SAVORY CHEESE ÉCLAIRS (Gougères) – PERFECT APPETIZERS OR SNACKS

Less famous than their sweet siblings, these savory gougères made with cheese are fantastic as appetizers or snacks, especially when filled with cream cheese or liver pâté. I love enjoying them plain alongside a cold beer—a perfect everyday treat!

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 30 minutes
🍰 Yields: 30 pieces

Ingredients

110 ml water
60 g unsalted butter
½ tsp salt
75 g all-purpose flour
2 tsp mustard (level teaspoons)
2 large eggs
50 g cheese (I used 40 g cheddar + 10 g Parmesan)

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Heat over medium until butter melts and mixture begins to boil.
Remove from heat and quickly add all the flour at once, stirring vigorously until dough forms a ball that pulls away from the pan. Let cool slightly.
Stir in mustard, then add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The dough may look curdled or lumpy at first, but keep stirring until it becomes smooth and cohesive (about 1 minute).
Grate the cheese finely and fold into the dough evenly.
Note: Dough should be firm enough to hold shape. If too soft or wet (from too much cheese or moist cheese), the éclairs will flatten instead of rising. Use hard, dry cheeses like Gruyère for best results.
Transfer dough to a piping bag fitted with a medium tip (or use a plastic bag with a cut corner). Pipe small mounds onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Sprinkle each mound with a pinch of black pepper, coarse salt, chili flakes, and a little grated Parmesan.
Optionally, refrigerate the piped dough until ready to bake.
Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (430°F) for 30 minutes without opening the door. They should be golden and puffed.
Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.

💡 Tips

Avoid opening the oven during baking to prevent collapse.
Use firm, dry cheeses to maintain dough structure.
These gougères are best fresh and warm—bake just before serving.
Customize seasoning with herbs or spices to taste.

🎉 Perfect For

Cocktail parties and appetizers
Casual snacks with drinks
Elegant hors d’oeuvres for gatherings

📝 Final Thoughts

These savory cheese éclairs, or gougères, are crispy on the outside with a tender, cheesy interior. Their rich flavor and light texture make them an irresistible snack or starter, sure to impress guests and elevate any occasion.