These Cheese Puffs are light, fluffy, and golden on the outside, with a warm, cheesy interior that melts in your mouth. Whether served as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, they’re always a crowd favorite. Simple to make and loaded with flavor, these savory bites pair well with soups, salads, or served solo with a dipping sauce.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup milk

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, or a mix)

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp ground black pepper (optional)

• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)

• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Dough
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter and milk. Stir occasionally until the butter is melted and the mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Add flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), and baking powder. Stir quickly until it forms a smooth dough.

Step 4: Add Eggs
Let the dough cool slightly. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until dough is smooth, shiny, and elastic.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese
Mix in the grated cheese until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Shape and Bake
Scoop or pipe 1½-inch rounds of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. The exterior should be crisp while the inside stays soft and cheesy.

Step 7: Serve
Let cool slightly and serve warm. Optional: Garnish with herbs or brush with melted butter for extra flavor.

Nutrients (Estimated per Puff)

• Calories: 100–120 kcal

• Fat: 7 g

• Carbohydrates: 8 g

• Protein: 3 g

• Sodium: 200 mg

• Cholesterol: 30 mg

Why Cheese Puffs Are a Must-Try

What makes these puffs so irresistible is the unique contrast between their exterior and interior. Baked until golden and puffed, the outside has a slight crunch, while the inside remains tender and moist, with pockets of melted cheese. This balance is created using a dough method similar to classic French pâte à choux, but with the added indulgence of shredded cheese for savory depth. They’re highly customizable too—perfect for adapting with herbs, spices, or a mix of cheeses to match your meal or mood.

A Simple Dough with Fancy Results

Despite their elegant appearance, the dough is surprisingly simple. It starts by heating milk and butter together until steaming, then stirring in flour to form a thick, smooth dough. After it cools slightly, eggs are mixed in one at a time, transforming the mixture into a glossy, pipeable batter. Baking powder gives an added boost to ensure perfect lift in the oven, while cheese gives the puffs their signature savory bite.

The resulting dough is easy to work with and forgiving—no kneading or yeast proofing required—making it ideal even for beginner bakers. It’s a go-to for entertaining or quick weeknight snacks that feel indulgent without being labor-intensive.

The Cheese: The Heart of the Flavor

Cheese is, of course, the star ingredient in this recipe. Cheddar offers sharpness and bold flavor, Gruyère adds nutty richness, while mozzarella lends a creamy stretch. Use one or combine two or three for a more layered taste. Smoked cheese varieties like smoked Gouda can bring a delightful twist, while pepper jack adds a subtle spicy edge. The cheese melts during baking, infusing the dough with flavor and moisture, creating that irresistible, gooey interior.

Flavor Enhancers and Optional Add-Ins

To elevate the flavor even more, you can add a dash of garlic powder, fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives, or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. These small touches make the puffs feel more complex and gourmet, without extra effort. For special occasions, sprinkle the tops with Parmesan before baking or brush with garlic-herb butter after they come out of the oven.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Cheese puffs are wonderfully versatile and can be served warm or at room temperature. Here are a few serving ideas:

• Appetizer: Pair with a glass of wine or sparkling cider and a simple charcuterie board.

• Soup Sidekick: Serve alongside tomato soup, potato leek soup, or creamy broccoli soup for a cozy meal.

• Salad Companion: Add to a green salad with vinaigrette for texture and richness.

• Party Food: Make mini versions and pass around at parties or gatherings—they’ll disappear fast.

• Brunch Addition: Serve with eggs, fresh fruit, and smoked meats for a balanced and elegant brunch plate.

Their compact size also makes them ideal for lunchboxes or make-ahead snacks—simply reheat in the oven for a few minutes to refresh the crisp texture.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Friendly

Cheese puffs are excellent for prepping ahead. You can:

• Freeze unbaked: Pipe or scoop the dough onto a tray, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add 2–3 minutes to the baking time.

• Freeze baked: Cool completely, then freeze. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 6–8 minutes to restore their crispness.

• Refrigerate dough: Make the dough a day ahead and refrigerate tightly covered. Let sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before baking.

This flexibility makes them perfect for entertaining or meal planning.

Nutritional Overview

Each cheese puff contains approximately 100–120 calories, depending on size and cheese choice. They’re relatively balanced with 7g of fat, 8g of carbs, and 3g of protein, making them satisfying yet not overly heavy. You can control sodium and fat by using part-skim cheeses, omitting added salt, or using reduced-fat butter. Fresh herbs add flavor without calories, and small size helps with portion control when serving a crowd.

Tips for Perfect Cheese Puffs

• Let the dough cool slightly before adding eggs to avoid scrambling.

• Use cold club soda (if substituting milk) for an extra light puff, similar to gougères.

• Don’t overmix after adding cheese, which could deflate the dough.

• Use a scoop or piping bag for evenly sized puffs that bake uniformly.

• Space evenly on the baking sheet—they will puff and spread slightly.

• Bake until golden and dry on the outside to ensure they hold their shape.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cheese Puffs are a winning combination of simplicity, comfort, and elegance. They’re easy to whip up, endlessly customizable, and crowd-pleasing every time. Whether you’re new to savory baking or a seasoned cook, this recipe offers reliable results and delicious flavor that hits all the right notes. They’re also a great way to use up extra cheese or herbs and turn them into something spectacular with very little effort.

Conclusion

Cheese Puffs are the savory treat your recipe collection has been missing. Soft, airy, and packed with cheesy goodness, they’re perfect for any occasion—from weekday meals to elegant entertaining. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, they’re a guaranteed hit whether served fresh out of the oven or reheated from frozen. With just a few basic ingredients and endless ways to customize, these bites of golden, melty delight are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.