Description
Irresistible cheese puffs dance with golden, crispy edges and delicate cheesy centers. Gougères from France offer elegant appetizers that bring pure culinary delight to guests craving sophisticated finger foods.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Leavening and Seasoning:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Optional Herbs:
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for crispy cheese puffs.
- Combine butter and milk in a saucepan, heating gently until butter melts completely and mixture shimmers.
- Quickly incorporate flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and baking powder into the liquid, stirring energetically to create a smooth, cohesive dough.
- Let the dough rest momentarily, then introduce eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly until the texture becomes glossy and uniform.
- Fold grated cheese into the dough, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Carefully portion the dough onto the baking sheet using a spoon or piping bag, creating uniform mounds with slight separation between each puff.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until the puffs transform into golden, puffy delights with a crisp exterior and tender interior.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cheese puffs to cool briefly, serving while still warm for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- Ensure butter and milk are just simmering, not boiling, to create the perfect base for the dough.
- Mix eggs thoroughly to achieve a smooth, glossy texture that helps the puffs rise beautifully.
- Use freshly grated cheese for maximum flavor and better melting properties compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 252
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 161 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 66 mg