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Cheddar Cheese Puffs (Gougeres) Recipe

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4.1 from 89 reviews

These Cheddar Cheese Puffs, also known as Gougeres, are light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or served alongside a comforting bowl of soup, these savory bites combine a rich mix of cheddar cheese and fresh thyme for a flavorful treat.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 24 pieces

Ingredients

Primary Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs

Flavorings

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese plus more for sprinkling on top
  • 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set it aside to be used later.
  2. Combine Butter, Liquid, and Salt: In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, water, milk, and kosher salt. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a rapid boil.
  3. Add Flour and Cook Dough: Once boiling, add all the flour at once and stir vigorously to combine. Continue stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens, forms a ball, and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  4. Cool Dough and Mix Eggs: Transfer the dough to a countertop mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on low speed for 3-4 minutes to cool slightly before adding eggs.
  5. Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once all eggs are incorporated, increase to medium speed and beat for an additional 2-3 minutes until smooth and well combined.
  6. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper until fully integrated in the dough.
  7. Shape the Puffs: Using a large spoon, drop small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each mound about 1 inch apart. Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top of each puff.
  8. Bake the Cheese Puffs: Place the tray in the oven and bake at 425°F for 10 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up.
  9. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving these delightful cheddar cheese puffs warm, ideally next to a bowl of soup or as an appetizer.

Notes

  • For best results, make sure to beat the dough well after adding eggs to achieve the perfect airy texture.
  • You can experiment by substituting cheddar with Gruyere or Parmesan for different flavor profiles.
  • Leave enough space between the dough mounds to allow the puffs to expand while baking.
  • These puffs are best served fresh and warm but can be reheated in a low oven to restore crispness.
  • If fresh thyme is unavailable, dried thyme can be used but reduce the quantity slightly to 1 tsp.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/cheddar-cheese-puffs-gougeres-recipe/