French Cheese Puffs (Gougères)

French Cheese Puffs, also known as Gougères, are light, airy pastries made from pâte à choux dough mixed with Gruyère cheese. Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, these elegant cheese puffs are a French classic often enjoyed as appetizers, cocktail snacks, or alongside soups and stews. Their rich cheesy flavor and delicate texture make them irresistible for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic French recipe that’s easier than it looks.
• Light, airy, and cheesy with a crisp golden crust.
• Perfect for entertaining as a sophisticated appetizer.
• Can be made ahead and reheated.
• Pairs beautifully with wine, champagne, or hearty soups.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dough

1 cup (250 ml) water
80 g (5.5 tbsp) unsalted butter, cubed
1 cup (150 g) all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch nutmeg (powder or freshly grated)
Pinch black pepper
4 eggs (about 60–65 g / 2 oz each)
200 g (2 cups) Gruyère cheese, freshly shredded

Topping

50 g (1/2 cup) Gruyère cheese, freshly shredded
1 egg yolk, beaten (for brushing)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C / 425°F (200°C fan). Lightly grease 2 baking trays and line with parchment paper.
2. Make the dough base: In a saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil over medium-high heat until butter is melted.
3. Remove from heat, add flour, nutmeg, and pepper. Stir until fully incorporated.
4. Return to low heat and stir for 1 minute to dry out the dough slightly. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes.
5. Add eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing vigorously after each addition until smooth. (Dough will split before coming together—keep mixing!)
6. Stir in shredded Gruyère cheese until evenly distributed.
7. Shape puffs: Drop tablespoon-sized mounds onto prepared trays using a small cookie scoop or spoon.
8. Brush tops with beaten egg yolk and sprinkle with extra shredded Gruyère.
9. Bake: Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
10. Let cool for 15 minutes so the interior sets and the crust crisps. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 30 cheese puffs.

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Cooling time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Use Comté, Emmental, or cheddar instead of Gruyère.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives for extra flavor.
• Mix in finely chopped ham, bacon, or caramelized onions.
• Add a pinch of cayenne or mustard powder for a spicier kick.
• Make larger gougères for dunking into soups or stews.

Storage/Reheating

• Store cooled gougères in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Reheat in a 180°C / 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes until crisp again.
• Freeze unbaked dough mounds on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5 minutes to the bake time.

FAQs

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Why did my gougères deflate?

They may not have been baked long enough. Ensure they are golden and firm before removing from the oven.

Can I make them without Gruyère?

Yes, but Gruyère gives the most authentic flavor. Substitute with cheddar, Comté, or Emmental.

Do gougères taste best hot or cold?

They’re best warm from the oven but still delicious at room temperature.

Can I make mini versions for parties?

Yes, pipe or scoop smaller mounds and reduce baking time slightly.

Do I need a mixer to make the dough?

No, it can be mixed by hand, though it requires vigorous stirring. A hand or stand mixer makes it easier.

Can I freeze baked gougères?

Yes, freeze in airtight containers and reheat in the oven before serving.

How do I get them extra puffy?

Make sure to dry out the dough in the pan before adding eggs and bake in a hot oven without opening the door early.

Can I serve these with dips?

Yes, they pair well with cheese dips, mustard sauces, or even creamy soups.

What drinks pair best with gougères?

They pair wonderfully with sparkling wine, champagne, or dry white wines.

Conclusion

French Cheese Puffs (Gougères) are light, airy, and deeply flavorful, making them the perfect bite-sized treat for entertaining or elevating everyday meals. With their crisp golden shells and cheesy interiors, they’re sure to impress guests and delight your taste buds. Once you try them, they may just become your go-to appetizer for any occasion.

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