Chef John's Party Cheese Puffs

Recipe View Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. (5 minutes)

Recipe View In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Reduce heat to low and add flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a smooth, paste-like dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to dry the dough slightly. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let cool slightly for 5-10 minutes, until it is warm but not hot to the touch. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat in one egg until fully incorporated. The dough may appear to separate at first, but it will come together with continued mixing. Add the second egg and repeat. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Stir in the thyme and black pepper. Add 3/4 of the shredded Cheddar cheese and mix until evenly distributed. (2 minutes)

Recipe View Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each puff. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar cheese evenly over the tops of the puffs. (2 minutes)

Recipe View Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up. (20 minutes)

Recipe View Let cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. These are best enjoyed warm. (5 minutes)