Description
Ina Garten’s cacio e pepe cheese puffs elevate classic Italian flavors into an irresistible appetizer. Delicate pastry puffs studded with pecorino romano cheese offer culinary enthusiasts a delightful bite of pure elegance you’ll want to savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 eggs, extra-large
- 240 ml (1 cup) whole milk
- 115 g (1 stick / 4 oz) unsalted butter
- 125 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 50 g (½ cup) freshly grated Pecorino cheese, aged Italian
- 50 g (½ cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian
- 1 egg, extra-large, beaten with 1 tsp water or milk, for egg wash
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Setup: Configure oven to 425°F (220°C) with two evenly positioned racks for uniform heat circulation.
- Dough Foundation: In a medium saucepan, combine milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Heat until scalding, then rapidly integrate flour, stirring continuously until a cohesive mixture emerges. Simmer on low heat for 2 minutes, developing a silky consistency.
- Cheese Integration: Transfer hot dough to food processor, introducing eggs and grated Pecorino and Parmesan. Pulse until ingredients meld into a glossy, uniform mixture.
- Piping Technique: Use a pastry bag with 1.5 cm round tip to create uniform cheese puff mounds on parchment-lined baking sheets. Space mounds 2.5 cm apart, aiming for 3 cm width and 2 cm height.
- Final Preparation: Smooth mound surfaces with moistened finger, brush with egg wash, and generously sprinkle additional Pecorino, salt, and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
- Baking Process: Roast puffs for 15-20 minutes, rotating sheets midway to achieve consistent golden-brown coloration. Extract when exterior becomes crisp and serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Prep Strategically: Measure and prep all ingredients before starting to ensure smooth, efficient execution of the recipe.
- Master Dough Consistency: Continuous stirring prevents lumps and creates a smooth, glossy base critical for perfect puffs.
- Temperature Control Matters: Watch carefully during baking to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning delicate cheese puffs.
- Serving Timing is Crucial: Serve immediately after baking to maintain crisp texture and optimal flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg