These French cheese puffs (aka cheese gougères) are light and airy, flavored with lots of cheese, and are great as a party appetizer.

Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
50 mins

Plate of cheddar dill puffs on a wooden background.

When my older daughter looked at my posting schedule and saw that I was making cheddar dill puffs this week, she just about giggled with delight and did a happy dance. Despite being a typical teenage girl, my daughter does NOT do giggles or happy dances (so uncool in her book). But these little babies will bring out the giddiness in anyone.

These cheese puffs are slightly crispy on the outside and all light and airy on the inside. The cheddar cheese and dill add just enough flavor without feeling heavy.

Technically, these cheddar dill puffs are called gougère which in French cooking is a baked savory choux pastry made of choux dough (the same kind used for cream puffs) mixed with cheese. But gougère sounds so intimidating that you might not want to try making these. And that would be a shame since they really are easy to make. So let’s stick with calling them puffs.

Overhead view of plate of cheddar dill puffs on a wooden background.

Tips for making cheese gougère

The dough is first cooked on the stovetop, removed from the heat, and then cooled slightly. It’s important to cool the dough a little bit so that the eggs will incorporate smoothly into the dough and not become scrambled eggs. At this point, the dough will look like a big lump of dry clay. That’s OK.

Then the eggs get beaten in one at a time. When you first add in each egg, the dough will separate and look completely messed up like what you see in the upper right photo above. Don’t worry – just keep stirring. As the egg gets incorporated, the dough will get smoother and will magically become more glossy like in the lower left photo above.

Just remember to add the eggs one at a time, incorporating each egg in before adding the next. And stir vigorously.

Although most recipes say to pipe the puffs using a pastry bag, I find it much easier to use a small scoop. I use the kind typically used for scooping out cookie dough – a couple of squeezes of the handle will release the dough ball onto the baking sheet quickly and easily.

I use a 1 1/2-inch scoop for these puffs.

Be sure to bake the puffs until they feel slightly crispy when tapped. If you take them out too soon, the puffs will collapse.

Dough for cheddar dill puffs in a saucepan and scoops of dough on a baking sheet.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! I often double the recipe for parties. When making a double recipe, I find it easier to use my stand mixer to beat in the eggs (unless you’re looking for a really good arm workout). Be sure to still beat in the eggs one at a time.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! These cheddar dill puffs can be made ahead of time, cooled completely, and then sealed in airtight bags or containers. You can refrigerate them for 2 days or freeze them for 1 week.

To reheat, heat the oven to 350 degrees F and place the puffs in a single layer on baking sheets. Leave enough room between the puffs to allow heat to circulate between them. Place the puffs in the oven until they are heated through, 7-10 minutes if chilled or 15 minutes if they had been frozen.

Cheddar dill puffs on a wooden background.

Ready to party

These puffs are fantastic as a small appetizer before the main event at Thanksgiving or any holiday party. Serve them with a nice chilled white wine and I guarantee all your guests will be giddy too.

If you’re looking for other party-worthy appetizers, I would recommend shrimp campechana, a zesty Mexican shrimp cocktail that is sophisticated and approachable at the same time. I also love pancetta crisps with goat cheese and figs which can be served as a passed appetizer or as a first course in a multi-course dinner party.