Gougères are French cheese puffs that are light and airy with a crisp outside. Made from scratch, they are great as an appetizer or served with a meal.
Preheat the oven to 450°F and position racks in the upper and bottom thirds. Line a large baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat.
In a large saucepan, combine the butter, water and salt and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, add the flour and whisk until smooth. Heat over medium low while stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until the flour and butter smell wonderfully nutty. Let cool slightly at least 5 minutes. Then, using an electric mixer or a stand mixer at medium speed, beat butter and flour mixture for about 1 minute until its just warm to the touch.
Mix in the eggs 1 at a time, beating thoroughly so that the mixture is smooth between additions.
Beat in all of the cheese.
Step 2
Using a 1-tablespoon scoop, scoop level mounds of the dough onto the baking sheet, 1 1/2 inches apart.
Set on the upper third rack and bake for 5 minutes and then reduce heat to 350°F. Total cook time will be about 30 minutes, but plan on rotating the baking sheet and transferring down to the lower rack about half way through. Keep an eye on them to ensure even browning, until crisp and deeply golden.
Step 3
Transfer the gougères to racks to cool. Serve the gougères warm or at room temperature.