Imagine biting into a cloud-like, golden-brown pastry that's simultaneously crispy on the outside and impossibly light on the inside, bursting with rich, cheesy flavor. These aren't just any ordinary appetizers - these are Gougères, the French culinary secret that will transform your cooking and impress every guest at your table. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious cooking novice, this recipe will transport you straight to a Parisian bakery with just one delectable bite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup grated cheese (Gruyère or cheddar)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the gougères from sticking.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until the butter has completely melted.
- Once the butter has melted and the water is boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat. Quickly add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the saucepan, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon or spatula until the mixture forms a smooth ball of dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Return the saucepan to low heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step helps to dry out the dough slightly, which will give the gougères a better texture.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat again and allow the dough to cool for a few minutes. You want it to be warm but not hot to the touch before adding the eggs.
- Once the dough has cooled slightly, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough will appear to separate at first but will come together into a smooth, glossy batter as you continue to mix.
- After incorporating all four large eggs, fold in 1 cup of grated cheese (Gruyère or cheddar) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a pastry bag fitted with a round tip or a spoon, drop tablespoon-sized mounds of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for puffing during baking.
- If desired, you can sprinkle a little extra grated cheese on top of each mound for added flavor and presentation.
- Bake the gougères in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking, as this can cause them to collapse.
- Once baked, remove the gougères from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm but can also be served at room temperature.
- Serve the gougères as an appetizer, snack, or alongside a soup or salad. Enjoy your delicious savory cream puffs!
Tips
- Use room temperature eggs to ensure smooth batter incorporation
- Invest in a good quality cheese like Gruyère for authentic flavor
- Ensure your dough is the right consistency - it should form a smooth ball and pull away from pan sides
- Don't open the oven during first 15 minutes of baking to prevent deflation
- Pipe or scoop dough uniformly for consistent size and even baking
- Serve immediately or within a few hours for maximum texture and taste
- Can be frozen unbaked and stored for future quick entertaining
- Experiment with different cheese varieties for unique flavor profiles
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 105mg
