French Cheese Puffs (Gougères) Recipe – French Special
Gougères are delightful French appetizers originating from Burgundy. These airy cheese puffs are crafted from choux pastry, traditionally filled with Gruyère cheese. Baked to a golden perfection, they offer a delicate crunch on the outside and a soft, cheesy interior. Ideal as canapés or served alongside a glass of wine, gougères bring a touch of French elegance to any gathering.
- Prep Time15 min
- Cook Time25 min
- Total Time40 min
French Cheese Puffs (Gougères) Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120ml) water
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (100g) grated Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- A pinch of black pepper or nutmeg (optional)
Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make Dough Base (Choux):
In a saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil. Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until a smooth dough forms and pulls away from the sides (about 2 minutes).
Cool and Beat in Eggs:
Remove from heat. Let dough cool for a few minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. The dough should be smooth and glossy.
Add Cheese:
Stir in grated cheese and optional pepper or nutmeg.
Pipe or Scoop:
Transfer dough to a piping bag (or use a spoon) and pipe small mounds (about 1 inch wide) onto the prepared sheet. Sprinkle tops with extra cheese if desired.
Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden. Do not open the oven while baking or they may collapse.
Serve Warm:
Serve immediately or reheat briefly before serving.
Recipe Notes :
Cheese Variations: While Gruyère is traditional, you can experiment with cheeses like Comté, Emmental, or sharp cheddar for different flavor profiles.
Make-Ahead Tips: Unbaked gougères can be frozen on a tray and then stored in bags. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions: Pair gougères with sparkling wine, serve alongside a charcuterie board, or enjoy them as a standalone snack.
