Get ready to transform your next gathering with these irresistible Party Puffs – a culinary magic trick that turns simple ingredients into elegant, bite-sized delights that will have your guests begging for the recipe! These golden, puffy pastry shells filled with creamy egg or savory ham salad are not just appetizers; they're conversation starters that combine classic French choux pastry technique with crowd-pleasing American comfort food. Whether you're hosting a bridal shower, game day party, or sophisticated cocktail evening, these versatile Party Puffs are guaranteed to be the star of your spread.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 puffs
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup water
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup egg salad or ham salad
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, ensuring the butter is completely melted.
- Remove the pan from heat and quickly add the all-purpose flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Return the pan to low heat and continue stirring for about 1-2 minutes to dry out the dough, which helps create a crisp pastry shell.
- Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
- Spoon or pipe the dough into small 1-inch rounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each puff.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and have puffed up. Do not open the oven during baking to prevent deflation.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice each puff in half horizontally.
- Fill each puff with either prepared egg salad or ham salad, using a small spoon or piping bag.
- Serve immediately as appetizers or party snacks. Can be garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Tips
- Precision is key when making choux pastry: Measure ingredients exactly and follow temperature instructions carefully.
- Use room temperature eggs for better dough incorporation and smoother texture.
- When adding eggs to the dough, add them one at a time and mix thoroughly to ensure a glossy, smooth consistency.
- Pipe or spoon dough rounds uniformly to ensure even baking and consistent size.
- Avoid opening the oven during baking to prevent puffs from deflating.
- Let puffs cool completely before filling to maintain their crisp texture.
- For make-ahead convenience, bake puffs in advance and store in an airtight container, filling just before serving.
- Experiment with different fillings like chicken salad or tuna salad for variety.
- For an extra touch, lightly dust with paprika or garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg
