Sharp Cheddar and Thyme Cheese Puffs (Gougere)

Learn how to use pate a choux pastry to make this cheddar cheese puff recipe or gougere as they are classically called. Light and airy on the inside and a little crisp on the outside. Traditional gougere uses Gruyere cheese, but I used sharp cheddar here. Any shred-able cheese will do!

📝 Ingredients

• 1 cup (8 oz, 236.6 mL) water
• 1 stick (1/2 cup, 4 oz, 113 grams) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup (4.5 oz, 127 grams) all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup finely grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 TBSP fresh thyme, finely minced

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Preheat oven to 425F and line baking sheets...: Preheat oven to 425F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silpats and set aside.
2. 2Place water, butter, and salt in a sauce...: Place water, butter, and salt in a sauce pot over medium high heat. Stir until butter is melted and everything comes to a boil.
3. 3Reduce heat to medium. Add flour into the...: Reduce heat to medium. Add flour into the mixture all at once while stirring quickly. Continue to stir and cook off the moisture in the dough until it pulls away from the sides and starts to form into a ball. This should take about a minute.
4. 4Place dough into the bowl of a stand...: Place dough into the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl if using a hand mixer. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes.
5. 5With the mixer on medium-low speed, add eggs...: With the mixer on medium-low speed, add eggs in one at a time. Do not add another egg until the one before has been completely absorbed into the batter. The batter will look smooth and glossy when ready. (Alternatively, you can mix in the eggs by hand. This just takes a bit longer. Mix each egg until completely absorbed before adding the next).
6. 6Mix in the cheese and the thyme.
7. 7Pipe or scoop the batter onto prepared baking...: Pipe or scoop the batter onto prepared baking sheets keeping at least 2" apart. Place baking sheet in the oven and turn the heat up to 450F for 8 minutes (do not open the oven). Turn the heat down to 350F and continue to bake for 8-10 more minutes. They should be puffed and airy on the inside and crusty on the outside.