Buttery, cheesy, and oh-so snackable, these classic Gougeres are the perfect snack with a glass of wine, champagne or any cocktail. They're perfect on charcuterie boards, too, or you can stuff whem with salad for high tea.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Combine the water, milk, butter, and salt in a medium saucepan on the stove. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Remove the pan from the heat and immediately add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Return the pan to low heat and cook the dough for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps to evaporate excess moisture and creates a smooth, pliable dough. You’ll know it’s done when there’s a film or residue on the bottom of the pot where the dough is sticking in a thin layer.
Transfer the dough to a bowl and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. This allows the eggs to be incorporated without scrambling.
Beat in the eggs one at a time with a heavy-duty wooden spoon, electric mixer, or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. The dough will become very soft and sticky.
Fold in the grated Gruyere cheese and mix well.
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a ½-inch star or round tip. Pipe small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them for spreading.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Don't open the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking, as this can cause them to deflate.
Cool the gougeres slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Chef Jenn's Recipe Notes
Use high-quality ingredients, especially the cheese. Freshly grated Gruyere cheese will deliver the best flavor.
Don't overmix the dough after adding the eggs. It should be smooth but slightly sticky.
Make sure to leave enough space between the piped gougeres on the baking sheet as they will spread during baking.
For a cheesier flavor, sprinkle some additional grated Gruyere cheese on top of the piped dough before baking.
You can experiment with different cheeses like Parmesan, Comté, or even a blend of your favorites.