Herbed Gougere Puffs

Herbed Gougere Puffs Recipe from France and Switzerland

Region / culture: France, Switzerland | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Herbed Gougere Puffs are delightful savory pastries that are perfect for serving as an appetizer or snack. These light and airy puffs are filled with a delicious blend of Swiss and Parmesan cheeses, along with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and chives.

History

Gougere is a traditional French pastry that originated in the Burgundy region of France. It is typically made with choux pastry dough, which is light and airy, and filled with cheese. The addition of herbs like parsley, dill, and chives adds a fresh and flavorful twist to this classic recipe.

Ingredients

1 cup water
0.5 cup butter or margarine
0.25 tsp salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 eggs
1 cup swiss cheese, shredded (4 oz (113 g))
0.25 cup parmesan cheese, shredded (1 oz (28 g))
1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped or 1 tsp dill weed, chopped
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped or 1 tsp dried chives, chopped

How to prepare

In a 2 qt (1.89 liter) saucepan, heat 1 cup of water, butter, and salt until it boils.
Remove from heat and add flour all at once, beating until the mixture is smooth.
Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the dough becomes stiff and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and beat in the eggs, one at a time. Stir in 0.67 cup of Swiss cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, dill, and chives.
Lightly grease one or two baking sheets.
Drop a heaping tablespoon of dough onto the baking sheet, forming either one 15-inch ring or two 8-inch rings, with the dough barely touching.
Sprinkle with the remaining 0.33 cup of Swiss cheese. Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 25 minutes or until the dough is puffed and golden brown.
Serve warm.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or ham to the dough mixture for a meaty twist.
Substitute different cheeses like Gruyere or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to beat the eggs into the dough one at a time to ensure a smooth and consistent texture.

- Make sure to cook the dough until it pulls away from the sides of the pan to ensure that it is properly cooked.

- For extra flavor, you can add additional herbs or spices to the dough mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Herbed Gougere Puffs as an appetizer or snack at your next gathering. They pair well with a glass of white wine or champagne.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Herbed Gougere Puffs is to properly cook the choux pastry dough until it is stiff and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Be sure to beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure a smooth and consistent texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Swiss cheese, you can substitute it with Gruyere or cheddar cheese. You can also use dried herbs instead of fresh if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Herbed Gougere Puffs ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply scoop the dough onto the baking sheet and sprinkle with cheese just before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Herbed Gougere Puffs on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. You can also serve them in a bread basket lined with a cloth napkin.

Pairing Recommendations

Herbed Gougere Puffs pair well with a variety of beverages, including white wine, champagne, or a light beer. They also go well with a side salad or soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Herbed Gougere Puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Herbed Gougere Puffs contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Herbed Gougere Puffs contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Herbed Gougere Puffs contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Herbed Gougere Puffs contains approximately 7 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Herbed Gougere Puffs are a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

Herbed Gougere Puffs contain dairy (cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Herbed Gougere Puffs are a delicious and flavorful snack that is relatively low in carbohydrates and high in fats and proteins. They are also a good source of calcium and vitamins A and C.

Summary

Herbed Gougere Puffs are a delicious and elegant appetizer or snack that is perfect for any occasion. With a light and airy texture, a blend of cheeses, and fresh herbs, these puffs are sure to impress your guests. Enjoy them warm and fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Herbed Gougere Puffs. It was a warm summer day, and I was at a quaint little French bakery in the heart of Paris. The aroma of freshly baked pastries wafted through the air, enticing me to step inside and indulge in a sweet treat.

As I entered the bakery, I was greeted by the friendly face of the baker, a charming Frenchman with a twinkle in his eye. He welcomed me with a warm smile and a gentle nod, inviting me to explore the array of delectable pastries displayed on the shelves.

I couldn't resist the temptation to try a few of the savory treats, and so I ordered a selection of pastries to enjoy with my morning coffee. One of the pastries that caught my eye was a plate of golden-brown Gougere Puffs, sprinkled with a fragrant blend of fresh herbs.

I took a bite of the puff, and instantly I was transported to a world of flavor and texture. The pastry was light and airy, with a crispy golden crust that gave way to a soft and creamy center. The herbs added a burst of freshness and complexity to the dish, elevating it to new culinary heights.

I was mesmerized by the taste of the Gougere Puffs, and I knew that I had to learn how to make them myself. I approached the baker and asked him if he could share the recipe with me. With a twinkle in his eye, he agreed to teach me the secrets of his beloved recipe.

Over the next few days, I spent countless hours in the bakery, watching the baker as he expertly crafted the Gougere Puffs. I observed his every move, taking note of the ingredients he used and the techniques he employed to create the perfect pastry.

I learned that the key to making the perfect Gougere Puffs lies in the quality of the ingredients and the precision of the process. The dough must be carefully mixed and folded, allowing it to rise and develop its characteristic lightness and fluffiness.

The herbs, a blend of fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley, must be finely chopped and gently folded into the dough, infusing it with their aromatic flavors. The puffs are then piped onto a baking sheet and baked in a hot oven until they are golden and crisp.

As I followed the baker's instructions and created my own batch of Gougere Puffs, I marveled at how a simple mixture of flour, eggs, butter, and herbs could transform into such a delectable and elegant dish. The aroma of the freshly baked puffs filled the kitchen, tantalizing my senses and bringing a smile to my face.

When the puffs were ready, I eagerly took a bite, savoring the delicate crunch of the crust and the burst of herbaceous flavor that danced on my tongue. I knew that I had successfully mastered the art of making Herbed Gougere Puffs, and I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction wash over me.

From that day on, Herbed Gougere Puffs became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I shared the recipe with friends and family, delighting them with the light and airy puffs that never failed to impress.

As I look back on that fateful day in the French bakery, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn the art of making Gougere Puffs from a master baker. The recipe holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of the joy of discovery and the pleasure of sharing delicious food with loved ones.

And so, every time I make a batch of Herbed Gougere Puffs, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Paris, where I first fell in love with the magic of French pastries. The memory of that moment lives on in every bite of the golden-brown puffs, filling me with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for the culinary adventures that have shaped my life.