French Appetizers > Savory Cheese Appetizers

Ham and Cheese Gougères Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
-1 cup water
-1/2 cup butter
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1 cup all-purpose flour
-4 large eggs
-1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
-1/2 cup diced ham
-1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball.
4. Transfer the dough to a medium bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.
5. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition until the dough is smooth.
6. Stir in the Gruyère cheese, diced ham, and pepper.
7. Drop the dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each gougère.
8. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Temperature: 375°F
Serving Size: Makes about 24 gougères

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 95
Fat: 7.2 g
Carbohydrates: 4.2 g
Protein: 4.2 g

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

Variations:
-For a different flavor, you can add 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to the dough.
-You can also add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or thyme.

Tips and Tricks:
-Make sure to stir the dough vigorously after each egg addition to ensure that the eggs are fully incorporated.
-If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

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 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds.

Presentation Ideas:
Gougères can be served as an appetizer or snack. They can be served on a platter with other appetizers or on their own.

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

Pairings:
Gougères can be served with a variety of dips such as mustard, mayonnaise, or ketchup.

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

Troubleshooting Advice:
-If the gougères are not golden brown after 25 minutes, you can increase the oven temperature to 400°F and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
-If the gougères are too dry, you can add a little more butter or water to the dough.

Food Safety Advice:
-Make sure to wash your hands before handling the dough.
-Make sure to cook the gougères until they are golden brown to ensure that they are cooked through.

Food History:
Gougères are a classic French pastry that originated in the Burgundy region of France. They are traditionally made with cheese, but can also be made with other ingredients such as ham, bacon, or sausage.

Flavor Profiles:
Gougères have a savory, cheesy flavor with a hint of saltiness from the ham.

Serving Suggestions:
Gougères can be served as an appetizer or snack. They can be served with a variety of dips such as mustard, mayonnaise, or ketchup.

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Region: French

Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Buttery, Salty, Fluffy