Cheese Gougeres
Cheese gougères are the epitome of French elegance, offering a delightful combination of light, airy pastry filled with rich, cheesy goodness. These savory puffs are perfect for cocktail parties, family gatherings, or simply as a treat to satisfy your cheese cravings. With their golden-brown exterior and soft, chewy interior, cheese gougères are surprisingly easy to make and will impress anyone lucky enough to taste them. Let’s dive into this cheesy adventure!
What Makes This Recipe Special
This cheese gougères recipe stands out for its simplicity and versatility. The dough, known as pâte à choux, is a classic French pastry base that can be transformed into various shapes and flavors. The addition of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful texture. Plus, these little puffs are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a fancy soiree or just enjoying a cozy night in.
The Ingredient Lineup
To create these delectable cheese gougères, gather the following ingredients:
- 3/4 cup water – This forms the base of the dough.
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and contributes to the pastry’s flaky texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the dough.
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Adds a subtle kick.
- 1 cup plain flour – The backbone of the gougères.
- 4 large eggs – Provides structure and helps the pastry rise.
- 3/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully and adds a gooey texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian parsley, minced – For a touch of freshness and color.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Delivers a rich, nutty flavor.
Setup & Equipment
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following equipment ready:
- Medium saucepan – For cooking the dough.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – Essential for mixing the dough.
- Mixing bowl – To combine the ingredients.
- Baking sheet – Where you’ll place the gougères to bake.
- Parchment paper – To prevent sticking on the baking sheet.
- Whisk – For beating the eggs.
- Oven – Preheated to ensure perfect baking.
Directions: Cheese Gougeres
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium saucepan, combine the 3/4 cup water, 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to melt the butter.
Step 2: Add the Flour
Once the mixture is boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in 1 cup plain flour. Mix vigorously until the dough comes together and forms a ball, pulling away from the sides of the pan.
Step 3: Cool the Dough
Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes. This is essential to avoid cooking the eggs when you add them in the next step.
Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs. Gradually add the eggs to the dough, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Fold in the Cheeses
Once all the eggs are incorporated, fold in the 3/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon minced Italian parsley. Ensure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Shape the Gougeres
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon or a piping bag, drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for rising.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the gougères are puffed and golden brown. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 15 minutes to ensure they rise properly.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the gougères from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy these delightful cheese puffs with friends and family.
Substitutions by Diet
If you have specific dietary needs or preferences, consider these substitutions:
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Low-Carb: Replace flour with almond flour and adjust egg quantity as needed.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like chives or thyme for added flavor.
Troubleshooting Tips
Achieving the perfect cheese gougères can sometimes be tricky. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
- Gougères Did Not Rise: This could be due to undercooking the dough or adding eggs too quickly. Make sure to incorporate the eggs one at a time and allow the dough to cool before adding them.
- Dense Texture: If the gougères are dense, ensure that the dough is mixed thoroughly after adding the eggs, and that they are baked until golden brown.
- Sticking to Parchment: If they stick to the parchment, be sure to grease it lightly or use a silicone mat.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
These cheese gougères are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be refrigerated or frozen for later enjoyment:
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place the unbaked dough in mounds on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a zip-top bag. They can be baked from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Common Questions
Can I make gougères ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and either pipe it onto a baking sheet and freeze it or refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I serve with cheese gougères?
Cheese gougères pair wonderfully with cocktails, soups, or salads. They are also delicious on their own as a savory snack.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, Gruyère, or even blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
How can I keep gougères crispy?
For crispy gougères, serve them immediately after baking. If you need to store them, reheat in an oven to restore their crispiness before serving.
Explore More
If you enjoyed this recipe for cheese gougères, you might also like these delicious offerings:
In Closing
Cheese gougères are a delightful addition to any gathering or a cozy night at home. With their light, airy texture and rich cheesy flavor, they are sure to become a favorite. Whether you decide to customize them with your favorite cheeses or enjoy them as is, these little puffs are a testament to the magic of French pastry. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests with these irresistible cheese gougères. Happy baking!
Cheese Gougeres
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine the 3/4 cup water, 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to melt the butter.
- Once the mixture is boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in 1 cup plain flour. Mix vigorously until the dough comes together and forms a ball, pulling away from the sides of the pan.
- Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes. This is essential to avoid cooking the eggs when you add them in the next step.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs. Gradually add the eggs to the dough, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough should be smooth and glossy.
- Once all the eggs are incorporated, fold in the 3/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon minced Italian parsley. Ensure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon or a piping bag, drop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for rising.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the gougères are puffed and golden brown. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 15 minutes to ensure they rise properly.
- Once baked, remove the gougères from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy these delightful cheese puffs with friends and family.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère for varied flavors.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
