Name: Cheddar Cheese Puffs (Gougeres) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter; ½ cup water; ½ cup milk; 4 large eggs; ½ tsp kosher salt; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for sprinkling on top); 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme

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Introduction

Cheddar Cheese Puffs, also known as Gougères, are light, airy pastries filled with sharp, melted cheddar cheese and fragrant herbs. Perfect as a savory snack or appetizer, these golden puffs have a crisp exterior and tender interior that will delight any cheese lover.

A basket lined with a white and green striped cloth holds seven golden-brown cheese biscuits. Each biscuit shows a rough, slightly uneven surface with a crispy texture and small green flecks of herbs, topped with tiny sprigs of fresh thyme. The biscuits are piled closely together, showing their soft and fluffy interior edges. The basket sits on a white marbled surface, and the background is softly blurred with warm wooden tones. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup water
½ cup milk
½ tsp kosher salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for sprinkling on top)
2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine butter, water, milk, and kosher salt. Place over medium heat and bring to a rapid boil.
Step 3: Once boiling, add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously and continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture pulls away from the pan and forms a ball.
Step 4: Transfer the dough to a mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on low speed for 3-4 minutes to cool the dough slightly.
Step 5: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. After all eggs are incorporated, continue mixing on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth and shiny.
Step 6: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly combined.
Step 7: Using a large spoon, drop small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 8: Sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top of each mound for a cheesy crust.
Step 9: Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes. Then lower the oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese puffs are golden brown and puffed up.

Tips & Variations

For an extra cheesy flavor, mix in a combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese.
Make sure to add eggs one at a time to ensure proper dough consistency and puffiness.
If fresh thyme isn’t available, substitute with 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary for a different herbal note.
Serve warm for the best texture, as they can lose some crispness once cooled.

Storage

Store leftover cheddar cheese puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness. They are best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.

How to Serve

A white cloth-lined basket holds a pile of golden brown cheese biscuits with a soft, flaky texture. Each biscuit is slightly uneven in shape and topped with small green sprigs of fresh herbs scattered across the surface. The basket's dark handles contrast with the bright, warm color of the biscuits. In the background, a folded green cloth with white stripes rests on a white marbled surface. The scene is brightly lit, showing details of the biscuit’s crisp tops and soft crumb beneath photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the cheese puffs immediately after preparing the dough to ensure they rise properly. However, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for a few hours, then bring it back to room temperature before baking.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with Gruyère, Parmesan, or a mix of cheeses to vary the flavor. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well for the best texture.