How to Make Gougères (Classic French Appetizer Recipe)
I’m so excited to share one of my favorite French appetizers with you today – light and airy gougères. These savory choux pastry puffs originated in the Burgundy region of France, and they make a sophisticated addition to any party. The name comes from the French word gougère, meaning to swell up. That’s because they puff up so beautifully in the oven.
Gougères are made from just a few simple ingredients – flour, butter, eggs, cheese, and salt. The cheese adds a lovely richness and depth of flavor. Traditional gougères are made with Gruyère, but you can experiment with other cheeses too. I like to use a mix of Gruyère and Comté.
These addictive little bites are a breeze to make. After whisking together a simple choux pastry dough, you stir in grated cheese. Then you pipe or spoon the dough into small mounds and bake until golden brown. The end result is a light, hollow puff that’s crispy on the outside and soft and cheesy on the inside. Pure heaven!
I can’t wait to walk you through the easy steps for making perfect gougères at home. This recipe is sure to impress guests and family alike.
Ingredients
To make Gougères, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
- Pinch of nutmeg
These simple ingredients come together to create flavorful and airy cheese puffs.
How to Make Gougères
To make Gougères, start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat and add 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a smooth dough. Let it cool for a few minutes.
Next, add 4 large eggs, one at a time, to the dough, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of grated Gruyère cheese and a pinch of nutmeg. Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. You can also use a piping bag for more precise shaping.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the Gougères are puffed and golden brown. Serve them warm, and enjoy these delightful cheese puffs.
How to Serve Gougères Like the French
Gougères are a popular French appetizer, often served as a savory snack during social gatherings, cocktail parties, or as an accompaniment to wine. These cheesy choux pastry puffs have a light and airy texture, making them an excellent choice for a pre-dinner nibble.
In France, they are commonly enjoyed alongside a glass of wine or champagne, providing a delightful combination of flavors. Gougères can also be found in various bakeries and patisseries throughout the country, showcasing their versatility as a tasty treat for different occasions.
