Gougères are delightful French cheese puffs that offer a light, airy texture combined with cheese’s rich, savory flavor. These elegant appetizers are made from choux pastry mixed with a generous amount of cheese, usually Gruyère or Comté. The result is bites that are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfect for gatherings, as a sophisticated snack, or paired with a glass of wine, gougères are a testament to the simplicity and elegance of French cuisine.
Perfect Wine Pairing
The perfect wine pairing for Gougères, given their rich and cheesy nature, would typically be a crisp and acidic white wine to cut through the richness of the cheese and butter. Here are a few wine options to consider:
Champagne or Sparkling Wine: The bubbles and acidity in Champagne or a good quality sparkling wine can cleanse the palate between bites, making it a classic pairing for cheesy and buttery dishes like Gougères.
Chablis: This unoaked Chardonnay from Burgundy, France, offers crisp acidity and minerality, which pairs beautifully with the richness of the Gougères, especially if they’re made with Gruyère cheese.
Sauvignon Blanc: A zesty Sauvignon Blanc, known for its crisp acidity and citrus notes, can complement the creamy and cheesy texture of the Gougères. Wines from the Loire Valley in France or New Zealand are popular choices.
Chenin Blanc: Particularly a dry Chenin Blanc, offers a nice balance of acidity and fruitiness that can complement the Gougères without overwhelming their flavors.
Dry Riesling: A dry Riesling, with its aromatic qualities and crisp acidity, can also be a delightful pairing, offering a contrast to the richness of the Gougères while enhancing the overall tasting experience.
AuthorJulia ForesekCategoryAppetizers & Starters, Baking & Pastries, FrenchDifficultyBeginnerPreheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Choux Pastry:
In a medium saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, ensuring the butter completely melts.
Add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon. Keep stirring until the mixture forms a dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Cook for another 1-2 minutes to dry out the dough slightly.
Add Eggs:
Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for a few minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth and shiny.
Add Cheese and Seasonings:
Stir in the grated cheese, mustard (if using), and a pinch of cayenne pepper or nutmeg. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
Pipe or Spoon the Dough:
Using a piping bag or two spoons, form small mounds of dough on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle additional cheese on top.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the gougères are puffed and golden brown. They should be crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
Serve:
Serve warm or at room temperature as an appetizer or a snack.
Ingredients
Directions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Choux Pastry:
In a medium saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, ensuring the butter completely melts.
Add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon. Keep stirring until the mixture forms a dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Cook for another 1-2 minutes to dry out the dough slightly.
Add Eggs:
Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for a few minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth and shiny.
Add Cheese and Seasonings:
Stir in the grated cheese, mustard (if using), and a pinch of cayenne pepper or nutmeg. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
Pipe or Spoon the Dough:
Using a piping bag or two spoons, form small mounds of dough on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle additional cheese on top.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the gougères are puffed and golden brown. They should be crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
Serve:
Serve warm or at room temperature as an appetizer or a snack.
