Appetizers

Savoury puffs

⏱ 10 min👤 6 pp★☆☆☆☆

One of the periods in history which made Italy great, scattering its wonders to the four corners of the world, was the Renaissance. In this period of prosperity and innovation were born the inventors of today’s recipe, although not in their present form – namely, pastry puffs. These have been reinterpreted in a savoury version to give life to tasty morsel perfect for all those festive occasions when we like to show off our outstanding originality in the kitchen! They offer guests all the scrumptiousness of an out of the ordinary starter, and are particularly suited to a finger food buffet. Following our recipe, you'll discover how in just a few steps, and with a bit of canniness, you’ll have no trouble producing these canapés to give a dramatic touch to your party: are you ready to follow our advice?

Ingredients

Nutritional values 285 kcal / serving

Protein
14g
Carbohydrates
18g
Fat
18g
Fiber
0g

* approximate values per serving

Information
10 minutes Total time
Serves 6 persons
★☆☆☆☆ Easy

Preparation

Cut the mortadella into small to medium parts, put in the blender and add the ricotta. Pour the milk and extra virgin olive oil into the blender, along with some Parmesan cheese to your taste (the more you put in the more savoury the cream puffs will be). Blend everything with a little pepper until creamy. Cut off the top of the cream puffs and fill them with the cream of mortadella using a spoon or a pastry bag. Top the puffs with the part you cut off.

Tips
To make these pastry puffs, timing is really important: the filling should be done just before serving.
Trivia
Despite the French name, ‘bigné, these pastry puffs are one of the countless examples of the greatness of the Italian Renaissance.

Step by step

Get the puffs
Get the puffs
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Savory Cream Puffs with Mortadella and Ricotta Cream

One of the tastiest variations of savory cream puffs is definitely the one with mortadella and ricotta cream. To make it, start by cutting the mortadella into smaller pieces and blending it together with the ricotta, milk, extra virgin olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese. This combination creates a rich and flavorful cream, perfect for filling your cream puffs. Don't forget to adjust the salt to your personal taste, as the Parmesan and mortadella already provide a good amount of saltiness. Once filled, the cream puffs can be served as an appetizer or snack for an aperitif, making every occasion special with their enveloping flavor and light texture.

French Savory Cream Puffs

When we talk about savory cream puffs, we cannot forget the French tradition, which has made this preparation famous with pâte à choux. The French savory cream puffs, known as gougères, are made with a dough based on water, butter, flour, and eggs, enriched with grated cheese. This variation stands out for its lightness and crispness, making them perfect to serve warm, straight from the oven. You can fill them with mortadella cream or other fillings like cheeses or vegetables, for an appetizer that will delight your guests. The preparation requires a bit of practice, but the final result is definitely worth the effort, providing a taste of French cuisine at your table.

Light Savory Cream Puffs without Butter

For those who are mindful of their diet, there is a version of light savory cream puffs, prepared without butter. In this variation, the dough can be made using only water, extra virgin olive oil, and flour, thus eliminating butter from the traditional recipe. Additionally, for the filling, you can opt for a low-fat ricotta cream and spices, making the dish lighter without compromising flavor. This preparation is ideal for those who want to enjoy a tasty appetizer without exceeding in calories. The light cream puffs maintain their light texture and can be served on any occasion, offering a healthy and delicious alternative.

Benefits of Savory Cream Puffs: Calories and Nutrients

Savory cream puffs, especially when filled with ingredients like mortadella and ricotta, offer an interesting combination of nutrients. Mortadella provides protein and fats, while ricotta is a source of calcium and lean proteins. On average, a filled savory cream puff can contain about 80-100 calories, depending on the ingredients used for the filling. Choosing fresh and quality ingredients can contribute to better nutritional intake, making this dish not only tasty but also nutritious. Remember to balance your diet, enjoying savory cream puffs in moderation for a balanced meal.

Can Savory Cream Puffs be Frozen?

One of the most common questions regarding savory cream puffs is whether they can be frozen. The answer is yes, savory cream puffs can be frozen, but it is advisable to do so before filling them. To freeze them, make sure they are completely cooled and then arrange them on a tray so that they do not touch each other. Once frozen, they can be transferred to a food bag or an airtight container. When you want to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator and fill them just before serving. This practice will allow you to always have a delicious snack on hand, ready for any occasion!