Gougères Delight: Golden French Cheese Puffs

Gougères are delightful French cheese puffs that make for a perfect appetizer or snack. These airy, savory pastries are made from choux dough mixed with grated Gruyère cheese. When baked, they become beautifully puffed and golden brown, with a slightly crisp exterior and a soft, cheesy interior. Gougères are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering and are surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (120ml) water
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
– 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
– 4 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups (150g) grated Gruyère cheese (or a combination of Gruyère and Parmesan)
– 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Dough:
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the water, milk, butter, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts to boil, immediately add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes together and forms a dough. Continue to cook and stir for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the moisture to evaporate and the dough to become smooth and glossy.

3. Incorporate the Eggs:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the dough cool slightly, for about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition until the dough becomes smooth and well combined. The dough should be thick, shiny, and slightly sticky.

4. Add the Cheese and Seasonings:
Stir in the grated Gruyère cheese (reserving a little for sprinkling on top), black pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

5. Shape the Gougères:
Using a piping bag fitted with a large round tip or a spoon, pipe or scoop small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Each mound should be approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. If you prefer uniform shapes, you can use a small ice cream scoop or melon baller.

6. Bake to Perfection:
Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top of the gougères for extra flavor and texture. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the gougères are golden brown and puffed. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking to prevent them from deflating.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the gougères from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheets. Serve warm or at room temperature. These cheese puffs are best enjoyed on the day they are made, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated in a low oven before serving.

Gougères make an elegant and delicious addition to any party spread, or a tasty snack enjoyed any time of the day. Bon appétit!