Gougères (Choux Pastry Cheese Puffs) Recipe

[Photographs: Vicky Wasik]

Gougères are small puffs comprised of choux pastry combined with grated cheese, normally Gruyère or an identical French alpine cheese (although many different semi-firm cheeses, like cheddar, will work). They’re baked till puffed and hole, crisp and golden on the skin and tender inside.

You possibly can learn extra in regards to the science and strategy of choux in our guide to the basic paste. This recipe depends on all the identical key steps: utilizing an instant-read thermometer to gauge when the flour paste has been sufficiently heated, then cooling it simply sufficient to soundly beat the eggs in with out threat of them scrambling. After that, we combine in grated cheese together with a pinch of nutmeg and black pepper, for additional layers of fragrant complexity. We additionally wish to sprinkle a bit of additional cheese on high of every puff for an additional tacky chew.

Gougères are an excellent snack both earlier than a meal or alongside drinks—simply be certain that to serve them heat, because the addition of cheese means gougères are much less gratifying once they’ve totally cooled.