Mini éclairs with cheese and garlic are a delightful savory twist on the classic French pastry. These bite-sized treats are perfect for serving as appetizers or snacks at parties, gatherings, or any occasion. Here’s a recipe to make these savory mini éclairs:
Ingredients:
For the choux pastry:
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– Pinch of salt
For the cheese and garlic filling:
– 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the 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, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the dough cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the eggs, one at a time, to the dough, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
6. Transfer the choux pastry dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
7. Pipe small éclair shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
8. Bake the éclairs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown.
9. Remove the éclairs from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
10. While the éclairs are cooling, prepare the cheese and garlic filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and smooth.
11. Once the éclairs are cooled, slice them in half horizontally using a serrated knife.
12. Fill each éclair with the cheese and garlic filling using a spoon or piping bag.
13. Garnish the filled éclairs with chopped fresh chives, if desired.
14. Serve the mini éclairs with cheese and garlic immediately, or store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
These mini éclairs with cheese and garlic are sure to be a hit at any party or gathering. They’re flavorful, elegant, and irresistibly delicious, making them the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. Enjoy!