Quick & Fluffy Cheese Puffs (Gougeres) Recipe for Any Occasion

Cheese puffs dance between sophisticated French cuisine and comforting snack magic.

These delicate pastry bites represent culinary alchemy at its finest.

Ethereal and light, they refine simple ingredients into golden, airy delights that melt effortlessly on your tongue.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore the elegant simplicity behind their preparation.

Crisp exteriors give way to soft, cheesy interiors that surprise and delight with each bite.

Their versatility makes them perfect for elegant gatherings or casual weekend entertaining.

These irresistible morsels promise to elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Tips for Light, Airy Cheese Puffs

• Precise Dough Consistency: Ensure the dough is dry and pulls away from the pan's sides, which guarantees perfect puff texture.
• Egg Technique: Add eggs gradually and mix thoroughly to create a smooth, glossy batter that helps cheese puffs rise evenly.
• Cheese Selection: Use freshly grated mozzarella and parmesan for maximum flavor and melting quality.
• Spacing Matters: Leave enough room between puffs on the baking sheet to allow proper expansion and crispy edges.
• Temperature Control: Follow the two-stage baking method precisely to achieve golden, crispy exterior and soft, airy interior.

Save Cheese Puffs Without Losing Texture

• Refrigeration: Transfer cooled cheese puffs to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid using a microwave, which can make the puffs soggy and lose their delightful texture.
• Freezing: Wrap completely cooled puffs individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven until warm and crisp.

What to Pair with Gougeres

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enjoy these cheesy gougeres with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. The light, zesty wine cuts through the rich cheese and complements the delicate puff texture perfectly.
• Match with Sparkling Appetizers: Serve alongside prosciutto-wrapped asparagus or smoked salmon canapés. These light bites create a sophisticated party spread that highlights the gougeres' elegant flavor profile.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Create a balanced plate by adding a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy puffs.
• Enhance with Herbal Cocktail: Pour a gin-based cocktail with fresh thyme or rosemary. The herbal notes will echo the parsley in the gougeres and add a sophisticated touch to your appetizer experience.

Bold New Fillings for Cheese Puffs

• Spicy Jalapeño Poppers: Replace mozzarella with cheddar and add finely chopped jalapeños for a zesty kick. Sprinkle extra cayenne pepper for heat lovers.
• Mediterranean Herb Puffs: Swap parsley with fresh thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Mix in crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Truffle Mushroom Gougeres: Incorporate finely chopped sautéed mushrooms and a drizzle of truffle oil. Use gruyère cheese instead of mozzarella for a rich, earthy taste.
• Bacon Cheddar Bites: Fold in crispy chopped bacon bits and sharp cheddar cheese. Sprinkle smoked paprika on top for an extra layer of smoky flavor.

What’s to Love About Cheese Puffs (Gougeres)

• Savor Elegant French Technique: These cheese puffs showcase the classic French choux pastry method, creating light, airy pastries with professional-level culinary skills that seem complex but are surprisingly simple to master.
• Enjoy Cheesy Flavor Explosion: Packed with mozzarella and parmesan, these gougeres deliver a rich, intense cheese flavor that melts in your mouth, providing a delightful savory experience perfect for appetizers or snacking.
• Experience Impressive Texture Contrast: The recipe creates a magical combination of crispy exterior and soft, pillowy interior, making each bite a delightful sensory adventure that impresses guests with minimal effort and maximum gourmet appeal.
• Quick Versatile Party Pleaser: Ready in under 40 minutes, these cheese puffs work beautifully as elegant cocktail nibbles, sophisticated game-day treats, or stunning additions to any gathering, transforming simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Ingredients for Fluffy French Cheese Puffs

• Mozzarella Cheese: Soft cheese that adds creamy texture and mild flavor to the puffs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that provides a rich, salty topping and enhances overall taste.

• Water: Essential liquid for creating the choux pastry base.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, flaky texture.
• Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cheese puffs.
• Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spicy kick to the dough.

• Eggs: Crucial for binding the dough and creating a light, airy texture.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings a bright, green color and subtle freshness to the puffs.

How to Pipe and Bake Gougeres Right

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create the Dough Base

• Water
• Butter
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

Bring the mixture to a boil. Sprinkle in flour and stir until a smooth dough forms. Cook for 2 minutes to remove excess moisture.

Step 3: Cool and Add Eggs

Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool slightly. Gradually add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Incorporate Cheese and Herbs

• Mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley

Mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape the Puffs

Use 2 spoons to scoop and shape small rounds of dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 1.5-2 inches between each puff. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 380°F and continue baking for 20-25 minutes until the puffs turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and serve warm. These light, airy cheese puffs are perfect as an appetizer or snack.

Cheese Puffs (Gougeres) Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

French gougeres bring a delicate elegance to appetizer tables with their airy, cheese-infused choux pastry. Rich Gruyère creates luxurious pockets of flavor that welcome guests to savor each delightful, golden-brown bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain flour
• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup grated mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Liquid and Fat:

• ¾ cup water
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter

Seasonings and Herbs:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon minced Italian parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and heat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Combine water, unsalted butter, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a medium saucepan, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
3. Rapidly stir in the all-purpose flour, continuously mixing until the ingredients form a cohesive dough. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes to eliminate excess moisture.
4. Transfer the hot dough to a clean mixing bowl and allow it to cool for approximately 3-4 minutes, preventing the eggs from scrambling during incorporation.
5. Gradually introduce room-temperature eggs into the dough, one at a time, vigorously stirring after each addition to create a smooth, glossy texture.
6. Fold in shredded mozzarella cheese and finely chopped fresh parsley, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
7. Using two spoons, shape small rounded dollops of the cheese mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 1.5-2 inches (4-5 centimeters) apart.
8. Generously sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top of each puff for added flavor and texture.
9. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 380°F (190°C) and continue baking for 20-25 minutes until the puffs achieve a golden-brown exterior.
10. Remove from the oven and serve immediately while warm, enjoying the crisp exterior and soft, cheesy interior.

Notes

• Prep these delightful cheese puffs ahead of time by mixing the dough and refrigerating until ready to bake for a stress-free appetizer.
• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better dough consistency.
• Use freshly grated parmesan and mozzarella for maximum flavor and optimal melting texture.
• Watch carefully during baking to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior without burning.
• These gougeres are best served immediately after baking when they’re crisp outside and soft inside.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 201 kcal
• Sugar: 0.3 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 15.2 g
• Saturated Fat: 8.7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.4 g
• Carbohydrates: 9.8 g
• Fiber: 0.4 g
• Protein: 9.1 g
• Cholesterol: 122 mg