Gougères au Fromage
Light and airy savory cheese puffs originating from Burgundy, France. Made from choux pastry and filled with Gruyère cheese, these gougères are perfect as an appetizer, with wine, or as a delightful snack.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 3/4 tsp Salt
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 4 Large eggs
- 1.5 cups Gruyère cheese, freshly shredded
- 1/4 tsp Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pinch Nutmeg, pinch (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
💡 Tip: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. - 2
In a medium saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
💡 Tip: Ensure the butter is fully melted and the mixture is boiling before adding the flour. - 3
Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
💡 Tip: This step is crucial for developing the choux pastry's structure. - 4
Return the saucepan to low heat and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes to dry out the dough slightly. Transfer the dough to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl if using a hand mixer or wooden spoon).
💡 Tip: Drying the dough helps the eggs incorporate better and prevents them from cooking. - 5
Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough should be smooth and glossy.
💡 Tip: Add eggs gradually to avoid making the dough too wet. If using a hand mixer, beat on medium speed. - 6
Stir in the shredded Gruyère cheese, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until just combined.
💡 Tip: Don't overmix once the cheese is added. - 7
Spoon or pipe mounds of dough (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them.
💡 Tip: A small ice cream scoop or two spoons can be used to shape the gougères. - 8
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until puffed, golden brown, and firm to the touch. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) for the last 5 minutes if they are browning too quickly.
💡 Tip: Avoid opening the oven door during the first 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent the gougères from collapsing. - 9
Serve warm.
💡 Tip: Gougères are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but can be reheated briefly.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use good quality, flavorful cheese for the best taste.
- ✓If the dough seems too wet, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- ✓Gougères can be frozen after baking and reheated in a moderate oven.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely chopped chives or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough.
- Use a mix of cheeses like Comté, Emmental, or even a sharp cheddar.
- For a sweeter version, omit the cheese and add a tablespoon of sugar to the dough.