Claire Saffitz Makes Cheese Puffs / Pâte à Choux Part 1 | Dessert Person

Claire Saffitz Makes Cheese Puffs / Pâte à Choux Part 1 | Dessert Person
Who’s ready for a two-parter all about that most delicious and magical of pastry, pate a choux? It’s all-purpose cream puff dough, and in this episode, Claire shows you show to make the base recipe plus Gougères, a warm, cheesy, crisp-yet-soft puff. It’s the most delicious of little bites. Remember to tune in next week for part II, where we take it in a sweeter direction.
#ClaireSaffitz #pateachoux #Gougeres
Pâte à Choux
Special Equipment:
Stand mixer (optional), pastry bag (optional)
1/2 cup whole milk (4.4 oz / 125g)
1 tablespoon sugar (0.46 oz / 13g)
1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
7 tablespoons unsalted butter (3.5 oz / 100g), cut into pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour (4.6 oz / 130g)
6 large eggs (10.6 oz / 300g)
Video Breakdown:
0:00 Start
0:01 Harris Turns Down Claire's Gougères Cheese Puffs
0:17 Intro To How To Make Pâte à Choux
0:40 Dessert Person Intro
1:00 Pâte à Choux
1:42 Ingredients & Special Equipment
2:31 Combine Ingredients
3:25 Heat on Stove
5:10 Beat In The Eggs
7:11 Make The Gougère Dough
11:55 Bake
12:31 Remove, Serve, Outro
14:37 Spud!
Thanks for watching!
Dessert Person Online: www.dessertperson.com/
Claire on Instagram: csaffitz?h...
Claire Merchandise: www.dessertperson.com/buystuff
Penguin Random House Books: www.penguinrandomhouse.com/
Dessert Person Cookbook
Photographer: Alex Lau
Food Stylist: Sue Li
Prop Stylist: Astrid Chastka
Video Series:
Producer/Director: Vincent Cross
Camera Operator: Calvin Robertson
Sound Engineer/Music: Michael Guggino
Editor: Hal McFall
Animation Credits:
Character Designer/Animator: Jack Sherry
Character Rigger: Johara Dutton
Background/Prop Designer: M. Cody Wiley
Background Illustrator: Jagriti Khirwar

[@CSaffitz]

Happy Holidays! Like & Subscribe. Leave a comment, tell us what you'd like to see on the channel in 2022.

[@AllegraVivace]

Happy Holidays! Would love to see a video on the preserved lemon meringue cake from the book. Also another Claire-ified episode. 😊

[@chelsea8064]

Happy Holidays ✨ would love to see the Chocolate Hazelnut Galette Des Rois!

[@RamenNoodle1985]

Hope you had a good Chanukah! More cats please!

[@mindee46]

I love seeing how you use and modify foundational recipes. And I especially love savory options such as this one - I can't wait to try!

[@laurenschenck5355]

Happy holidays Claire! Love you 😍 more food challenges and TikToks challenge

[@chesterstefan9049]

"I have these at the dinner parties in my mind" Claire I love you.

[@AmeliaBell28]

I've never related to anything more than Claire saying she makes these for the dinner parties in her mind... 90% of my recipe board on Pinterest is stuff I'm like "oh this will be perfect for a late spring garden party!" I live in a tiny apartment in NYC. I have like three friends. WHAT GARDEN PARTY, AMELIA??? WHEN????

[@kell_checks_in]

Methinks you and your friends need to have a proper tea party, at least!

[@dominikaujlaky8282]

This. Totally this.

[@ram_s_d27]

i wish i lived an idyllic cottage life instead of this garbage

[@Reflexzzzz]

If the weather is nice, have a picnic in a park!

[@deMonasKiss69]

I dont know You, but I laughed my ass off with the end 🤣🤣🤣 WHAT GARDEN PARTY, AMELIA? WHEN? OH GOD, my ass is never coming back 🤣🤣🤣

[@IsinMoon]

The butter graphic 😂 we all know Claire loves Kerrygold!

[@seizegott]

Also love how the graphic is missing in half the shots.

[@rainwater4650]

I love finding all the little face edits they add to random kitchen items. 🥰 Pls continue.

[@borkware]

same! Such a quick delight.

[@tim.e.l]

YESSS!!! THISSSS!!! I love how they anthropomorphize random kitchen items too. I NEED MORE!!😤

[@danbev8542]

Yes! The shaken pot!

[@AlexandraAndStuff]

I've made Gougères with a filling of cream cheese, jalapeno, crispy bacon and some spices. 10/10 would recommend

[@cereal2603]

Killing me :(

[@mypupiscool]

😮 sounds amazeballz

[@nicolettec7432]

Just a few little tips, instead of piping the dough you can use a small cookie scoop instead! I’m not adverse to piping (former pastry cook here) but I also used a large box grater for the cheese and didn’t want to struggle. Also, I beat the last egg and reserved half so I didn’t need to use a whole egg for the egg wash. And lastly, choux dough freezes really well, baked or unbaked. So if you want to make gougeres today and save the plain dough for another day, just pipe them onto a sheet pan, pop it in the freezer, bag them once solid and bake from frozen. Happy baking!

[@jondoe2960]

Can you freeze the shaped gougeres dough as it is made here? Meaning the dough already made with the cheese and everything else already shaped? I want to make this for the 4th of July, but I also plan on making Claire's blueberry slab pie for dessert. If I can make these a few days prior, freeze them, then bake them from frozen the night before i'll do that.

[@littlenikke]

Can't remember where I learned it, but the best advice I got for knowing when to pull your pate dough off the stove is that it will have a very slight nutty smell, as well as the sheen that Claire talked about. Have never made a bad batch since!

[@mfrenchcazenovia]

Also, a thin skin of the mixture on the inside of the pan.

[@madwoman013]

Anyone who can say “fold the cheese” with a straight face has clearly never seen Schitt’s Creek.

[@hmccron]

Precisely what I was thinking! Editor missed a huge opportunity to add something fun lol

[@benicerh]

but she has...see one of her episodes in new york times i think? where she explains folding and references that episode

[@teeandessing12]

Right? Where was the little edit to pop up Catherine O’Hara and Dany Levy’s face!

[@thenebean9]

As soon as I got to that part I came to check the comments for a Schitt’s Creek reference 🤣

[@Margar02]

Just fold it in!

[@robbiestroud2858]

"the parties I have in my head" This was a genuine laugh-out-loud moment. "things are happening" - This is going to be a classic episode when you look back. Merry Christmas Claire and company!

[@pizzi73]

I’ve always wondered how Claire’s baking tastes like. Those eclairs look so good.

[@baby_muppy]

make the recipe and you can find out

[@LaurenAnne6]

Perfect timing. I needed a video rn.

[@ahrealohgee]

Same.

[@ashwee9053]

+

[@doozledazzle]

i grew up with my mom making pâte à choux quite often for special occasions like christmas or easter, and while watching you cook the pâte on the stove, i swear i could smell it! so much wonderful memories

[@alexzita27]

I made these for thanksgiving and my family loved them!! So light and savory, can’t wait to try cream puffs!

[@CampJo]

Thank you all so much especially Claire. This vid is clutch as I’m making a croquembouche tomorrow. I love the book and these vids a delightful extra!

[@sigridrosenmuller9005]

I made these for a dinner party in my mind!! They all loved it! Thank’s for the recipe Claire!

[@starberrycupcake]

I got the Dessert Person book as a surprise Christmas gift and I'm in love with it! Just opening it up and seeing the organization of recipes into a time and level of difficulty graphic spoke to my methodical heart. Learning to properly incorporate Pâte à Choux to more recipes and make it consistently good was a next step I wanted to take in baking and between the great explanations and photos in the book and these videos, I can finally make it :') Love you Claire ♥

[@karenb8200]

Oh my goodness, that crunch when you bit into the puff sounded so good! Great video!

[@thelagrandeurmethod2686]

Happy holidays and many seasons greetings Claire!!! Hope you're having a wonderful delightful one! Been loving all the recipes and techniques you've shared this year and inspiring me to bake more! 😊

[@marleenb83]

I was just about to start making these!! Just came back from the grocery store to get cheese 😄 wonderful timing!

[@deathfire12]

Literally same! I am making these for my Christmas get together. Perfect timing Claire!

[@nadinesilversparrow996]

"I have these at the dinner parties in my mind." Yes, Claire me too ✨💖

[@lizsteilkie]

They are the only time I can eat without gaining weight...

[@sj_88088]

I got your book for Christmas!!! It is incredible. You are amazing and a brilliant. Thanks for existing! These look delicious!

[@daviddavid9837]

Thank you, Claire. I appreciate what you do. Wishing you a blessed and abundant new year.

[@porgiepuddinandpie]

i made your crocembuche recipe for new years last year, it was a really fun project for what might've otherwise been a bummer holiday time! Thanks Claire!!

[@evewallace4041]

I'd really like to see more series like this that include a sub recipe pastry/technique/foundations that can be utilized in numerous ways! This was a really good idea

[@jenniferspaeth2757]

Been dying to make these! Maybe I will give it a go on Christmas day. Thank you!

[@sarahdyson7778]

Made my first choux yesterday!!! These are next after the amazing black sesame pate a choux success! The pastry tastes a lot like a crispy waffle. Of course this comes out the next day…

[@jessicapate9472]

I've never baked before, but I made these successfully on my first try today!! Thanks, Claire! :)

[@eliyoung3917]

When she said fold in the cheese😭 "David, you fold it in. Ok, I don’t know how to fold in broken cheese?!? I don’t know how to be any clearer, you just- If you say fold it in one more time- it says fold it in!!!"

[@TextileHouse]

Looks delicious! Can’t wait for the next installment.

[@godminnette2]

Pate a Choux is so useful! I remember when I first made it to make craquelin. They were labor intensive but SO good

[@farah6709]

This was right on time for me. Thank you for demystifying so much!

[@ellinor9777]

I got your Book for Christmas and I’m really happy to try the recipes in it!!!!

[@weeeeece]

I made the brown butter chocolate chip and chewy molasses cookies for my cookie tins this year and received a handful of “best cookies you’ve ever made” compliments. can’t wait to try these and the pigs in a blanket when I hopefully get dessert person for christmas!

[@GMDasLied]

Making my first croquembouche for New Year’s Eve next week! Perfect timing!!

[@jocylouie]

Good luck! I made it last Christmas and it was sooo good, but I had a hard time assembling it

[@GMDasLied]

@@jocylouie what made the assembly difficult? Did the caramel not harden properly? Any tips are much appreciated :)

[@jocylouie]

@@GMDasLied I think I needed to cook the caramel slightly longer ( I was worried about it burning) and let it cool a couple minutes longer before I started assembling.

[@plopolip01]

aww , my mom always used to make the swans for new years eve

[@rickwalters8553]

First of your videos I’ve seen, instant fan and subscriber (thanks to my daughter for the tip.) But there’s something about your energy and humour that now has me obsessed with what a collaboration between you and Simone Giertz would come up with!

[@praniti294]

The first time I made this, I did it by hand. I guess I did not whip enough, so they collapsed. Second time I used a stand mixer and made 1/3rd of the quantity in the recipe, and they came out amazing! It's so light and tasty, I can't believe I made it. Thanks Claire!

[@cupcakesrock00]

Claire! You need to try brazilian cheese bread! Its quite similar to this recipe but it uses tapioca flour and makes really really yummy puffs.

[@jennlody8306]

I was wondering how similar they are to pão de queijo! I'm gluten-free so I make the tapioca cheese bread a lot and now want to try her cheese puffs with gf flour to see the difference...

[@jilrene]

I love the humor in all your videos! It makes learning more about a technique or a brand new technique so fun. (To the special effects editor - you forgot to blur the k****g*** label on the butter. 🤣🤣)

[@priscillasaravia]

I know, every episode it’s like “the special butter everybody uses” lol not this time.

[@jessicasimckes3982]

Hi Claire!! You had talked about a mandel bread during the almond poppy seed cake. I would love to see that in 2022. Your videos are the absolute best. Keep doing what you’re doing!!

[@rachelannstephens983]

I was about to make these for Christmas Eve! I guess the universe knew I needed help and now there's a video

[@WoahiFoundNemo]

Love the cat cam 😍 defo gonna try making these

[@misteridontevenknowher7290]

I had no idea you had your own channel! Already love all the other videos that you are in, you have really hooked me by the sweet tooth, instant subscriber! Happy Holidays keep up the great work. And may i add that not only the desserts are sweet looking 😊

[@layla-loves_cats]

Nothing seems to brighten my day quite like seeing the bowls being personified 😂

[@richardburgermackey2016]

Great demo, Claire. I think I was at that same party! Seriously though I love how you make all your recipes so accessible to the every-person and just keep moving forward. (You have a style very reminiscent of Julia Child that makes me think, I can do this and try something new that will be delicious!)

[@christianlapitan3426]

Wow. I'll serve these at the dinner parties in my head now too.

[@charlottechan1311]

Love the animal effect! Can't wait for part two!!

[@jnb22019]

Nice, I made the croquenbouche recipe from the book last week. It turned out great and left people thinking about it days later.

[@adobeblue4360]

very good training. I have used the basic dough (no cheese) for beignets. The best and it makes a lot.

[@jesstucker6201]

i am mind-blown over how LOOSE the raw pastry is, i didn't realize i'd been making it wrong this whole time! these videos have improved my baking so much, thank you for sharing

[@alvinasun8055]

I made this recipe following this recipe step by step and the dough turned out runny with just 4 medium-size eggs, they never puffed in the oven, came out flat and the taste was like an omelette with cheese.

[@anacorrea3706]

I’m so making them for Christmas Day breakie 🎄♥️✨

[@staceycoe76]

I recently rewatched the croque en bouche video just for a giggle. Such a funny episode. Claire's brother-in-law is a helluva time! ^.^

[@yoominjoo]

I was just about to try your croquembouche recipe and wow the whole chapter! Thank you Claire, Merry Christmas! 🤍🎄

[@arieltohar3848]

Thank you Claire for another great video 🤍

[@lechatbotte.]

Oooh I’ve made eclairs they’re so yummy. Now I want them. Merry Christmas sweet Claire!!!

[@vollmoe]

Cant wait to try this recipe 🤤 also would luv to see ur interpretation on some mug recipes.. thats my fave late night snack 😜

[@khet2018]

I love the editor of these videos. Whoever it is, they're hilarious. "Additional steam" got me these time, but it's usually the "Verdict: mm".

[@Kenspowndmxoosmwnd]

I love the homey feel of the cabin videos! :)

[@beatricebroderick-auger4639]

Great editing as always!

[@lizzykayOT7]

Puffs are my favourite, if I could eat nothing but these in a variety of ways, I'd be happy. Will make some tonight. I usually like to make them for fillings, but will try the gougeres! Love ya Claire!

[@SrJohnnyCat]

Making the Croquembouche (again!) tomorrow! So excited! 🙈

[@nectarina3891]

For my gluten free folks! Brazilian Pao de Queijo will give you a similar experience and taste to gougeres but it's a naturally gf recipe! they are so stinking good.

[@lindsayhaugen7660]

I love Claire's look of, "Bring me the divorce papers" when Harris said no thanks to her food

[@CyberZane07]

Could you try macaroons? I don't know if you've already done then. I've been binge watching master chef and those are always a challenge so it would be cool to see you do it

[@itzSAnDrA1]

Lmao I love the "Cayenne?" since the color blends with the paprika. Love that I can laugh and still learn while watching these videos!

[@brajandzoganovic8565]

I was thinking about Pâte à Choux literally this morning, I want to make èclairs for new years eve to be exact, and the next thing I knew the this notification pops up. Great video!

[@aquadraco20]

1. I love the eyes drawn on the pot and the scissors. So cute! 2. Half of a peep is a very accurate and scientific measurement. I think everything should be measured in peeps.

[@marinasousa1527]

Love this! Can the pate a choux dough be made the day ahead and placed in the fridge or is it best the day of serving?

[@misserina72]

Claire, I will also be having these at dinner parties in my mind!

[@KATHERINEJANEKT]

I was thinking about making these for Christmas

[@peterchristensen7363]

I totally relate to the beginning of the video. When you try to share your new baked good and get rejected, it is irritating LOL.

[@EatCarbs]

Thanks for the video. Merry Christmas

[@Lexi_333]

I wish I had Harris’ willpower because having a brownie would not stop me from having another snack 😅

[@laurenschenck5355]

You are so amazing Claire Thursday’s are MY FAVORITE because of you! I love you 💕 ♥️🎄🎄♥️❄️♥️🎄💚❄️❄️♥️💚🎄🎄❄️♥️💚🎄💚♥️

[@rasalghul9331]

Raw dough and half-baked bread are so delicious!!!!

[@brookelynn8]

looks great!!

[@constantsong]

I might actually give those a try!

[@abbyz13]

Based on the thumbnail I was really hoping it was chicken nuggets but this is cool too

[@CSaffitz]

maybe 2022!

[@AnahysCeballos]

This is very similar to the dough used for churros, isn't it? Looks delishhh!

[@viveksharma-tm3kh]

Yay, another treat from Claire :-)!!

[@susanrichards9144]

I love your videos!

[@lailahanson4699]

These looked amazing! But I was wondering can you freeze pâte à choux or even freeze the already prepped gougeres?

[@chuw.2589]

I tried it with Comté cheese and worked like a charm!

[@Wagon_99]

I've never made anything of yours and I watch everything you upload. But mark my words, I will makes these.

[@onnayoung7699]

OMG my ex's mom used to make these and I was going to caller her to get the recipe, now I dont have to your a life saver.

[@Tastrecipe]

Thanks daer so yummy

[@jesseyarber5020]

Keep up the great work Claire

[@autumnsmith6276]

My boyfriend got me the last copy of Dessert Person from our local Barnes and Noble for Christmas 😭 I opened it today and I can't wait to cook from it.

[@caitlinevans1054]

I got Claire’s apron for Christmas! I can’t wait to wear it while make gougères and not invite anyone over.

[@susantaylor5068]

Yummy look fab - Luved when Vinny said when do you eat them? Duh -- whenever I walk past them would be my answer 😂

[@faithyshining]

Lol so funny this video pops up and I have to make these in a few weeks for school 😂😂

[@shreedevibalaji6865]

Hi Claire! I wanted to know if this recipe can be used to make churros? Love your work btw!

[@Baranello92]

The sauce pan made me lawl

[@kellyellyelly035]

WOW LOVE DISSSS

[@forgeustiss6667]

I have had only pâte à choux disasters- still tasty. I will try again this holiday. Oooh. A danish dough mixer on the left.

[@theresaronquillo5166]

The recipe listed (and in Dessert Person cookbook) calls for 1/2 milk, but in the video, it was 1/2 c milk + 1/2 c water. I followed the video and the puff turned out fine, but curious as to which liquid measurement is correct.

[@ChrisMonsos]

Claire: “Maybe you don’t need six eggs, maybe you need five.” Beauty and the Beast villager: “I NEED… SIX EGGS!”

[@GT133]

that's too expensive

[@RifFaruq]

There must be more than this provincial life!!

[@MetaFish42]

This timing is impeccable because I'm planning to make choux pastry for the first time ever today! (trying King Arthur's masa harina cheese puffs recipe which is an altered form of gougeres)

[@texasglendastitcher]

Off to find the KA recipe, it sounds delicious!!

[@baby_muppy]

perfect timing, i was already planning to make these for new years!!!!!