Perfect Cheese Gougères Recipe (French Cheese Puffs)

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Once boiling, add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Remove from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.

Stir in the grated Gruyère cheese, black pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper (if using).

Using a pastry bag or a spoon, drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the gougères are puffed and golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Spice Level: