Cheesy Mozzarella Puffs
Delightful and airy, these Cheesy Mozzarella Puffs (Piumini di Mozzarella al Forno) are the perfect finger food that will elevate any gathering. These savory bites are golden, crispy on the outside, and bursting with gooey mozzarella flavor on the inside. Quick to prepare and easy to bake, you can make a large batch ahead of time, freeze them, and bake from frozen whenever your guests arrive. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or party treat, these puffs are sure to be a hit with cheese lovers and are incredibly versatile; consider adding herbs or spices to customize them to your liking.
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
1 cup (sifted)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Paprika
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Butter
8 tablespoons (softened)
Mozzarella cheese
6 ounces (diced small)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lightly greasing it.
2
In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, and paprika until well combined.
3
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter until it's fluffy, then fold in the diced mozzarella cheese until evenly distributed.
4
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter and mozzarella blend, mixing until a dough forms.
5
Using your hands, shape the dough into small balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter.
6
Evenly space the cheese balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have room to puff up while baking.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puffs are sky-high and golden brown.
8
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delightful puffs warm or at room temperature.
9
Note: For make-ahead convenience, you can freeze the unbaked puffs. If baking from frozen, adjust the baking time as needed.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Mozzarella Puffs?
They are delightful, airy finger foods that are golden and crispy on the outside with a gooey mozzarella center, also known as Piumini di Mozzarella al Forno.
What is the Italian name for this dish?
The Italian name for these puffs is Piumini di Mozzarella al Forno.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 5 main ingredients: all-purpose flour, salt, paprika, butter, and mozzarella cheese.
What oven temperature is needed for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do Cheesy Mozzarella Puffs take to bake?
The puffs should be baked for 15 to 20 minutes until they are sky-high and golden brown.
Can I freeze the puffs before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked puffs for convenience and bake them later.
Do I need to thaw the puffs if baking from frozen?
No, you can bake them directly from frozen, though you should adjust the baking time as needed.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 24 servings.
What size should the dough balls be?
The dough should be shaped into small balls approximately 1-inch in diameter.
How should the mozzarella cheese be prepared?
The mozzarella cheese should be diced into small pieces before being folded into the butter.
Should the butter be cold or softened?
The recipe calls for 8 tablespoons of softened butter.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of sifted all-purpose flour.
How do I prepare the baking sheet?
The baking sheet should be prepared by lightly greasing it.
What spices are used for seasoning?
Salt and paprika are used to season the flour mixture.
Can I customize the flavor of the puffs?
Yes, you can add herbs or other spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
How do I mix the ingredients?
Sift dry ingredients together, cream the butter and mozzarella, then gradually mix in the flour mixture until a dough forms.
How should the puffs be spaced on the baking sheet?
They should be evenly spaced to ensure they have enough room to puff up during baking.
What is the texture of these mozzarella puffs?
The texture is described as airy, crispy on the outside, and gooey on the inside.
Can these be served cold?
While they are best warm, they can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, these are perfect finger foods for gatherings, snacks, or party treats.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Cheese.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
You will need 6 ounces of mozzarella cheese.
Is this an easy recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that is quick to prepare.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a baking sheet.
How do I know when the puffs are finished baking?
They are done when they appear sky-high and have reached a golden brown color.
Should I sift the flour?
Yes, the instructions specify to sift the flour with the salt and paprika.
How do I combine the butter and mozzarella?
Cream the softened butter until fluffy, then fold in the diced mozzarella until evenly distributed.
Are these puffs savory or sweet?
These are savory puffs featuring cheese, salt, and paprika.
Can I make a large batch in advance?
Yes, you can make a large batch ahead of time and freeze them unbaked.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt.