Gougères are classic French cheese puffs made from light, airy choux pastry mixed with cheese—usually Gruyère. Crisp on the outside and soft inside, these little bites are perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or paired with a glass of wine. Their rich, cheesy flavor and delicate texture make them elegant yet easy to prepare at home.
Ingredients
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1 cup water
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
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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 grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss, Comté, or cheddar)
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¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
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 gougères
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. -
Make the Dough:
In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball—about 2 minutes. -
Cool Slightly:
Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool for 3–4 minutes so the eggs don’t scramble when added. -
Add the Eggs:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy. You can do this by hand or in a stand mixer. -
Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Stir in the grated Gruyère, black pepper, and cayenne if using. The dough should be thick and sticky. -
Shape the Gougères:
Use a spoon or piping bag to drop small mounds (about 1 tablespoon each) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. -
Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. Do not open the oven door during baking—this helps them rise properly. -
Serve:
Let them cool slightly before serving warm. Gougères can also be served at room temperature.
Tips
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For extra cheesiness, sprinkle a little grated cheese on top before baking.
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You can freeze unbaked gougères—just pipe them onto a tray, freeze solid, and bake straight from frozen.
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Try adding minced herbs or a pinch of nutmeg for a flavor twist.
Nutrition (per piece)
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Calories: 90
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Fat: 6g
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Carbohydrates: 5g
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Protein: 3g
Gougères are light, buttery, and bursting with cheese flavor—simple yet impressive little pastries that add a touch of French flair to any table.
