Red Pepper Gougeres (Cheese Puffs)

Gougeres are delicate, miniature cheese puffs. They are a popular addition to special ocassions, like cocktail parties and brilliant eaten with a Pastis aperitif.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 15  tablespoons water
• 1  tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 8  tablespoons butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1  cup all-purpose flour
• 4  large eggs
• 1 1⁄2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1⁄3 cup  red pepper, drained, chopped roasted
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large saucepan, bring water, mustard, butter, and salt to a rapid, rolling boil. Make sure all the butter is melted, and then add flour. Stir the mixture for 20-30 seconds, until a sticky dough ball forms and begins pulling away from the sides of the pan. Reduce heat to low-medium heat and cook, stirring, for 90 seconds. Remove from heat and set aside for 5 minutes.
3. Beat in eggs, one at a time, along with the cheese, red peppers, and black peppers. Place heaping teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets 1 inch apart. Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, for 25-30 minutes. The gougeres are done when they are a deep golden brown and puffed. Serve immediately.