Description
Delightful cheese puffs from France make elegant appetizers with crisp exterior and pillowy center. Chefs and home cooks appreciate these light, airy pastries you can serve warm at sophisticated gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240 ml) plain flour
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup (180 ml) grated mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (120 ml) grated parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup (180 ml) water
- 5 tbsps (75 ml) unsalted butter
- ½ tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp minced Italian parsley
Instructions
- Prep Station: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to a robust 425°F (220°C), creating the ideal environment for these delicate cheese puffs.
- Liquid Foundation: In a medium saucepan, combine water, unsalted butter, salt, and black pepper, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil that signals the start of the gougères process.
- Dough Development: Swiftly integrate all-purpose flour into the boiling mixture, stirring continuously until a unified dough forms. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to eliminate excess moisture, creating a solid base for the cheese puffs.
- Egg Integration: Allow the dough to cool briefly, then methodically incorporate room-temperature eggs one at a time, whisking vigorously to achieve a smooth, glossy consistency that will provide structure to the puffs.
- Flavor Enhancement: Gently fold in shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh parsley, distributing the ingredients evenly to ensure a harmonious blend of flavors throughout the dough.
- Shaping and Topping: Artfully drop rounded spoonfuls of the cheese mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, maintaining consistent spacing. Crown each puff with a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory complexity.
- Baking Technique: Initiate baking at 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 380°F (190°C), continuing to bake for 20-25 minutes until the gougères develop a golden-brown exterior that promises a crisp crunch and tender interior.
- Serving: Extract the cheese puffs from the oven and serve immediately, celebrating the perfect balance of crisp exterior and molten, cheesy center that defines these classic French delicacies.
Notes
- Ensure Proper Dough Consistency: Mix flour vigorously to create a smooth, cohesive dough without lumps, which is crucial for achieving light and airy cheese puffs.
- Prevent Egg Scrambling: Cool the dough slightly before adding eggs to avoid accidentally cooking them, maintaining a silky and uniform texture.
- Master Egg Incorporation: Add eggs one at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition to create a glossy, elastic dough that will give your puffs the perfect rise.
- Temperature Control Matters: Start baking at high heat for initial puffing, then reduce temperature to ensure even cooking and a golden-brown, crispy exterior without burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 198 mg
- Fat: 10.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4.5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg