Imagine biting into a cloud-like, golden-brown cheese puff that literally melts in your mouth - that's the magic of Triple Cheese Gougères! These elegant French appetizers are not just a recipe; they're a culinary experience that will transform your charcuterie board from ordinary to extraordinary. With a perfect blend of Gruyere, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, these light, airy pastries are guaranteed to impress your guests and elevate your entertaining game to professional chef levels.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°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 over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until the butter is completely melted.
- Once the mixture is boiling, remove it from the heat and quickly add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the pan, forming a ball.
- Return the saucepan to low heat and continue to cook the dough for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps to dry out the dough slightly, which is important for the texture of the gougères.
- Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This will prevent the eggs from cooking when you add them.
- 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. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one.
- After the last egg is mixed in, fold in 1/2 cup of grated Gruyere cheese, 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip or a spoon, pipe or scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Each gougère should be about the size of a golf ball.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the gougères are puffed up and golden brown. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking, as this can cause them to deflate.
- Once they are done baking, remove the gougères from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
- To serve, arrange the gougères on a charcuterie board alongside a selection of cured meats, olives, pickles, and other accompaniments of your choice. Enjoy your delicious Triple Cheese Gougères as part of a delightful charcuterie experience!
Tips
- Temperature is crucial: Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature and your oven is precisely preheated for consistent results.
- Mix eggs carefully: Add eggs one at a time and mix thoroughly to create a smooth, glossy dough that will give your gougères their signature puffy texture.
- Don't open the oven: Resist the temptation to peek during the first 15 minutes of baking, as sudden temperature changes can cause your gougères to deflate.
- Uniform sizing matters: Use a pastry bag or consistent spooning technique to create evenly sized gougères that will cook uniformly.
- Serve immediately: These cheese puffs are best enjoyed warm, right after baking when they're at their most crisp and flavorful.
- Make-ahead option: You can pipe the dough onto baking sheets and freeze unbaked gougères, then bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 145mg
