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.
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
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
