ELEGANT CHOUX CHEESE PLATTER — PERFECT FOR A CHIC GIRLS’ GATHERING
Surprise your friends with these delicate choux pastries filled with a creamy matured goat cheese blend, beautifully paired with semi-dried tomatoes, fresh arugula, and spicy salami. The flavorful oil left from the tomatoes doubles as a vibrant dressing, making this platter both elegant and deliciously cohesive.
🕒 Prep Time: 25 min
🍳 Cook Time: 30 min
🍽️ Yields: 16 pieces
Ingredients
For the Choux Pastry:
- 60 ml milk
- 50 ml water
- 60 g unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp salt
- 75 g all-purpose flour
- 2 small eggs
For the Cheese Cream Filling:
- 250 g matured goat cheese, rind removed
- 200 g cream cheese (e.g., Philadelphia)
- ½ tsp Herbes de Provence
- 20 chives, finely chopped
- 8 twists of chili flakes (freshly ground)
- Freshly ground green or black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh arugula (rocket)
- Semi-dried tomatoes in oil
- Thin slices of spicy salami
Instructions
1. Prepare the Choux Pastry
- In a saucepan over low heat, bring milk, water, butter, and salt just to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add all flour at once. Stir vigorously until the dough pulls away from the pan.
- Let the dough cool completely.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth and shiny.
- Transfer dough to a piping bag.
2. Bake the Choux
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Pipe small mounds of dough onto the tray.
- Wet your finger and gently flatten the peaks of each mound.
- Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 10 minutes, then reduce to 180°C (355°F) and bake for 20 minutes more, without opening the oven door.
- Cool choux completely on a wire rack.
3. Prepare the Cheese Cream
- Combine goat cheese (rind removed), cream cheese, and Herbes de Provence in a food processor.
- Season with freshly ground green or black pepper and chili flakes.
- Blend until creamy, adding 1 tbsp milk if needed to achieve a smooth texture.
- Taste and adjust salt as necessary.
- Stir in finely chopped chives and pulse briefly.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
4. Assemble the Platter
- Slice cooled choux buns in half horizontally.
- Pipe or spoon the cheese cream generously onto the bottom halves, then replace the tops.
- Arrange choux on a serving platter alongside fresh arugula, semi-dried tomatoes, and thin slices of spicy salami.
- Drizzle a little of the flavored oil from the tomatoes over the arugula for extra flavor.
💡 Tips
- Use matured goat cheese for a rich, tangy flavor contrast with the creamy cheese base.
- Wetting your finger before flattening choux peaks helps achieve even, attractive shapes.
- The chili flakes add a subtle kick—adjust to your spice preference.
- The tomato oil makes a fantastic salad dressing—try mixing arugula with a splash, shaved Parmesan, and some prosciutto or speck.
🎉 Perfect For
- Elegant gatherings with friends
- Chic appetizer platters
- Wine and champagne pairing events
- Light lunches or brunches
📝 Final Thoughts
This elegant choux cheese platter combines airy pastry with a luscious, herb-infused goat cheese cream, balanced by spicy salami and fresh, peppery greens. The savory semi-dried tomatoes and their infused oil add a gourmet touch, making this dish an impressive yet effortless centerpiece for your next get-together.