Golden Cheese Clouds
Airy, savory French cheese puffs made from choux pastry and Gruyère—perfect for appetizers, wine pairings, or elegant snacking.
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Piping bag or spoons
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup water or use 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup milk for richer flavor
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 ½ cups grated Gruyère cheese or substitute with sharp Cheddar
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper optional
- ¼ tsp nutmeg or cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water (or water-milk mix), butter, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Add flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a smooth ball, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 2–3 minutes. Begin adding the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Stir in grated cheese, pepper, and nutmeg or cayenne, if using.
- Using a piping bag or two spoons, portion tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Do not open the oven door during baking.
- Remove from oven and cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. Serve warm.
Notes
Avoid opening the oven too early to prevent collapse. For extra cheesiness, sprinkle a bit of cheese on top before baking.
Nutrition
Calories: 85kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3.5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 30mgSugar: 0.5gVitamin A: 120IUCalcium: 60mgIron: 0.3mg
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