Get ready to impress your guests with the irresistible aroma and exquisite taste of Easy Gruyere Black Pepper Gougères! These delightful French cheese puffs are not only a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes. With their golden-brown exterior and cheesy, airy interior, they are perfect for any occasion—be it a fancy dinner party or a cozy family gathering. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a batch of 20 delectable gougères that will have everyone begging for the recipe. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this culinary adventure that promises to elevate your appetizer game!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 20 gougeres
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the gougères from sticking.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until the butter has completely melted.
- Once the mixture is boiling, remove the saucepan from heat. Immediately add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough comes together and forms a ball, pulling away from the sides of the pan.
- Return the saucepan to low heat and continue to cook the dough for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step helps to dry out the dough slightly, which is important for the final texture of the gougères.
- Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This will prevent the eggs from cooking when you add them.
- Once the dough has cooled slightly, add the 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough will become smooth and glossy. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one.
- After all the eggs are added, stir in 1 cup of grated Gruyere cheese and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip, or a spoon, pipe or scoop small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Each mound should be about the size of a golf ball.
- For a nice finish, you can lightly sprinkle a little extra grated Gruyere cheese on top of each mound before baking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the gougères are puffed up and golden brown. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking, as this can cause them to deflate.
- Once baked, remove the gougères from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful appetizer or snack.
Tips
- Perfect Your Dough: Make sure to stir the dough vigorously after adding the flour to ensure it forms a smooth ball. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.
- Cool Before Adding Eggs: Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes before adding the eggs. This prevents the eggs from cooking and ensures a smooth, glossy batter.
- Egg Incorporation: When adding the eggs, make sure each one is fully mixed in before adding the next. This helps create a light and airy texture in your gougères.
- Piping Technique: If you don’t have a pastry bag, a simple spoon can work just fine. Just make sure to space the mounds about 2 inches apart to allow for puffing.
- Cheese on Top: For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle a little grated Gruyere on top of each mound before baking. It adds a delicious crust and enhances the flavor.
- Oven Door Etiquette: Resist the temptation to open the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking. This is key to keeping your gougères puffed and airy.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your gougères warm or at room temperature. They make for a fantastic appetizer or snack and pair wonderfully with a glass of wine!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg
