Mini eclairs with cheese and garlic are a savory twist on the classic sweet pastry. These delightful treats are perfect as appetizers or snacks for any occasion. Here’s how to make them:
Mini eclairs with cheese and garlic are a delightful twist on the classic French pastry, offering a savory and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Imagine sinking your teeth into a delicate pastry shell filled with a creamy, garlic-infused cheese filling, creating a burst of flavor that’s both rich and satisfying.
To create these miniature marvels, you start by preparing a light and airy choux pastry dough, which serves as the foundation for the eclairs. The dough is made from simple ingredients such as flour, butter, water, and eggs, but it’s the technique of cooking and beating the dough that gives it its characteristic hollow interior and crisp exterior.
Once the choux pastry dough is piped into small, finger-length shapes and baked until golden brown and puffed, it’s time to prepare the filling. Picture a luscious mixture of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese, blended with minced garlic, aromatic herbs, and a sprinkle of grated cheese such as Parmesan or Gruyère. The garlic infuses the filling with its savory aroma, while the cheese adds depth of flavor and a luxurious creaminess that melts in your mouth.
Whether served warm from the oven or at room temperature, these miniature delights are sure to impress with their irresistible combination of savory flavors and delicate textures. So, the next time you’re craving a savory indulgence that’s both elegant and satisfying, treat yourself to a plate of mini eclairs with cheese and garlic and prepare to be delighted by their deliciousness.
Ingredients:
For the choux pastry:
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
For the filling:
– 1 cup shredded cheese (such as Gruyere, cheddar, or Parmesan)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
2. In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4. Remove the pan from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
5. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
6. Transfer the choux pastry dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
7. Pipe small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
8. Bake the eclairs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
9. While the eclairs are cooling, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cheese, minced garlic, softened cream cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
10. Once the eclairs are cooled, slice each one in half horizontally using a sharp knife.
11. Spoon or pipe the cheese and garlic filling onto the bottom half of each eclair.
12. Place the top half of the eclair back on top of the filling.
13. Garnish the mini eclairs with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
14. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy these savory mini eclairs as appetizers or snacks!
These mini eclairs with cheese and garlic are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. They’re easy to make and bursting with flavor, making them the perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion. Try experimenting with different types of cheese and herbs to customize the flavor to your liking!