Jeff Misenti
April 8, 2026
Difficulty Level: easy
15 min Prep
25 min Cook
40 min Total
4 Servings
If you’re looking for a light and airy appetizer or party snack, this savory cheese puff recipe should top your list. They’re a real crowd pleaser, with a rich cheese flavor.
The secret to this recipe is getting a crisp outer shell to go along with the soft center. This combination makes them feel both satisfying and comforting. Plus, they look impressive crowded on a plate.
What makes this a real winner, though, is how easily they come together with relatively few ingredients. The only real ingredient you’ll need to pick up is the Gruyère cheese, as it adds a really deep, savory taste that gives each bite real impact.
For more information, check out the ingredients and cooking steps below.
Savory Cheese Puffs Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of grated Gruyère cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme (optional)
Savory Cheese Puffs Instructions
- Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the cheese puffs do not stick.
- Add the water, butter, and salt to a medium saucepan. Place it over medium heat and cook until the butter has fully melted and the mixture just begins to boil.
- Take the pan off the heat and add the flour straight away. Stir quickly with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth dough and starts pulling away from the sides of the pan.
- Put the saucepan back on low heat and keep stirring the dough for 2 minutes. This helps remove extra moisture and gives the puffs a better texture when baked.
- Move the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for a few minutes. It should still feel warm, but not so hot that it cooks the eggs.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. At first the dough may look uneven, but keep stirring until it becomes smooth and glossy.
- Fold in the grated Gruyère, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme if you are using it. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Spoon small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, or pipe them on with a pastry bag. Leave about 2 inches between each one so they have room to rise.
- Bake for 10 minutes at the higher temperature to help the puffs rise properly.
- Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese puffs are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. They are best enjoyed warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 180cal
Carbohydrate: 10g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: – -mg
Sodium: – -mg