Three Cheese Gougères

Name: Three Cheese Gougères
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24 gougères
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cubed); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup all-purpose flour (sifted); 4 large eggs (room temperature); 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

45 min 24 gougères Medium

All Recipes

Delightful cheese puffs featuring a blend of three cheeses, perfect for any gathering.

Prep

20 min

Cook

25 min

Total

45 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Gougères are a quintessential French appetizer that marries the light, airy texture of choux pastry with the rich, savoury notes of cheese. Originating from the Burgundy region, these delightful cheese puffs are a staple at gatherings and celebrations. The secret to a perfect gougère lies in the balance of flavours and the technique of achieving a crisp exterior with a tender, cheesy interior. By using a trio of cheeses, this recipe elevates the traditional gougère, making it an irresistible treat.

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Make the choux pastry

In a medium saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil over medium heat. Add flour all at once, stirring vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Pro tip: Ensure all flour is incorporated for a smooth dough.

Cool the dough

Transfer the dough to a bowl and let it cool for 5 minutes. This prevents the eggs from cooking when added.

Pro tip: Spread the dough out in the bowl to cool faster.

Add the eggs

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth and glossy.

Pro tip: Use a stand mixer if available for easier mixing.

Mix in the cheeses

Fold in the Gruyère, Parmesan, and blue cheeses until evenly distributed.

Pro tip: Reserve a small amount of cheese to sprinkle on top before baking.

Pipe the gougères

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe small mounds onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Pro tip: Dampen your finger to smooth any peaks on the mounds.

Bake the gougères

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 15 minutes until golden and crisp.

Pro tip: Avoid opening the oven during baking to ensure proper puffing.

Cool slightly and serve

Let the gougères cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm.

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Tips & Tricks

Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation.
Bake gougères immediately after piping for best results.
Experiment with different cheese combinations for unique flavours.
Ensure the dough is cool before adding eggs to prevent scrambling.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make gougères?

Gougères are made by creating a choux pastry dough, mixing in cheese, piping onto baking sheets, and baking until golden.

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheese combinations such as cheddar or Emmental for varying flavours.

How long do gougères stay fresh?

Gougères are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Can gougères be frozen?

Yes, freeze them unbaked on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I serve with gougères?

Serve with a light salad, charcuterie, or as part of a cheese board. They also pair well with wine.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these three cheese gougères warm from the oven for the ultimate taste experience. They pair wonderfully with a glass of white wine or a light sparkling beverage. To make ahead, prepare the choux pastry and pipe the gougères onto baking sheets. Freeze them unbaked, and when ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.