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French Cheese Puffs (Gougères) Recipe

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French Cheese Puffs, also known as Gougères, are light, airy savory pastries made from choux pastry mixed with cheese. These delicious puffs feature a crispy golden exterior and a soft, cheesy interior, perfect as appetizers or snacks for any occasion.

Ingredients

Liquid Ingredients

  • 1 cup (250mL) water

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 ¼ cup (155g) all-purpose flour

Dairy and Eggs

  • 1/3 cup (80g) unsalted butter, cut in small cubes
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¾ cup (75g) grated Gruyère cheese (or aged cheddar)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Choux Pastry: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, unsalted butter cubes, salt, nutmeg, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat, ensuring the butter melts completely.
  2. Add the Flour: Remove the pan from heat immediately and add all the flour at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  3. Cool the Dough: Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl and let it cool for a few minutes, just until it’s warm to the touch but not hot, to prevent cooking the eggs in the next step.
  4. Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy. The final dough should be thick but pipeable.
  5. Add the Cheese: Fold in the grated Gruyère cheese gently but thoroughly until evenly distributed within the dough.
  6. Pipe or Scoop the Dough: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a piping bag or spoon, drop small mounds of dough about the size of a walnut onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake the Gougères: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 minutes at 425°F (220°C) to give the puffs initial rise. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until the gougères are puffed, golden brown, and crisp on the outside.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the cheese puffs cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature as an elegant appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • Gruyère cheese can be substituted with other aged cheeses such as aged cheddar or Comté for variation.
  • Be sure not to open the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking to prevent the puffs from collapsing.
  • The freshly grated nutmeg adds subtle warmth and aroma; adjust to taste or omit if preferred.
  • Gougères can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven to regain crispness.
  • If the dough feels too stiff after adding the eggs, add an additional egg white for smoother consistency.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/french-cheese-puffs-gougeres-recipe/