When you think of eclairs, you might picture a sweet treat filled with vanilla cream and coated in chocolate. But did you know eclairs can also be savory? Mini Savory Eclairs with Truffle Cream Cheese offer a sophisticated and elegant twist on the classic French pastry, making them the perfect appetizer for any gathering. These delicate, bite-sized eclairs are made from golden choux pastry and filled with a rich, creamy truffle-infused cream cheese, topped with fresh herbs and optional shaved truffle for an extra touch of luxury.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make these savory eclairs, from preparing the choux pastry to creating the decadent truffle cream cheese filling. Whether you’re planning a dinner party, cocktail hour, or special event, these eclairs are sure to impress your guests with their flavor and presentation.

Why You’ll Love Mini Savory Eclairs

1. Elegant and Unique

Savory eclairs are a delightful departure from the traditional sweet version, making them a unique and elegant addition to any appetizer spread. The delicate choux pastry combined with the rich truffle cream cheese filling offers a balance of lightness and indulgence.

2. Bursting with Flavor

The creamy filling, infused with aromatic truffle oil, pairs perfectly with the airy pastry. Fresh herbs like chives and parsley add a burst of flavor, making each bite irresistible.

3. Perfect for Entertaining

These mini savory eclairs are bite-sized, making them the ideal finger food for parties, gatherings, or events. Their impressive presentation will add a touch of sophistication to your appetizer selection.

4. Make-Ahead Option

You can prepare the choux pastry ahead of time and store it until you’re ready to fill and serve. This makes them convenient for entertaining, so you can spend more time with your guests.

Ingredients for Mini Savory Eclairs with Truffle Cream Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need to make 20 mini eclairs:

For the Choux Pastry (Pâte à Choux):

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs

For the Truffle Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons truffle oil (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

  • Fresh chives, finely chopped
  • Shaved truffle (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mini Savory Eclairs with Truffle Cream Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry

Choux pastry, or pâte à choux, is the base of the eclairs. It’s light, airy, and crisp, making it the perfect vessel for the creamy filling.

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Make the choux dough: In a medium saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a simmer.
  3. Add the flour: Remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in the flour. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth ball.
  4. Cool slightly and add eggs: Let the dough cool for a few minutes. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and glossy but thick enough to hold its shape.
  5. Pipe the eclairs: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe 2-inch long strips of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each eclair.
  6. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the eclairs are puffed up and golden brown. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.

Step 2: Prepare the Truffle Cream Cheese Filling

The rich, flavorful filling is what makes these savory eclairs so special. Truffle oil adds an earthy, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese and fresh herbs.

  1. Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, truffle oil, chopped chives, parsley, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  2. Transfer to a piping bag: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, making it easy to fill the eclairs.

Step 3: Fill the Eclairs

Once the eclairs have cooled completely, it’s time to fill them with the truffle cream cheese.

  1. Cut the eclairs: Use a sharp knife to make a small slit in the side of each eclair, large enough to insert the piping tip.
  2. Pipe the filling: Gently pipe the truffle cream cheese filling into the center of each eclair, ensuring they are filled but not overstuffed.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

For the finishing touch, garnish the eclairs with fresh herbs and, if desired, a few shavings of truffle.

  1. Garnish: Sprinkle the tops of the filled eclairs with finely chopped chives and parsley. For an extra touch of luxury, add a small shaving of truffle to each eclair.
  2. Serve immediately: These mini savory eclairs are best enjoyed fresh while the pastry is light and crisp, and the filling is rich and creamy.

Tips for Perfect Mini Savory Eclairs

1. Use Cold Ingredients for the Filling

Ensure your cream cheese is softened, but the truffle oil and herbs should be cool. This will help create a creamy texture that is easy to pipe into the eclairs.

2. Crisp Up the Eclairs

If you prefer a crispier texture, allow the eclairs to dry out in the oven after baking. Once they’re done baking, turn off the oven, open the door slightly, and leave the eclairs inside for 10 minutes.

3. Make the Choux Pastry Ahead

You can prepare the choux pastry ahead of time and store the baked eclairs in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Fill them just before serving to maintain their crispness.

4. Adjust Truffle Flavor to Taste

Truffle oil can be strong, so start with 2 tablespoons for the filling and adjust based on your preference. For a more subtle flavor, use less truffle oil.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1 mini eclair):

  • Calories: 90
  • Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Sodium: 95mg

(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Variations of Savory Eclairs

These savory eclairs are highly versatile, and you can experiment with different fillings and toppings:

  • Herbed Goat Cheese Filling: Swap out the cream cheese for soft goat cheese and mix with herbs and garlic for a tangy, creamy filling.
  • Smoked Salmon and Dill: For a luxurious twist, add finely chopped smoked salmon and dill to the cream cheese filling.
  • Spicy Eclairs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.

Pairing Suggestions

Mini savory eclairs with truffle cream cheese pair beautifully with a variety of beverages and accompaniments:

  • Sparkling Wine or Champagne: The light bubbles in a sparkling wine or champagne cut through the richness of the truffle and cream cheese, making for a perfect pairing.
  • White Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the earthy notes of truffle and the richness of the filling.
  • Light Salad: Serve the eclairs alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a light, refreshing contrast to the richness of the eclairs.

Mini Savory Eclairs with Truffle Cream Cheese are an elegant and luxurious appetizer that will elevate any gathering. The crisp choux pastry filled with a decadent truffle-infused cream cheese is a combination that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a cocktail party, a holiday dinner, or a special event, these savory eclairs are sure to impress your guests.

With their delicate flavor, beautiful presentation, and gourmet appeal, these eclairs are a must-try for anyone who enjoys the finer things in life. Follow this guide, and you’ll be able to master the art of making savory eclairs with ease. Enjoy!