Don’t let the name fool you, giant gougeres are are a simple way to make mega-sized versions of a popular cheesy appetizer. Best of all, they can be made in advance and frozen, making party day that much easier.
Do you ever tire of making the same food over and over again for your parties? I know I do.
Sometimes it feels like all we ever serve is cheese plates, vegetable platters, and sliced fruit. Not that these are bad. They’re easy, and most people eat them without complaint. But sometimes I want something more interesting. Something with more pizzazz.
But have you ever noticed that so many party recipes take a LOT of time to prepare? Not only that, but they also need to be served almost immediately. Who has time for that? Not me, that’s for sure.
I need easy, delicious, make-ahead recipes that impress the pants off of my guests. It’s a tall order, but I think I found a hit.
A couple weeks ago, I went down to Virginia with my family to celebrate both my niece and my father’s birthdays. My parents went all-out hosting an over-the-top party for my niece, but hardly anything was planned for my father. What do you do for a man who can buy himself pretty much anything he wants?
Our solution was to cook brunch for him. It’s not thrilling, but it’s always nice to know that you can sleep in while someone else is preparing a delicious breakfast for you. We cheated, and used leftover fruit salad and a store-bought gourmet banana bread. But we also added these awesome giant gougeres to the spread. They were so easy to make, and tasted delicious both warm and at room temperature. Most sources say that gougeres are easily frozen, which is perfect for the upcoming holiday season.
Giant Gougeres
Don't let the name fool you, giant gougeres are are a simple way to make mega-sized versions of a popular cheesy appetizer. Best of all, they can be made in advance and frozen, making party day that much easier.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups skim milk
- 10 TBSP unsalted butter
- 1 TSP salt
- 1 C all-purpose flour
- 5 large eggs
- 3/4 C grated Gruyère cheese, for filling
- 1/4 C little extra for topping
- 1 TSP freshly ground black pepper
- 1 TBSP fresh herbs, minced (we used lemon thyme and sage)
- 1 egg for egg wash
- 1/4 C grated Gruyère cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°. Prepare two sheet pans with parchment paper.
- Over medium heat, combine the milk, butter and salt. Cook until the butter melts and the mixture begins to boil.
- Add the flour, and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the batter smooths out and pulls away from the side of the pan. This happens quickly, about 3 or 4 minutes.
- Move the batter to a heat-safe bowl. One at a time, add 5 eggs, fully incorporating with a wooden spoon before adding the next egg. The resulting batter will be thick and smooth.
- Using a rubber spatula, incorporate the fresh herbs, grated cheese and pepper.
- Prepare an egg wash by whisking together 1 egg and a pinch of salt.
- Using a large spoon, make large round dough balls, about 3 inches wide and 1 inch tall. Place on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Brush each round with egg wash and sprinkle with grated cheese.
- Bake about 35 minutes, until the gougeres are puffed and golden brown.
- After baking, immediately poke a small hole in the side of each pastry to allow steam to escape. (This prevents collapsing)
(Adapted from Serious Eats)
Emily says
this looks incredible! Thanks for linking to Tasty Tuesday.
https://nap-timecreations.blogspot.com/
Carolyn says
Celebrating family birthdays are always a fun time. Sounds like a scrumptous brunch!
Courtney says
These are impressive– and I bet they’re just as delicious! 🙂
Nikki Gwin says
This sounds so easy and looks delicious!! I have never heard of gougeres before.
🙂 gwingal
lorraine Williamson says
love them looks so yummy and different never had them before can’t wait to make them pinning and sharing
Michelle says
That’s a fun addition to any brunch! ?
Leanna says
These look very different and impressive. I have never heard of them before, I am pinning these to give them a try. Well done.
Kim says
I have never heard of these, looks great to me! Thanks for linking up to Merry Monday! Sharing on Twitter! Have a great week!
Kim
Jennifer Worrell says
How delicious! I can’t wait to try these!
Jessy @ The Life Jolie says
I would be happy to get to a party and be given one of these to eat- they look delicious!
Jess says
I’ve never heard of such a thing…sounds amazing!
Would love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for recipes, crafts, and tips: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
Beverly says
These look so yummy. I have never heard of gougeres before but they are on my list now.
Bev