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Cheese Gougères – French Cheese Puffs with Attitude

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Gougères are airy, cheesy, savory pastry puffs made with choux dough and loads of cheese — like mini cheese clouds with a hint of French flair. They’re elegant enough for a dinner party, but dangerously snackable straight off the tray!

Ingredients

(Makes ~24 small gougères)

  • 1/2 cup (120ml) water

  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cubed

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1 1/4 cups (125g) grated Gruyère (or Comté, Emmental, or sharp cheddar)

  • Pinch of nutmeg or black pepper (optional, but tasty)

  • Extra cheese for sprinkling on top

Instructions

1. Preheat & prep:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Make the choux base:

  • In a saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, and salt.

  • Bring to a simmer over medium heat until butter melts.

  • Add flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon.

  • Cook for 1–2 minutes until dough pulls away from the sides and forms a ball.

  • Let it cool for 2–3 minutes (so you don’t scramble the eggs next).

3. Add eggs one at a time:

  • Beat in eggs one by one, fully incorporating each before adding the next.

  • Stir in grated cheese and a pinch of pepper or nutmeg.

4. Shape the gougères:

  • Scoop or pipe small mounds (1–1.5 tbsp each) onto the baking sheet, spaced apart.

  • Sprinkle with a little extra grated cheese for a golden cheesy crust.

5. Bake:

  • Bake for 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden brown.

  • Don’t open the oven early — it’ll deflate them!

  • Let cool slightly before serving (or devour warm — no judgment).

Notes

✔️ Want more punch? Add mustard powder, cayenne, or herbs to the dough
✔️ Swap Gruyère with blue cheese, parmesan, or cheddar
✔️ Freeze unbaked mounds and bake from frozen when guests arrive — instant wow

Find it online: https://psrecipeswillow.com/2025/04/cheese-gougeres-french-cheese-puffs-with-attitude/