Gougères

• MAKE-AHEAD
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for sprinkling
2. 1 cup water
3. 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons
4. 3/4 teaspoon salt
5. 5 large eggs
6. 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (3 ounces)

1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Sprinkle 2 large rimmed baking sheets with flour. In a medium saucepan, combine the water with the butter and salt and bring to a boil over moderate heat until the butter melts. Add the 1 1/3 cups of flour and beat constantly with a wooden spoon until a smooth, thick paste forms. Continue beating until the dough pulls away from the side of the pan and forms a ball, about 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and let the dough cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Add 4 of the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the cheese.
2. Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared sheets, about 1 inch apart. Beat the remaining egg in a small bowl. Brush the gougères with the beaten egg and bake for about 30 minutes, or until puffed and browned. Transfer the gougères to a platter and serve warm.