Gougères

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cubed
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F convection or 375°F conventional.

2. 2

   Combine the butter and milk in a heavy saucepan and heat until the butter melts and the milk is just boiling.

3. 3

   Mix the flour, salt, and sugar in one container and the eggs in another.

4. 4

   Add the flour mixture to the saucepan and stir until it thickens and pulls away from the sides.

5. 5

   Cook the dough while stirring until it forms a cohesive ball, about 2 minutes.

6. 6

   Transfer the dough to a stand mixer and beat to release steam.

7. 7

   Once steaming stops, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

8. 8

   Add shredded cheddar and mix until well combined.

9. 9

   Transfer the dough to a piping bag and cut the end to about 2 centimeters.

10. 10

    Press parchment paper onto the baking sheet with dots of dough to hold it down.

11. 11

    Pipe 2-centimeter rounds, twisting to detach each ball.

12. 12

    Brush the tops with beaten egg and shape any points with a brush.

13. 13

    Bake for 18-20 minutes for smaller rounds or 20-25 minutes for larger rounds, rotating trays halfway.