butternut squash parmesan puffs

as the holidays start to get closer(!), it's time to try new ideas for party food! these little puffs have all the best flavors of fall - butternut squash, thyme, maple syrup - all in one little bite. these are AWESOME and would be perfect for any get-together, or to put out for snacking while thanksgiving dinner is being made!

this recipe makes about 15 puffs, but can be easily doubled (or halved) depending on the size of your party. y'all will love these - they look so cute and taste even better!!

here's what you'll need:
1/2 milk (i used skim)
1/2 stick of butter
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup flour
4 eggs
1/4 cup butternut squash puree (i just used canned, but you can make your own if you're ambitious)
1 tblspn. maple syrup
1 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tblspn. chopped fresh thyme (or 1 tsp. dried thyme)

preheat oven to 400.

in a medium saucepan, melt butter. add the milk and bring to a boil. reduce heat to low and add the salt and flour. cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. a dough will form and pull away from the edges of the pan.

remove the dough from the pan and add to a mixing bowl. using a stand or hand mixer, add 3 of the eggs, one by one, mixing each one thoroughly before you add the next one. add butternut squash puree, maple syrup, 1 cup parmesan, and thyme and mix to combine.

put dough in a piping bag (or a freezer bag with a snip cut out at one corner), and pipe into a parchment paper-lined baking sheet into little rounds about 3/4 inch high and about 2 inches apart.

make an egg wash by mixing the remaining 1 egg with 2 tblspn. water. brush over the top of each round. sprinkle the remaining parmesan on top. bake for 15-20 minutes, until lightly browning on top.

and that's it! perfect, easy, insanely good party food. these would also be delicious with pumpkin instead of squash, with bacon sprinkled on top, different herbs or cheeses - use your imagination! happy cooking! xx

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