Classic French Gougères: The Perfect Cheese Puff Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup water
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
1.5 cups grated Gruyere cheese
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, quickly add the flour all at once. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until it pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a thick smooth ball, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Transfer the dough to a bowl and let it cool for a few minutes. You want it warm, but not hot.
Add the eggs, one at a time, stirring quickly to make sure the egg gets incorporated into the dough. The dough will look glossy and wet until you've stirred in each egg.
Stir in the grated cheese and the black pepper.
Using two spoons, drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each gougère.
Bake the gougères in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they're puffed and golden brown. For a drier, crisper gougère, poke each puff with a sharp knife after baking and return to the oven for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Remove the gougères from the oven, and serve them warm, or transfer them to a rack to cool.

Tools for making

Saucepan - A medium-sized saucepan is needed to heat and boil the water, butter, and salt.
Wooden spoon - You will need a wooden spoon to stir the dough while cooking.
Bowl - A bowl is required to transfer and cool the dough after it's cooked.
Baking sheet - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking of the gougères.
Spoons - Two spoons are needed to drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
Sharp knife - A sharp knife can be used to poke the gougères for a drier and crisper texture, if desired.
Cooling rack - If you prefer to cool the gougères before serving, a cooling rack can be used to transfer them from the baking sheet.

Recipe variations

Replace Gruyere cheese with another type of cheese such as cheddar, Swiss, or Parmesan.
Add chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the dough for added flavor.
Include cooked bacon or ham for a savory meat option.
Make the gougères gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Experiment with different spices or seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper.
Try adding finely diced onions or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to the dough.
Create a sweet version by omitting the cheese and adding a teaspoon of sugar and a dash of vanilla extract to the dough. Consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruits as well.
Mix in grated zucchini or shredded carrots for a vegetable twist.

Recipe overview

Gougères are delightful cheese puffs made from choux pastry mixed with cheese. Originating from France, these savory treats make a great appetizer and are surprisingly easy to prepare at home. This recipe will guide you through the process of making your very own Gougères, using simple ingredients like butter, flour, eggs, and Gruyere cheese. The result is a tray of warm, cheesy, and addictive cheese puffs that are crisp on the outside while remaining light and airy inside. Served straight from the oven, these puffs are sure to impress and disappear quickly. Enjoy them as a snack, a party appetizer, or alongside a bowl of your favorite soup.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese. However, Gruyere cheese is traditionally used in gougères for its nutty flavor and melting properties. If you choose to use a different cheese, make sure it is a good melting cheese and adjust the quantity according to taste.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After preparing the dough, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Can I freeze gougères? Yes, gougères can be frozen. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. To serve, reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 10 minutes.
Can I make mini gougères instead of large ones? Absolutely! Instead of dropping tablespoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet, use smaller teaspoons to make mini gougères. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as they may cook faster than the larger ones.
Can I add other ingredients to the dough? Certainly! Gougères can be customized with additional ingredients such as herbs, spices, or even cooked bacon or ham. You can add these ingredients in step 6 when stirring in the grated cheese.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking Sheet - Used to bake the gougères in the oven.
Parchment Paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent the gougères from sticking.
Medium Saucepan - Used to boil the water, butter, and salt.
Wooden Spoon - Used to stir the dough in the saucepan.
Mixing Bowl - Used to hold the dough and let it cool.
Spoons - Used to drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet.
Grater - Used to grate the Gruyere cheese.
Sharp Knife - Used to poke the gougères for a drier, crisper texture (optional).
Rack - Used to cool the gougères after baking.

Origin stories

Gougères hail from the Burgundy region of France, famed for its fine wines. These cheese-laden choux pastry puffs were traditionally served at wine tastings, their mild, savory flavor a perfect complement to the complex notes of the region’s wines. They would also be served at the town market, providing a warm, comforting start to the day for early morning shoppers. The magic of gougères lies in their simplicity - they were born from humble pantry staples, yet they rise to elegant heights. The Burgundians consider them a symbol of their region's welcoming spirit and gastronomic prowess.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.