Pepperoni Cheese Puffs: A Savory, Cheesy Snack with a Kick

Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy cheese puff loaded with gooey, melted cheese and savory pepperoni – pure comfort in every bite! These Pepperoni Cheese Puffs are the perfect combination of cheesy goodness and zesty pepperoni wrapped up in a light, airy puff. They’re great as an appetizer, a party snack, or even a quick lunch when you’re craving something irresistibly delicious.

These puffs are not just easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can switch up the ingredients to suit your taste, add a little spice if you like a kick, or even throw in some veggies for a twist. Whether you’re hosting a game night, preparing a potluck dish, or just need a quick snack, these Pepperoni Cheese Puffs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love These Pepperoni Cheese Puffs

• Cheesy and Savory: Loaded with cheese and pepperoni, every bite is pure flavor heaven.
• Light and Airy Texture: The puffs are perfectly crisp on the outside while staying soft and fluffy inside.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick preparation make these puffs a winner.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them hot from the oven or at room temperature – they’re always delicious!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (150 g) diced pepperoni
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once the butter melts completely, add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon. The mixture will come together into a smooth ball and pull away from the sides of the pan.

Step 3: Cool the Dough

Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool for 3-4 minutes. This will prevent the eggs from scrambling when added.

Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough should become smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Pepperoni

Fold in the mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, diced pepperoni, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Step 6: Shape the Puffs

Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each puff.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the puffs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
• Pair with a cold beer or sparkling soda for a game day treat.
• Add a side of ranch or garlic aioli for an extra flavor boost.

Storing and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes to restore crispiness.

Tips for the Best Cheese Puffs

• Use High-Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
• Keep an Eye on the Oven: Don’t open the oven door while baking – this could cause the puffs to deflate.
• Customize the Filling: Try adding chopped olives, jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan on top before baking.

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FAQs

1. Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar are classic choices, feel free to mix in gouda, parmesan, or even pepper jack for extra spice.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just shape and bake when ready.

3. Are these puffs freezer-friendly?
Definitely! Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

4. Can I make them without pepperoni?
Of course! You can substitute the pepperoni with cooked bacon, ham, or even vegetarian sausage crumbles.

5. What’s the best way to make them spicy?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to give your puffs a spicy kick.

6. How do I prevent them from getting soggy?
Bake the puffs until they are golden and crisp. Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet, as steam can make them soggy.

7. Can I make mini versions of these puffs?
Yes! Just use a smaller spoon or a piping bag with a round tip to create mini puffs. Reduce the baking time by a few minutes to ensure they don’t overbake.

8. Can I use pizza dough instead?
While pizza dough won’t give the same light and airy texture, you can wrap the cheese and pepperoni in pizza dough balls and bake for a similar flavor profile.

9. Can I add vegetables?
Sure! Finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions make great additions. Just sauté them lightly before mixing to reduce moisture.

10. What dipping sauces pair well with these?
Marinara sauce is a classic, but ranch, garlic butter, or a spicy sriracha mayo also taste amazing with these puffs.