How to Make Classic French Gougères – Cheesy Choux Pastry Perfection at Home
Gougères are the savory cousins of cream puffs — light, airy, and packed with cheesy flavor. Made from pâte à choux dough and traditionally infused with Gruyère cheese, these French cheese puffs are a staple at wine tastings, elegant parties, and holiday gatherings.
Despite their delicate appearance, gougères are surprisingly simple to make and require only a few pantry staples. Whether served warm as an appetizer, alongside a glass of wine, or filled with savory spreads, gougères are guaranteed to impress with their irresistible texture and rich, nutty taste.
Ingredients
This recipe yields about 20 to 24 small gougères.
- Half cup (one stick) unsalted butter
- One cup water
- Half teaspoon salt
- One cup all-purpose flour
- Four large eggs
- One cup grated Gruyère cheese (can substitute Comté or sharp cheddar)
- Pinch of ground black pepper or nutmeg (optional)
- One tablespoon chopped chives or thyme (optional, for added flavor)
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 to 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 to 45 minutes
These can be prepared ahead of time and reheated just before serving.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pâte à Choux
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Once the butter has melted, remove from heat and add the flour all at once.
- Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Step 2: Cool and Add Eggs
- Allow the dough to cool for five minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and glossy.
- Stir in the grated cheese and optional herbs or spices until fully combined.
Step 3: Pipe or Scoop and Bake
- Using a piping bag or small cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Optionally, sprinkle a bit of extra grated cheese on top of each puff for added crispness.
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the gougères are puffed and golden brown. Do not open the oven door early, as they may collapse.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving warm.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as an elegant appetizer at cocktail parties or wine tastings.
- Fill with whipped cream cheese, mushroom duxelles, or smoked salmon mousse for a more elaborate hors d’oeuvre.
- Pair with soups such as French onion or tomato bisque.
- Offer as part of a brunch spread with fresh fruit and sparkling wine.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Gougère (approx. 1 piece) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 85 |
| Protein | 3 grams |
| Total Fat | 6 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 3 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 5 grams |
| Fiber | 0 grams |
| Sugars | 0 grams |
| Sodium | 110 milligrams |
Health Notes:
- Gruyère cheese adds calcium, protein, and rich umami flavor.
- These puffs are low in sugar and moderate in carbs, making them suitable for balanced snacking.
- One or two pieces make a satisfying addition to a protein-rich meal without heaviness.
Tips for Best Results
- Do not skip cooling the dough before adding eggs — this helps prevent scrambling.
- The dough will look separated after adding the first egg, but it will come together with continued mixing.
- For extra crisp gougères, bake an additional 2 minutes with the oven door slightly ajar.
- Reheat leftovers in a 300-degree oven for 5 to 7 minutes for a freshly baked texture.
Variations to Try
- Swap Gruyère for aged cheddar, blue cheese, or Parmesan for a flavor twist.
- Add cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions to the dough for extra richness.
- Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or Dijon mustard for added depth and heat.
- For a holiday version, top with rosemary and cracked pepper before baking.
Gougères prove that elegant French cuisine does not have to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you can create a batch of cheesy, airy puffs that are guaranteed to disappear fast.
