French Gougères – Light, Cheesy, and Irresistible

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French Gougères – Light, Cheesy, and Irresistible

Gougères are classic French cheese puffs made from choux pastry—the same dough used for cream puffs and éclairs—but with the addition of cheese for a savory twist. These golden, airy bites are crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and absolutely delicious. Whether served as an appetizer, a snack, or paired with wine, gougères are a must-try for cheese lovers.

Why You’ll Love Gougères

  • Classic French Elegance: A sophisticated yet simple recipe from French cuisine.
  • Light and Airy: The choux pastry gives them a delicate texture with a crisp crust.
  • Cheesy Goodness: Made with Gruyère cheese, but you can also use Comté or Parmesan.
  • Perfect for Entertaining: Serve them warm at parties or as a delicious pairing with wine.

Recipe Details

  • Yield: About 20-25 gougères
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Gougères:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Comté/Parmesan)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for extra depth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a slight tang)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat until the butter is completely melted.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  4. Continue stirring and cooking for about 1-2 minutes to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Incorporate the Eggs

  1. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the dough cool slightly for about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Add one egg at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough will appear separated at first but will come together as you mix.
  3. Stir in the grated cheese, nutmeg (if using), and Dijon mustard (if using). The dough should be smooth, glossy, and thick.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

  1. Use a spoon or a piping bag fitted with a large round tip to drop small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  2. For an extra golden crust, lightly brush the tops with a beaten egg or sprinkle additional cheese on top.
  3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the gougères are puffed, golden brown, and crisp on the outside.
  4. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • Classic Appetizer: Serve warm as a snack or starter.
  • Wine Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of white wine or champagne.
  • Cheese Board Addition: Pair with cured meats, olives, and extra cheese.
  • Gourmet Sandwiches: Slice open and fill with ham or smoked salmon for a twist.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover gougères in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to crisp them up.
  • Freezing: Gougères can be frozen before baking. Pipe the dough onto a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Information (Per Gougère)

  • Calories: 80
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 5g

Gougères are the perfect bite-sized treat—light, flavorful, and filled with delicious cheesy goodness. Whether you’re making them for a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this classic French recipe is guaranteed to impress.

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