Cheddar And Chive Gougères
Cheddar and Chive Gougères are a true celebration of simple yet sophisticated flavors. These light, airy pastries are infused with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh chives, making them the perfect snack, appetizer, or accompaniment to a glass of wine.
In our family, these gougères have become a staple for gatherings. Whether we’re hosting a fancy dinner or having a casual weekend brunch, these little bites never fail to impress. The balance of savory cheese with the delicate hint of chives makes them irresistible—and they always disappear within minutes.
What’s even better? They’re surprisingly easy to make! With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch that looks like it came straight out of a French bakery.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: What are gougères?
A: Gougères are French cheese puffs made from choux pastry (the same dough used for éclairs and cream puffs). They’re savory and often flavored with cheese and herbs.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is a favorite, you can experiment with Gruyère, Parmesan, or even a smoked cheese for a unique twist.
Q: Can these be made ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake them in advance and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispness. Alternatively, freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake them fresh when needed.
Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
A: You can try using a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store cooled gougères in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat in the oven.
What You Need to Make Cheddar and Chive Gougères
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), cut into pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick)
How to Make Cheddar and Chive Gougères
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Make the Choux Pastry
In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for 2–3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The dough should become smooth and shiny.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Chives
Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix until evenly combined.
Step 5: Pipe or Scoop the Dough
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip, or use two spoons to drop small mounds (about 1 inch in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the gougères are puffed and golden brown. Avoid opening the oven door during baking to ensure they puff properly.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the gougères cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, but they’re just as delicious at room temperature.
Tips for Making the Best Gougères
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps them incorporate more smoothly into the dough.
- Mix Well, But Not Too Much: Overmixing can deflate the dough, so stir just until combined.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Try adding minced garlic, rosemary, or a pinch of nutmeg for a flavor twist.
- Freeze for Later: Unbaked gougères freeze beautifully. Freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These gougères were a hit at my dinner party! The cheddar and chives added so much flavor.” – Amanda
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I was intimidated by choux pastry, but this recipe was so easy to follow. They turned out perfect!” – Mark
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I added a bit of smoked paprika, and it gave them a lovely depth of flavor. Highly recommend!” – Sara
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Light, airy, and cheesy—what’s not to love? My kids devoured them.” – Jennifer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect with a glass of wine. I’ll definitely be making these again.” – Rachel
Printable Recipe
Cheddar And Chive Gougères
Light, airy, and packed with flavor, these Cheddar and Chive Gougères are perfect as an appetizer or snack. A French classic with a cheesy, savory twist!
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), cut into pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Make the Choux Pastry
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for 2–3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The dough should become smooth and shiny.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Chives
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix until evenly combined.
Step 5: Pipe or Scoop the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a round tip, or use two spoons to drop small mounds (about 1 inch in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the gougères are puffed and golden brown. Avoid opening the oven door during baking to ensure they puff properly.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Let the gougères cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, but they’re just as delicious at room temperature.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
Did you fall in love with these Cheddar and Chive Gougères? Share the recipe with your friends and family on social media! Snap a photo of your golden, cheesy puffs and tag me—I’d love to see how yours turned out. Let’s spread the love for delicious, homemade bites that bring people together.
