Description
Savory cheese puffs showcase French culinary elegance with light, airy pastry. Gougères provide a sophisticated appetizer that delights guests with rich, cheesy flavors and delicate texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup (180 ml) water
- 5 tablespoons (75 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (125 g) plain flour
- ¾ cup (75 g) grated mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon minced Italian parsley
Instructions
- Prep Station: Position oven rack in center position and preheat to 425°F (220°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper for seamless removal.
- Liquid Foundation: In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, salt, and black pepper. Bring to vigorous boil, creating aromatic base for dough.
- Dough Development: Rapidly introduce flour into boiling liquid, stirring energetically until unified dough emerges. Cook for additional 2 minutes, eliminating excess moisture and developing robust texture.
- Temperature Regulation: Transfer hot dough to mixing bowl, allowing slight cooling to prevent egg scrambling during incorporation.
- Egg Integration: Methodically fold eggs into dough, one at a time, achieving smooth, glossy consistency that holds structure and provides rich flavor profile.
- Flavor Enhancement: Gently fold mozzarella cheese and fresh parsley throughout dough, ensuring even distribution and maximizing taste potential.
- Shaping and Placement: Using two spoons, craft uniform round balls and position strategically on prepared baking sheet, maintaining consistent spacing between puffs.
- Cheese Topping: Liberally dust parmesan cheese across dough balls, creating delectable crispy exterior and intensifying overall flavor complexity.
- Precision Baking: Execute two-stage baking process – initial 10 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce temperature to 380°F (190°C) for additional 20-25 minutes, achieving gorgeous golden-brown coloration.
- Serving Recommendation: Extract from oven immediately and serve piping hot, allowing guests to experience optimal texture and taste sensation.
Notes
- Achieve Proper Dough Consistency: Vigorous stirring and precise cooking time are crucial to develop the right texture and remove excess moisture for perfect cheese puffs.
- Master Egg Incorporation: Add eggs gradually and mix thoroughly to prevent scrambling and ensure a smooth, glossy dough that holds its shape during baking.
- Control Oven Temperature: The two-stage baking method with high and lower temperatures is essential for creating crispy exterior and fully cooked interior.
- Spacing Matters: Leave 1.5-2 inches between puffs to allow proper expansion and even cooking, preventing them from merging during baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg