Appetizer > Savory Appetizers > Cheese Appetizers

Bacon and Gruyère Gougères Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 4 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated
- 4 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled

Special Equipment Needed:
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl
- Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the water and salt and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4. Transfer the dough to a small bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.
5. Add the eggs, one at a time, stirring vigorously with a whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
6. Stir in the Gruyère cheese and bacon until evenly distributed.
7. Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Serve warm.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature: 375°F
Serving Size: Makes about 24 gougères

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 88
Fat: 6.3 g
Carbohydrates: 4.3 g
Protein: 4.3 g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- For the Gruyère cheese, you can use any type of hard cheese such as cheddar, Swiss, or Parmesan.
- For the bacon, you can use cooked and crumbled sausage or ham.

Variations:
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or thyme.
- For a spicy version, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the dough.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the dough is cool before adding the eggs, otherwise the eggs will cook in the hot dough.
- For a crispier gougère, bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Storage Instructions:
Gougères can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Gougères can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
Gougères can be served as an appetizer or snack. They can also be served as a side dish with a salad or soup.

Garnishes:
Gougères can be garnished with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or thyme.

Pairings:
Gougères pair well with a glass of white wine or a light beer.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Gougères can be served with a salad or soup.

Troubleshooting Advice:
If the gougères are not cooking evenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking.

Food Safety Advice:
Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired.

Food History:
Gougères are a classic French pastry that originated in the Burgundy region of France.

Flavor Profiles:
Gougères have a savory flavor with notes of cheese and bacon.

Serving Suggestions:
Gougères can be served as an appetizer or snack. They can also be served as a side dish with a salad or soup.

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Region: French

Taste: Savory, Salty, Cheesy, Crunchy