Hot Olive Cheese Puffs

Mise-en-place

Ingrediënten

De bereidingswijze

Stap voor stap

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

   Ongeveer 2 min

2. 2

   In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream the softened butter until it is smooth.

   Ongeveer 2 min

3. 3

   Add the finely grated sharp cheddar cheese to the butter and beat until the mixture is light and well combined.

   Ongeveer 3 min

4. 4

   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sweet paprika, salt, and optional cayenne pepper.

   Ongeveer 1 min

5. 5

   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cheese mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand until a stiff dough forms.

   Ongeveer 2 min

   Tip van de kok: The dough will be quite firm; don't be afraid to use your hands to bring it together at the end.

6. 6

   Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

   Ongeveer 1 min

   Tip van de kok: Chilling the dough makes it less sticky and much easier to wrap around the olives.

7. 7

   While the dough chills, ensure the olives are thoroughly drained and pat them completely dry with paper towels.

   Ongeveer 3 min

   Tip van de kok: A dry surface on the olive helps the dough adhere properly.

8. 8

   Take about a teaspoon of dough for each olive, flatten it in your palm, and wrap it around the olive, pinching the seams to seal it completely.

   Ongeveer 14 min

   Tip van de kok: Roll the wrapped olive between your palms to create a smooth, even ball.

9. 9

   Arrange the dough-wrapped olives on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

   Ongeveer 2 min

10. 10

    Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and slightly crisp.

    Ongeveer 15 min

11. 11

    Let the puffs cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving warm.

    Tip van de kok: They are best served warm but are also delicious at room temperature.