Imagine biting into a warm, airy puff that melts in your mouth, bursting with the rich flavors of cheese and the freshness of herbs. Welcome to the world of **Herb and Cheese Puffs Gougères**, a classic French delicacy that will elevate your appetizer game to new heights! With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create these delightful treats that are perfect for any occasion—from elegant dinner parties to casual gatherings. Ready to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds? Dive into our easy-to-follow recipe and discover the secret to making these irresistible puffs that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 24 puffs
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup grated cheese (Gruyère or cheddar)
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (thyme or chives)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the gougères from sticking.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until the butter is completely melted.
- Once the butter has melted and the mixture is boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat. Quickly add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt to the saucepan. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the flour is fully incorporated and the mixture forms a smooth ball of dough.
- Return the saucepan to low heat and continue to cook the dough for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will help to dry out the dough slightly, which is crucial for achieving the right texture.
- Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for a few minutes. Once the dough is warm but not hot, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and glossy by the end of this process.
- Fold in 1 cup of grated cheese (Gruyère or cheddar) and 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs (thyme or chives) into the dough, mixing until evenly distributed.
- Using a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip, pipe small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you don't have a pastry bag, you can use two spoons to drop the dough onto the baking sheet.
- For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a little additional grated cheese on top of each puff before baking.
- Bake the gougères in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking, as this can cause the puffs to deflate.
- Once baked, remove the gougères from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful appetizer or snack.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cheese: While Gruyère is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or even a blend for a unique flavor profile.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling: Allowing the dough to cool slightly before adding the eggs is crucial. This prevents the eggs from cooking and ensures a smooth, glossy batter.
- Piping Technique: If you’re using a pastry bag, keep the tip about an inch above the baking sheet while piping to create nice, round shapes. If you’re using spoons, try to make them as uniform as possible for even baking.
- Avoid Oven Door Drama: Resist the urge to peek at your gougères during the first 20 minutes of baking. Opening the oven door can cause them to deflate, ruining that perfect puffiness.
- Serving Suggestions: These gougères are best enjoyed warm, but they also make a fantastic addition to cheese boards or as a side for soups and salads.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 110kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg
