Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Crafted with pantry staples like flour, butter, eggs, and cheese.
• Versatile Serving Options: Ideal for parties, gatherings, or as a side to soups and stews.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with different cheeses or added herbs to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Water
• Unsalted butter
• Salt
• All-purpose flour
• Large eggs
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt; bring to a boil. Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
2. Incorporate Eggs: Remove from heat and let the dough cool slightly. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
3. Add Cheeses: Fold in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until evenly distributed.
4. Pipe the Puffs: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a plain round tip. Pipe small mounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Bake the puffs for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 24 cheese puffs.
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Cheese Options: Experiment with Gruyère, cheddar, or Emmental for different flavor profiles.
• Herb-Infused: Incorporate finely chopped herbs like chives, thyme, or rosemary into the dough for an aromatic twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeños to the dough for a spicy version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Place cooled cheese puffs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange puffs on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crisp.

FAQs

What are gougères?

Gougères are French cheese puffs made from choux pastry dough mixed with cheese, typically Gruyère, and baked until puffed and golden.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

It’s best to bake gougères immediately after preparing the dough. However, you can pipe the dough onto baking sheets, freeze until solid, then store in freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Why did my gougères deflate after baking?

Deflation can occur if the dough is too wet or if the puffs are underbaked. Ensure the dough is the right consistency and bake until fully golden and firm.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that may affect the texture. It’s recommended to grate cheese from a block for best results.

Are gougères served warm or cold?

Gougères are traditionally served warm, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature.

Can I add fillings to gougères?

While gougères are typically hollow, you can fill them with savory mixtures like herbed cream cheese or pâté after baking.

How do I prevent the dough from becoming too runny?

Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next, to control the dough’s consistency.

Can I make gougères gluten-free?

Substituting with a gluten-free flour blend may work, but results can vary. It’s best to use a recipe specifically designed for gluten-free gougères.

What dishes pair well with gougères?

Gougères complement soups, stews, salads, or can be enjoyed with wine as an appetizer.

How can I ensure my gougères are airy and light?

Properly incorporate air when mixing the dough and ensure the oven is fully preheated to achieve the desired puffiness.

Conclusion

Cheese puffs, or gougères, are a delightful addition to any culinary repertoire. Their light, airy texture combined with rich cheesy flavors makes them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can enjoy these French delicacies at home.

Cheese Puffs (Gougères)

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• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 24 cheese puffs
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cheese Puffs (Gougères) are classic French pastries made from choux dough and cheese, creating light, airy, and irresistibly cheesy bites perfect for appetizers, snacks, or party platters.

 

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Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

• Prepare the Dough:
  In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth ball.
• Cool and Incorporate Eggs:
  Remove from heat and let the dough cool slightly. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
• Add Cheeses:
  Fold in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until evenly incorporated.
• Pipe the Puffs:
  Transfer the dough to a piping bag with a plain round tip. Pipe small mounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
• Bake:
  Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
• Serve:
  Remove from the oven and serve warm, or let cool to room temperature.

Notes

• Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, cheddar, or Emmental for unique flavors.
• Add herbs or spices (e.g., chives, thyme, or cayenne pepper) to the dough for a twist.
• For best results, grate cheese fresh from a block rather than using pre-shredded varieties.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French