Cheese Puffs

Cheese puffs, with their golden crust and warm, gooey centers, carry the kind of charm that feels like coming home. I remember the first time I had them—not from a fancy bakery in France, but from my grandmother’s modest kitchen one rainy afternoon. The smell of melting cheese, the soft hum of the oven, and her laughter mingled into a memory I return to every time I bake them.

Traditionally known as gougères in France, cheese puffs date back to the 16th century and were often enjoyed during wine tastings and festive gatherings in Burgundy. But over time, these elegant yet simple pastries found their way into kitchens around the world, no longer reserved for gourmet tables. Today, they’re loved in every season—served warm at fall dinner parties, nestled in lunchboxes during winter, or as a savory bite alongside summer salads.

They aren’t just a recipe. They’re a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something magical. Whether you’re making them for the holidays, a potluck, or just because the air smells like baking season, cheese puffs are sure to bring comfort and joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: They come together in under 40 minutes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them as a snack, starter, or party appetizer.
• Customizable: Use your favorite cheeses or add herbs and spices.
• Kid-Friendly: The crispy outside and cheesy center are always a hit.
• Impressive, Yet Simple: Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated cheddar or Gruyère cheese
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)

How to Make Cheese Puffs

There’s something special about watching these puff up in the oven—like a little bit of alchemy happening right in your kitchen.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Dough
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and milk. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture begins to boil gently.
Reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once, along with baking powder, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a smooth ball. This part is fun—it feels a little like making playdough.

Step 3: Let it Cool, Then Add Eggs
Transfer the dough to a bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The mixture will look a bit broken at first, but it will come together into a glossy, smooth dough.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese
Fold in the grated cheese until it’s evenly distributed. You’ll start to smell the sharp tang of cheddar or the nutty aroma of Gruyère at this stage—pure heaven.

Step 5: Form the Puffs
Scoop or pipe tablespoon-sized rounds onto your lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one. You can use a cookie scoop for even sizing, or just two spoons.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Don’t peek—keeping the oven door closed helps them rise. They should be puffed and beautifully golden.

Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. They’re best served warm, with the cheese still gooey in the middle.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
• Let the dough cool slightly before adding eggs to avoid scrambling them.
• Experiment with herbs like chives, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavor.
• Don’t open the oven while baking—they need that consistent heat to puff up.
• Make them ahead and freeze unbaked dough balls for easy, fresh puffs any time.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: About 24 puffs
• Category: Appetizer / Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

You can customize these cheese puffs in so many ways. Add a pinch of nutmeg, a sprinkle of paprika, or swap cheddar for sharp provolone. They pair well with creamy dips or are delicious all on their own.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Per puff (estimated):

• Calories: 80
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbs: 4g
• Sodium: 100mg

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Cheese puffs recipe
Cheese puffs are made by combining flour, butter, eggs, and shredded cheese into a light dough, piped onto a baking sheet, and baked until golden. The result is crisp on the outside and airy inside. You can enhance the flavor with herbs like thyme or chives for a savory twist.

Old fashioned cheese puffs
Old-fashioned cheese puffs use a classic pâte à choux base, blending butter, flour, eggs, and sharp cheddar. They’re piped into small rounds and baked until puffed and golden. This traditional method yields a rich, cheesy flavor with a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth.

Easy cheese puffs recipe
An easy cheese puff recipe starts with mixing flour, eggs, butter, and grated cheese—usually cheddar or Gruyère. Spoon or pipe small mounds onto a tray and bake until puffed and lightly browned. No special equipment needed, and they’re ready in about 30 minutes.

Best cheese puffs recipe
The best cheese puffs are made with a pâte à choux dough enriched with sharp cheese like Gruyère or aged cheddar. Bake at high heat to ensure a crisp shell and tender, airy center. Add a pinch of nutmeg or paprika for extra depth of flavor.

Woolworths cheese puffs recipe
Woolworths-style cheese puffs typically use a simple mixture of self-raising flour, cheese, eggs, and milk. The batter is spooned into mini muffin trays and baked until golden and fluffy—perfect for lunchboxes or party platters. Customize with herbs or grated vegetables.

Mini cheese puffs recipe
Mini cheese puffs use the same pâte à choux base, piped into bite-sized portions. Ideal for appetizers or party snacks, they bake quickly and can be flavored with herbs or spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika for an extra kick.

Cheese puffs recipe without eggs
To make eggless cheese puffs, substitute eggs with a mix of yogurt and baking soda for leavening. Combine with flour, grated cheese, butter, and a splash of milk to form a thick batter. Spoon into mini molds and bake until fluffy and golden.

Savory cheese puffs
Savory cheese puffs combine a choux pastry base with sharp cheeses like cheddar or Parmesan, then seasoned with herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or chives. Bake until crisp and golden. They’re perfect as appetizers or snacks, bursting with cheesy flavor and a light texture.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2 days.
• Refrigerated: Keeps well for 4–5 days, reheated in the oven for best texture.
• Frozen: Store unbaked or baked. Reheat baked puffs at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Related Recipes:

If you liked these cheese puffs, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Homemade Chicken Alfredo Crazy Puffs – A Little Caesars-Inspired
• Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken
• Ham and Cheese Dutch Baby
• Homemade Chicken Alfredo Crazy Puffs – Inspired by Little Caesars

CONCLUSION:

Making cheese puffs is a simple joy that offers big rewards. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can bake up a batch of warm, airy pastries that taste like they came from a European café. They’re the kind of treat you can rely on when you need something comforting, festive, or just incredibly delicious.

Print