Imagine biting into a light, airy pastry that erupts with creamy Havarti cheese and melts perfectly in your mouth. These French-inspired gougères are not just another appetizer – they're a culinary experience that will transform your entertaining game forever! Whether you're hosting a sophisticated dinner party or looking to impress your family with restaurant-quality baking, these Havarti Cheese Puffs are your secret weapon to instant foodie fame.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 24 puffs
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Havarti cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Stir occasionally until the butter is completely melted and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth ball of dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes. This will prevent the eggs from cooking when added.
- Once the dough has cooled slightly, add the 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough will become smooth and glossy as you incorporate each egg.
- After all the eggs are fully incorporated, fold in 1 cup of grated Havarti cheese until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for expansion.
- For a nice finish, you can sprinkle a little extra grated Havarti cheese on top of each puff before baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese puffs are golden brown and puffed up. Do not open the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking to ensure they rise properly.
- Once baked, remove the cheese puffs from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Use room temperature eggs to ensure smooth incorporation into the dough
- Mix eggs one at a time and mix thoroughly to create a glossy, smooth texture
- Don't open the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking to help the puffs rise perfectly
- Use a pastry bag for more uniform and professional-looking cheese puffs
- Serve immediately or within an hour of baking for the best texture and flavor
- For extra flavor, experiment with adding herbs like thyme or chives to the dough
- Ensure your butter and water mixture is at a gentle boil before adding flour for the best dough consistency
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg
