Savory Choux Pastry Puffs 3 Flavors

French Cooking Academy

Video Stats

Host: French Cooking Academy
Published: Jun 21, 2025
Views: 21.6k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 20 min
Cook: 30 min
Difficulty: Intermediate
Serves: 4

Overview

Making savory choux pastry puffs is a delightful culinary adventure that showcases the beauty of French cooking techniques. The process begins with creating a simple choux pastry, which is made from water, flour, butter, and eggs. This dough serves as the foundation for a variety of flavors, allowing for creativity in the kitchen. The addition of ingredients like ham, duck, and blue cheese elevates these puffs, making them perfect for any gathering or as a pre-dinner appetizer.

The technique involves melting butter and water together, then adding flour to create a cohesive dough known as a panade. Once this is achieved, the dough is cooled before incorporating eggs, which give the puffs their signature rise when baked or fried. The result is a light, airy pastry that can be filled with savory mixtures, making it a versatile option for both casual and elegant occasions.

What stands out in this recipe is the ease with which you can adapt the flavors to suit your taste. Whether you prefer the richness of blue cheese or the savory notes of ham, these puffs can be customized to your liking. The frying process adds a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior, making each bite a delightful experience. This recipe not only teaches a fundamental cooking skill but also inspires confidence in experimenting with flavors and techniques.

In conclusion, these savory choux pastry puffs are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a fun project for home cooks looking to expand their repertoire. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can impress your guests with a classic French delicacy that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
00:27

Gather water, flour, butter, eggs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

2
01:00

Put water, butter, salt, and pepper in a pan without heat.

01:12

Tip: Add just a little grated nutmeg for flavor.

3
01:23

Turn heat on medium and melt the butter while bringing the water to a boil.

4
01:30

Once boiling, turn off heat and add flour all at once.

5
01:54

Stir until a coherent dough forms.

6
02:04

Turn heat back on to medium and dry the dough for 2-3 minutes.

02:13

Tip: Use low heat to dry the panad if unsure.

7
02:24

Transfer the dough to a cold bowl to cool.

8
02:34

Beat eggs and add them gradually to the cooled dough.

9
03:10

Continue adding eggs until fully incorporated and the dough is thick.

10
03:37

Incorporate ham, duck, or cheese into the dough.

11
04:18

Warm oil to 165°C for frying.

04:20

Tip: Heat oil slowly to allow the choux pastry to puff up.

12
04:33

Use two teaspoons to scoop out small amounts of dough.

13
04:50

Do a test fry to ensure the oil temperature is correct.

05:15

Tip: Use only a teaspoon of dough to avoid large puffs.

14
05:21

Fry the dough in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd.

15
05:32

Remove puffs and drain on paper towels.

16
05:39

Serve the puffs warm.

06:57

Tip: Experiment with different flavorings like spices and herbs.

Ingredients

Serves: 4
Water250ml
Salt1 tsp
Pepper1 tsp
Nutmeg1/4 tsp
Ham50g
Duck50g
Cheese50g
Mushroom50g
Parsley10g
Allergen Alerts

Ingredient: Dairy

    → Substitution: Coconut Cream

Ingredient: Eggs

    → Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water

Ingredient: Gluten

    → Substitution: Gluten-Free Flour Blend

Nutrition

Calories
250
kcal per serving
Protein
8
per serving
Carbs
30
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Intermediate
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

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Interesting Tidbits

  • Choux pastry is a versatile dough used for both sweet and savory dishes.
  • The key to successful choux pastry is to ensure the dough cools before adding eggs.
  • Deep frying choux puffs creates a light and airy texture, perfect for appetizers.
  • You can flavor choux pastry with various ingredients, including cheeses, meats, and herbs.