Cheese Puffs are light, airy bites with a crisp golden shell and a cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth center. Made from simple ingredients, these savory treats—also known as gougères in French baking—are perfect for parties, snacks, or as a side to soups and salads. They puff beautifully in the oven and disappear even faster from the plate.
Ingredients
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
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1 cup water
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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4 large eggs
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or Gruyère for richer flavor)
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¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
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Optional: pinch of cayenne or paprika for a mild kick
Cooking Time
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 25 minutes
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Total time: 40 minutes
Serving
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Makes about 24 cheese puffs
Instructions
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Preheat oven:
Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. -
Make the dough base:
In a saucepan, combine butter, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add flour all at once. Stir vigorously until the mixture pulls away from the sides and forms a smooth ball (about 1–2 minutes). -
Cool slightly:
Remove from heat and let it rest for 3–4 minutes so the eggs don’t cook when added. -
Add eggs:
Beat in eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. The dough will look lumpy at first but will become glossy and smooth. -
Add cheese and seasoning:
Mix in the shredded cheese, pepper, and any optional spices. -
Shape the puffs:
Drop heaping teaspoons of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can also pipe them using a pastry bag for neat rounds. -
Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Do not open the oven while baking to keep them from collapsing. -
Serve:
Serve warm for the best texture.
Tips
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Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting.
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For extra crispiness, poke a tiny hole in each puff after baking to release steam, then return to the oven (turned off) for 5 minutes.
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Try mixing cheeses—Parmesan and cheddar pair well.
Nutrition (per puff)
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Calories: 85
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Protein: 3g
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Carbohydrates: 5g
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Fat: 6g
Cheese Puffs are irresistibly light and cheesy—an easy way to impress guests or enjoy a cozy, savory snack fresh from the oven.
