Description
French gougeres bring a delicate elegance to appetizer tables with their airy, cheese-infused choux pastry. Rich Gruyère creates luxurious pockets of flavor that welcome guests to savor each delightful, golden-brown bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain flour
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup grated mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Liquid and Fat:
- ¾ cup water
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasonings and Herbs:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon minced Italian parsley
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and heat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Combine water, unsalted butter, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a medium saucepan, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Rapidly stir in the all-purpose flour, continuously mixing until the ingredients form a cohesive dough. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes to eliminate excess moisture.
- Transfer the hot dough to a clean mixing bowl and allow it to cool for approximately 3-4 minutes, preventing the eggs from scrambling during incorporation.
- Gradually introduce room-temperature eggs into the dough, one at a time, vigorously stirring after each addition to create a smooth, glossy texture.
- Fold in shredded mozzarella cheese and finely chopped fresh parsley, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
- Using two spoons, shape small rounded dollops of the cheese mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 1.5-2 inches (4-5 centimeters) apart.
- Generously sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top of each puff for added flavor and texture.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 380°F (190°C) and continue baking for 20-25 minutes until the puffs achieve a golden-brown exterior.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately while warm, enjoying the crisp exterior and soft, cheesy interior.
Notes
- Prep these delightful cheese puffs ahead of time by mixing the dough and refrigerating until ready to bake for a stress-free appetizer.
- Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better dough consistency.
- Use freshly grated parmesan and mozzarella for maximum flavor and optimal melting texture.
- Watch carefully during baking to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior without burning.
- These gougeres are best served immediately after baking when they’re crisp outside and soft inside.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 201 kcal
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 15.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 8.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 9.8 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 9.1 g
- Cholesterol: 122 mg