Description
Delicate white cheddar gougères elevate French pastry with irresistible cheesy charm. Crisp golden puffs provide elegant appetizers that promise delightful moments of pure culinary pleasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese, grated
Seasoning and Spices:
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
Optional Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a smooth, flat surface for even baking.
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, milk, and butter. Heat over medium-high, bringing the liquid to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Quickly add flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a smooth, cohesive dough that pulls away from the pan’s sides.
- Remove from heat and let the dough cool for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to stabilize and prevent egg scrambling.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the dough becomes glossy and elastic.
- Fold in grated white cheddar, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, creating a uniform, aromatic mixture.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag or use a spoon to drop small, uniform mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed, golden brown, and crisp on the exterior with a hollow interior.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes, allowing the gougères to set and maintain their structure.
- Garnish with freshly chopped chives for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
- Serve warm as an elegant appetizer or accompaniment to soups and salads.
Notes
- Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smooth, consistent mixing and better incorporation.
- Use freshly grated white cheddar for maximum flavor and optimal melting, avoiding pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents.
- Pipe uniform mounds using a star tip for elegant, professional-looking gougères with crispy, textured edges.
- Gluten-free adaptation: Replace wheat flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg