Gougeres

Total Time

Prep: 40 min. Bake: 20 min.

Makes

about 3 dozen

Updated: Jun. 27, 2023
I brought the recipe for these gougeres back from a trip to Nice, France. The original called for Gruyere cheese, but I found that Gouda is a more budget-friendly alternative. These puffs are a wonderful bite-sized treat. If you have leftovers, float a few of these gems on a bowl of soup in place of croutons. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded regular or smoked Gouda cheese
  • 1/3 cup minced fresh chives
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • TOPPING:
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • 1/3 cup shredded regular or smoked Gouda cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°. In a large heavy saucepan, bring the first 4 ingredients to a rolling boil. Remove from heat; add all flour and beat until blended. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring vigorously until mixture pulls away from sides of pan and forms a ball, about 3 minutes.
  2. Transfer to a large bowl; beat 1 minute to cool slightly. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth. Continue beating until shiny. Beat in cheese, chives and nutmeg. Drop dough by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
  3. For topping, whisk together egg and water; brush lightly over tops. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake until puffed, firm and golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Serve warm.

Can you freeze Gougeres?

Freeze unbaked puffs on parchment-lined baking sheets until firm; transfer to resealable freezer containers and return to freezer. To use, place frozen puffs on parchment-lined baking sheets. Top and bake as directed, increasing time by 2-3 minutes.


Test Kitchen tips
  • Be patient when stirring in the flour. It will take a few minutes for the dough to come together and form a ball.
  • The pastries will puff during baking then deflate slightly, which is normal.
  • These bake up golden brown on the outside while the inside is tender and slightly moist.
  • Nutrition Facts

    1 appetizer: 52 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 71mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.