Chef John's Party Cheese Puffs

Ingredients

• 0.5 cups water
• 0.25 cups butter
• 1 pinch salt
• 0.5 cups flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese , divided

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat.

2. 2

   Stir water, butter, and salt together in a pot; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium and whisk flour into butter mixture until a paste-like dough forms, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer dough to a bowl to cool until warm, 5 to 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Whisk 1 egg, thyme, and black pepper into cooled dough until egg is completely incorporated. Add remaining egg and whisk until completely incorporated into dough. Stir 3/4 the cheese into dough until combined. Scoop 1-inch balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet. Top each with remaining cheese.

4. 4

   Bake in the preheated oven until golden and puffed, 15 to 20 minutes.