Pecan Free Classic Cheese Gougères
These airy French cheese puffs are the kind of appetizer that disappears from the tray before you even set it down. Built on a classic choux base of butter, milk, and flour, they get their irresistible savory depth from a generous amount of finely grated Gruyère folded right into the dough — plus a little more melted onto the tops as they bake. A whisper of nutmeg and a touch of Dijon mustard (if you're feeling it) round out the flavor in the most satisfying way. The technique is straightforward once you understand the rhythm: cook the dough, beat in the eggs one at a time, and let the oven's steam do the heavy lifting to create that signature hollow, golden puff. Tree nut allergies can make party food stressful, since so many elegant bites sneak in almond flour or pecan-studded toppings — but every ingredient here is clean and simple, with zero nuts anywhere in the process. These are best served warm, straight from the oven, when the outside is crisp and the inside is still tender and cheesy.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ⅛ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup gruyère cheese, finely grated, divided
- 1 tsp dijon mustard (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 2
Combine the water, milk, butter, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is fully melted and the mixture comes to a full boil.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!