French Cheese Puffs (Gougères)
Cheesy, crisp, and airy, Gougères are impossible to stop at just one! Originating from Burgundy, these French savory cheese puffs are typically served warm to accompany wine tastings in France – but there’s little wonder as to why they’re so beloved across the country. Served as appetizers or as part of a cheese platter, they are ideal for the Holidays as they’re easy to make and sure to impress your guests. The Recipe This recipe is from my cookbook Rustic French Cooking Made Easy. When I was in the early…
- Prep time
- 20 min
- Cook time
- 30 min
- Yield
- 14 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 cup (250mL) water
- 1/3 cup (80g) unsalted butter, cut in small cubes
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (freshly grated)¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 ¼ (155g) cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup (75g) grated Gruyère cheese (or aged cheddar)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 2
Step 1 - In a medium saucepan, combine the water, cubed butter, salt, nutmeg and ground pepper. Cover and bring to a boil. Simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately add in the flour. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms. Return the saucepan to low heat and keep stirring until the dough ‘dries out’ and pulls away from the pan, about 2 minutes.
- 3
Step 2 - Remove from the heat again and let cool for 1 minute. Beat the eggs thoroughly into the dough, one at a time. It is important that each egg is fully incorporated into the batter before adding the next egg. If the dough separates, keep beating and it will come together again.
- 4
Step 3 - Using a piping bag or a cookie scoop (or two spoons), drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough on the baking sheets, keeping them one inch apart. Sprinkle about half a tablespoon of grated Gruyère on top of each ball.
- 5
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until puffed and golden. Enjoy warm.