Gougères
Delicious traditional French Choux Pastry Cheese Puffs Recipe
Gougères are cheesy puffs made from choux pastry. The choux base is quick to mix, and the puffs bake up to an airy and delicious golden crisp.
Appetizer
Recipe Cuisine:
French
Servings:
6 people
Makes 20 to 25 Gougères
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
The origin of the Gougères recipe is unknown and very old, first appearing in the 14th century as cheese pies under the name goiere. The recipe is likely to have evolved over time and newer cooking techniques. Though there are now many different versions of this appetizer, the commune of Flogny-la-Chapelle in Burgundy claims the paternity of these pastries, and organizes an annual festival dedicated to them.
Gougères are small puffs made from choux pastry mixed with grated cheese, usually French alpine cheese such as Gruyère, Comté, or Emmentaler (though other semi-firm cheese such as cheddar can also be used). They are baked until puffed, airy, and hollow; crisp and golden on the outside, and tender and moist on the inside.
Step by Step Recipe Instruction Video:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) of water
- 1 cup (240 ml) of milk
- 1 and 1/2 sticks (6 ounces, 170g) of unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 generous pinch of coarse salt
- 2 cups (240 g) of all-purpose flour
- 7 large eggs
- 9 ounces of coarsely shredded Gruyère cheese (250 g)
- Freshly ground pepper
- Freshly grated nutmeg
- You can also add some Rosemary and Thyme as needed
Steps to make it:
Steps
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, milk, butter, and salt and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, add the flour all at once and stir it in with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms
- Continue stirring on low heat until the batter dries out a bit and pulls away from the pan (about 2 minutes).
- Scrape the batter into a bowl, and let cool for 1 minute.
- Mix the eggs into the batter, 1 at a time, making sure they are thoroughly incorporated into the batter before adding the next one.
- Add the cheese (save some to place on top later) as well as some fresh ground pepper and some nutmeg.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line 2 baking sheets with parchemin paper.
- Using two spoons, build small scoops of batter and place them on a baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Sprinkle with a little bit of cheese on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown and fill the room with the fragrant aroma of melted cheese.
- Leave them in the cooling oven for another 30 minutes so that they stay crispy on the outside.
© Copyrigh 2024 Laki Maikaʻi. All rights reserved.
© Copyrigh 2024 Laki Maikaʻi. All rights reserved.
Notes:
Gougères can be served hot or cold, and they also freeze very well.
Also see Ariana’s heated twist on this recipe Spicy Cheddar Cheese Gougères!
Here are some pairing ideas:
- Wine: Serve gougères with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. The acidity complements the cheesy flavors.
- Dip: Offer a variety of dips such as herbed aioli, roasted red pepper hummus, or a classic Dijon mustard for dipping.
- Charcuterie: Pair gougères with a charcuterie board featuring cured meats like prosciutto or salami, and some fresh fruits like grapes and figs.
- Soups: Gougères make a great side for creamy soups like tomato bisque or potato leek soup.
- Salad: Serve alongside a light salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the gougères.
- Seafood: Gougères can be an excellent accompaniment to seafood dishes, such as shrimp cocktail or smoked salmon.
- Vegetables: Offer roasted or grilled vegetables as a side, like asparagus or artichokes, for a well-rounded meal.
- Champagne: For a special occasion, consider pairing gougères with a glass of bubbly champagne.
Remember, gougères are versatile, so you can get creative with your pairings to suit your preferences and the occasion.
Did you make this recipe?
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Nutritional information provided is an estimate only. Please consult the labels of ingredients you use for more accurate results. Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels.
