Gougères – Light, Cheesy, and Elegant

Gougères are classic French cheese puffs made from airy choux pastry and loaded with savory cheese. Crispy on the outside and soft and cheesy on the inside, they make an elegant appetizer or snack. Perfect for parties, brunches, or a fancy hors d’oeuvre, gougères are surprisingly simple to make and always impress with their delicate texture and rich flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy & Savory – Packed with rich, melted cheese in every bite.
Light & Airy – Delicate choux pastry gives a perfect puff.
Simple Ingredients – Minimal pantry staples create an elegant result.
Perfect for Entertaining – Small, bite-sized, and irresistible for guests.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (100 g) grated Gruyère cheese (or cheddar)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional: pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil. Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
2. Incorporate Eggs
   Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Add Cheese & Seasoning
   Stir in grated cheese, black pepper, and optional nutmeg until evenly distributed.
4. Pipe or Scoop
   Transfer dough to a piping bag or use a spoon to place small mounds (about 1 inch) on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
5. Bake
   Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and puffed. Do not open the oven door during baking to prevent deflation.
6. Serve
   Let cool slightly and serve warm. Gougères are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~80
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Sugar: 0g
Fiber: 0g

Tips for Success

• Keep Eggs at Room Temperature – Helps the dough incorporate smoothly.
• Use Strong Cheese – Gruyère or sharp cheddar gives the best flavor.
• Do Not Open Oven Early – Sudden temperature changes can make them collapse.

Why This Recipe Works

The choux pastry puffs beautifully in the oven while the cheese melts inside, creating a light, airy texture with a crispy exterior. Each bite delivers rich, savory flavor without heaviness, making gougères elegant yet approachable.

Gougères are a delightful French treat that combines crisp pastry with melty, savory cheese. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they’re perfect for brunches, parties, or a sophisticated snack that always impresses.