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.

Ingredients

Servings

Choux Pastry

Cheese Blend

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

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

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.