s cheese puffs, you’ll need puff pastry, grated cheese, egg yolk, and seasoning. Roll the pastry, sprinkle with cheese, fold, and bake until golden.
Can I Use Any Type Of Cheese For Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Puffs?
Yes, you can use any cheese you like, but a mix of sharp cheddar and parmesan gives the best flavor.
How Long Do Jamie Oliver’s Cheese Puffs Take To Cook?
They take about 15-20 minutes in the oven at 200°C (400°F), or until golden and puffed up.