Description
French Cheese Puffs (Gougères) are classic French appetizers made with pâte à choux dough and Gruyère cheese. Light, airy, and golden brown with a cheesy, tender interior, these savory bites are perfect for entertaining, wine pairings, or serving alongside soups and stews. This easy yet elegant recipe is ideal for parties, holidays, or gourmet snacking.
Ingredients
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
50 g (1/2 cup) Gruyère cheese, freshly shredded (for topping)
1 egg yolk, beaten (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 220°C / 425°F (200°C fan). Lightly grease 2 baking trays and line with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil until butter melts.
- Remove from heat and stir in flour, nutmeg, and pepper until fully incorporated.
- Return to low heat and cook for 1 minute, stirring, to dry out dough slightly. Let rest for 2 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth and glossy.
- Stir in shredded Gruyère cheese until evenly combined.
- Drop tablespoon-sized mounds onto prepared trays with a spoon or cookie scoop.
- Brush tops with beaten egg yolk and sprinkle with extra Gruyère.
- Bake for 25 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool for 15 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- Use Comté, Emmental, or cheddar as alternatives to Gruyère.
- Add herbs, spices, or cooked bacon for variations.
- Store at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerated for 5 days, or freeze unbaked for later baking.
- Reheat in a 180°C / 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 0.3g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
