Preheat the oven to 425°F (220C). Line 1 sheet pan with parchment paper.
Bring water, butter, salt, paprika and pepper to a boil in a medium saucepan, over high heat.
Add flour and stir until dough forms and cook for another 2 minutes to dry out the dough.
Set aside to cool slightly. You can transfer it into a clean bowl and stir to fasten the cooling process.
Incorporate eggs one at a time and stir well until the dough becomes smooth.
Add cheese and herbs if used.
Using 2 tablespoons drop balls of dough into the prepared baking tray with distance between them. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top of each.
Bake for 10 minutes at 220 C (425F) and another 20-25 mins at 190 C (375F). Serve warm and enjoy. Cheese Puffs – Gougères – light and fluffy, big hole inside and with an intense cheese taste. They are amazingly delicious and will literally be gone in seconds.