Gougeres

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups Gruyère cheese, finely grated
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1 egg, beaten for egg wash

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
3. Remove from heat and add flour all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until mixture forms a smooth ball and pulls away from sides of pan.
4. Return pan to medium heat and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to dry out the paste slightly.
5. Transfer mixture to a large bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.
6. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until paste is smooth and glossy.
7. Stir in 1 cup of the Gruyère cheese, white pepper, and nutmeg until well combined.
8. Using a tablespoon or piping bag, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
9. Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.
10. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
11. Turn off oven, crack door slightly, and let gougères cool in oven for 5 minutes before serving warm.